If there is anything I've learned in the past 5 years at UIUC, it is to never live at a Smile Student Living property. I've dealt with too many issues to even mention in this post, but recently this was the worst.
I've been renting a covered garage space at 606 East Stoughton from Smile since August 2025. If you park here, you already know that the garage has consistently been in awful condition, with debris and materials regularly falling from the roof. I didn't escalate it at the time since it was never permanent damage to my car (wiping debris/crap off the car and paying out of pocket for occasional washes). Then in April I came back to my car after being away and found permanent chemical paint damage🙂All over the car, there were orange and white stains embedded in the paint which wouldn't come off even after a long pressure wash. Long story short, the paint's completely fucked.
I reached out to Smile Student Living with video evidence and they predictably denied any responsibility, hiding behind a "park at your own risk" clause (and some other irrelevant bullshit about how the car was in the parking spot for too long).
I've since spoken with UIUC Student Legal Services, and here is where I need help. The attorney I met with said that if another student who parked at the same garage had previously complained, documented the poor condition of the garage, or experienced similar damage to their vehicle, it would potentially allow me to fight back.
So if you or someone you know has ever:
- Parked in the garage at 606 East Stoughton
- Noticed or complained about the condition of the garage (falling debris, leaks, chemical stains, etc.)
- Had any damage to their vehicle while parked there
Please DM me. Even a prior email complaint to Smile Student Living or photos of the garage conditions could make a real difference. I appreciate the help.
To anyone currently living at a Smile property, document everything in writing/email threads.
To anyone who is NOT living at a Smile property, never consider it.