College Students Saving Money By Living In Substandard Housing

"Last year, Rob Wyatt paid $400 a month to live in the basement of a house on Fremont Street. His room had a dirt floor and a ceiling so low he was unable to stand up while walking around. The only way in was through a bulkhead door opened from the backyard. Wyatt rolled carpet over the dirt, but his walls were not insulated, and he had no central heat."

"Students like Waytt are sacrificing quality living conditions, and in some cases safety, to cut costs and beat steep prices. But city inspectors warn that living in structures that are not meant to be lived in -- basements, garages and sheds -- can be dangerous."

Since a complaint to authorities often results in the tenants' eviction by city officials, tenants have little incentive to report illegal conditions.