As part of the senior seminar series I was asked to speak to the students about how to get their first apartment, what owners and property managers look for in a tenant.
The class was on April 22nd, from 1-2:15 at the school. About 40-50 students were in the class and all were attentive except one poor lad who kept drifting off…after all I was the first class after lunch.
For those of you that don’t know I was a former middle school, high school teacher (English, Business) and university lecturer and far in my past a State Dept Cross-Cultural Trainer. Anyway, it was so much fun to be back in the classroom.
I reviewed with the students the importance of putting together a binder or portfolio to present to potential landlords. It should include a photo, bio or resume, transcripts (in lieu of credit report since they may not have one yet), letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, employers, past landords or RA’s from the dorm, pay stubs, copies of bank statements etc. Be organized. If roommates are involved all show up to view the property at the same time. 1 person from the group should be the spokesperson. Show up, presentable, car clean, no music blaring as you pull up to the house. Follow the owners instructions, take off shoes when entering house, take notes about the property.
If approved and when you move in, take photos of the property at move in. Do a detailed move in report of the condition of the property. Do not have loud parties, get to know your neighbors, keep the property clean and tidy. Offer the landlord the opportunity to do quarterly inspections of the property. Report items that need maintenance.
If there is a maintenance issue always put it in writing, if conversations are done with the owner over the phone, follow up with an email so all communication is documented. Be an adult and handle your communication with the owner yourself. PLEASE do not have your parents step in and try to be helpful. As a property manager when I get calls from parents I kindly let them know I cannot speak with them. Their name isn’t on the lease. If there is an issue the tenants need to contact me. My feeling is if you are adult enough to live on your own then you need to solve your issues yourself.
I spoke about the importance of establishing credit and keeping it in good standing and how you get a FICO score. I also informed them that they need to be careful about what they put on the web and Facebook etc. Employers and property managers will check those places as part of processing of an application. I also mentioned to them the importance of checking roommate credit scores so that you can make sure they can in fact pay their share of the rent and bills and don’t leave you holding the bag so-to-speak.
I reviewed with them what is in a standard lease, and the types of notices that they could get and what they mean and how to avoid getting notices. Lastly the importance of getting renters insurance. It only costs about $129.00 for the entire year and it will replace stollen items, and cover all kinds of costs associated with a fire or damage to a property. I gave a few very sad stories about tenants who did not have insurance.
Students had good questions and we quickly were out of time. I really want to commend the school for offering such classes. The week before they had a class on finance, check books, investing, credit etc. The class after me was going to be on communication with landlord, teacher, boss etc. How to start a difficult conversation. I wish I had such classes when I was in high-school and college.
Doing this class got me thinking about offering a seminar to students (high-school and those in college) about how to be a Successful Tenant/Renter. I already teach a class on how to be a Successful Landlord so it makes sense to offer the opposing side of that class. I know UCSC offers a class to its students and I am always impressed when a group comes in with their binder and all the info is put together. I have had great success with these students and parents who have been through the class.
I want to thank the school, the students for participating and Linda Murphy, who invited me to do my thing.
If you want more info about Georgiana Bruce Kirby Prep please go to their website: http://kirby.dreamhosters.com/
Please check out my website at www.PortolaRentals.com if you are interested in properties in Santa Cruz or have rentals in Santa Cruz, CA.
Kathleen Richards
