AKRON, Ohio -- Akron University sophomore Julianne Berish and her four roommates are renting a home about 500 feet off campus for the upcoming semester.

But the condition of the home and its lack of security had them concerned.

Some windows in the house didn't lock or latch, some didn't have screens, and they could even be removed easily.

The students said the landlord put the problems on a repair list, but he never followed through.

“He promised us they would be fixed before we moved in, but most things were not fixed,” said one renter.

At least one parent wouldn't let her daughter stay at the house overnight until the repairs, promised in writing, were made.

“His suggestion was that the kids should put plastic over the windows,” said parent Michelle Szpotowicz. “How much is that going to help? It’s not healthy, it’s not safe.”

5 On Your Side Troubleshooter Joe Pagonakis contacted the homeowner and the property manager. They immediately took care of the security issues.

Students and renters should thoroughly inspect the home and write down a list of repair concerns before signing a lease.

If possible, parents should inspect their kids’ new homes before co-signing or handing out money.

If a landlord isn’t cooperating, you can contact city inspectors and have them enforce code violations.

You can also ask housing court to withhold rent in an Escrow account until the violations are taken care of.