If you are trying to choose someplace to live on campus, some questions might be circling your mind, including “how much am I willing to spend,” “who am I going to live with,” “where can I find someplace close on campus,” and especially “what landlord is best?” For some students, the landlord heavily influences which place they pick to be their new home.

Landlords do not always have the best reputation; sometimes they are thought of as old, mean and aloof. Therefore, thinking about moving into an apartment or a house with a landlord may seem intimidating. However, landlord Joe Allan of Joe Allan Properties defies that stereotype.

“It is very challenging,” Allan said. “You’re dealing with so many different people … but it’s something I enjoy very much.”

Allan began this career in Champaign over 30 years ago. He bought his first home in 1980; an old home that he gutted and completely remodeled. Now he has about eight properties that house approximately 130 University students sprinkled across Champaign and Urbana. However, Allan did not always want to become a landlord.

“I basically wanted a retirement check,” Allan said. “Pretty soon I had more properties … and this turned into a career path.”

With so many residents, Allan admits that he is not going to get along with everyone.

“Sometimes we have things that come up,” Allan said. “But 98 percent of the time we work out our problems.”

Allan and his staff try very hard to get to know each tenant on a personal level.

“We know about 250 (tenants) by first name,” Allan said. “Compared to other (relators), we’re like the little town store where everyone knows your name.”

Calling himself a “12th grade advisor,” Allan also goes out of his way to help students.

“Students need a little more guidance,” Allan said. “Whether it’s a gas leak or something like that, they just don’t know what to do. They overreact and just need someone to talk to about the situation … they just need a helping hand.”

Allan says that the most challenging part about his job is trying to communicate clearly about problems tenants may have.

“This is a very aggravating business,” Allan said.

Whether it’s dealing with smaller tasks like lawn maintenance or tackling bigger projects like fixing a leaking ceiling, Allan always wants to solve problems.

“(Tenants) don’t think we think their problems are important,” Allan said. “But it’s the complete opposite. We do think they are important. But we can’t help you unless you help us help you.”

Overall, Allan enjoys the energy students bring into his business.

“The best part of the job is seeing the kids come in, leave, get their degrees and go out into the world,” Allan said. “And sometimes they even come back and say hello to us. And that’s very gratifying, to see them go on with their lives.”

And as a landlord, Allan offers some useful advice to students looking for a new home. Get your lease looked at by the Tenant Union and “everything that you are concerned about, get it in writing.”