If you have ever rented to a college student or considered it you may have some horror stories to tell. Many homeowners will just put the responsibility of screening all tenants and even college students into a competent rental property manager. However, you may wish to keep track of your tenants and investment property yourself.
If you rent your home I am sure you have considered renting to a college kid. If you have seen the 1978 movie Animal House, where you see an exaggerated version of college life, you may be a bit reluctant to even let the thought cross your mind.
Considering college students as a potential tenant pool can be pretty scary when listening to common expectations. Actually, many college students are responsible, trustworthy, and ready to prove they are mature enough to live alone. You just have to know how to pick out the dependable ones. It can be very simple to find good college-age tenants if you are proactive and screen them very carefully beforehand. A delaware property manager can help with this process.
If you are renting a furnished house or apartment there is no guarantee that your furniture will not be damaged. However, this is true for any tenant you rent to, not just college kids. As you would with older tenants, have the student sign a written guarantee that they will respect your rental property and repay you if anything happens to it.
It is very important to have a clear contract and clearly outline consequences for breaching the contract. Tell them, under no uncertain
terms, that if your furniture is damaged and you are not paid back for it, you may have to evict them. They are your belongings, and you have a right to protect them from harm.College students may think they are getting away from their parents to live on their own, but they will need them to cosign for every contract you give them. This will help ensure that the student will act like an adult because the student will have their parents helping them along the way.
It might be a pain, but you should make random visits to the house to check on your college tenant. Tell them when they first start renting from you that you will show up, unplanned, to make sure the house is still in good condition.
This will put them on their toes, and they will always have the house nice and clean, just in case you stop by to see them. This is well worth the effort just to see that your house is looking good, and that your tenant is following all the rules of their contract. If you use a property manager for this task will make sure your tenant has the house clean all the time, it also gives you some peace of mind, knowing that the house is in capable hands.
If you are still having qualms about renting to college students remember that you are giving these students their first chance to prove they are mature enough to live alone. Most students will want to make the best of that first chance, so they will comply with your rules and regulations. You can tell yourself that you are helping these students become adults, if it makes you feel any better!
delaware property manager

Discussion
No comments yet.