Many university students will be scouting for places to live this fall. With move-ins happening in late August and early September, is this something you are considering?

Rental Housing Business magazine published 15 tips to consider before renting to students:

1. When advertising a rental unit to college and university students, the local newspaper is not a recommended method.  Choose a specialized website that caters to this demographic.
2. Within a rental ad, consider using a bulleted list to provide rental property descriptions and information, instead of a paragraph.  A list is easier to read and provides brief details that can be skimmed through.
3. When creating a rental listing, keep the targeted audience in mind.  Include information about the property, amenities, features, neighborhood, etc. that would be of interest to students.
4. Include a variety of pictures with online rental advertisements, both interior and exterior.  Students may skip over listings without pictures, especially if they are moving from out-of-town.
5. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements in rental descriptions.  Be clear and very specific, so students are aware of what’s included with the rental and expected by the landlord.
6. Students enjoy the convenience of paying bills and rent online; be sure to highlight this option in the rental property listing, if it’s available.
7. Setting up internet, cable, and other utilities can be a hassle for students. If you offer an all-inclusive rental, it may appeal more to students!
8. If internet is included with the monthly rental rate, make sure you have enough bandwidth to avoid being charged fees for going over your limit.
9. For all-inclusive rental units, consider some upgrades like low-flow faucet aerators or energy-efficient appliances, to generate energy savings.
10. When renting a unit to multiple individuals (roommates), avoid the ‘one tenant is in charge’ approach.  Have each student sign the lease agreement and collect rent from each individual separately, rather than as a group.
11. If parking is included with the rental unit, specify how many parking spaces are available for tenants, as well as guests.
12. Provide a range of contact methods for students to get in touch with the landlord or leasing agent.  Many students may prefer to email or text, rather than make a phone call.
13. Students will often have little or no credit history.  Consider requesting character references or a guarantor, as an alternative to conducting a credit check.
14. If students are required to cut the grass, shovel the driveway or do other basic maintenance and up-keep, be sure to stipulate this in the rental agreement and provide all the necessary equipment to perform the required tasks.
15. Offer flexible leasing terms to accommodate student’s needs.  The study term for most educational programs is typically eight months.  A twelve-month lease may deter students from renting a property, even if they are permitted to sublet the unit during summer months. Consider offering flexible and short-term leasing options for students.

Students can also be a great source of tenant referrals in the future for landlords.  A positive relationship and good communications is essential.  We recommend that landlords build rapport with student renters and interact with them in the same manner as other tenants.

Story By: www.placesforstudents.com