If tenants in general often get a bad wrap, it's not surprising to see that student tenants can often face significant hurdles in finding a quality rental property or unit to call home. Part of the reputation students get as tenants is undeserved, but to be fair to landlords - they are a statistically high-risk group when it comes to property damage, behavioural issues, etc.
That being said, there's still plenty of good, responsible student tenants out there. And if you're one them, these tips are for you!
Check out my Top 5 Tips For Student Tenant below. And feel free to share your own experiences and add your own comments and thoughts below.
TIP #1 - Don't Sign Your Lease Or Any Document Without Reading It First
This is good advice for anyone but it's especially true for student tenants. Being young and inexperienced, you may not be familiar enough with contract language and laws dealing with tenancies. It's a good idea to make sure you are fully aware of the implications of everything you are signing. In fact I often encourage student tenants to get their parents or more experienced friends, co-workers, etc. to read the lease as well. It never hurts to get a second opinion. This is especially relevant if the landlord seems dismissive of your concerns and/or pushy in trying to get you to sign the lease right then and there. Don't do it unless you know what you are signing.
TIP #2 - Feel Stupid Asking? Risk It.
I can't tell you how many times I get a student tenant looking nervous and trying to ask me a question in mortal fear of looking or sounding stupid or naïve. Don't be afraid to ask ANY questions of your landlord. A good landlord wants to help you in making sure you understand the whole process. Risk looking or sounding dumb. Trust me, it's far better than dealing with a major issue down the road due to ignorance or misunderstanding. As a student tenant, you should be asking a million questions until your satisfied with what's expected of you and your landlord.
TIP #3 - Show Respect and Demonstrate Maturity
The #1 fear from a landlord's point of view with younger tenants is that they lack the maturity to enter into a lease agreement. Sure, technically at 18, 19, or 20 you're an adult. But this demographic is not known for habitational stability. Oftentimes, anything from noise complaints, drug use issue, damages, to breaking the lease are faced in higher numbers with the youth demographic than any other age group. Prove to your landlord that while you ARE young, you are also responsible and smart and not prone to the fears I've outlined above. Tell your landlord about some of the extra curricular you are involved in. Offer to have a parent sign on as a "guarantor" (a common request usually coming from the landlord for student tenants). Let your landlord know the moment there is a maintenance, repair or other issue requiring attention. Things like that go a LONG way in the landlord-tenant relationship.
TIP #4 - Take Pictures Of Your Unit And Note Condition
Right before or during your move in, take date-stamped photos of every part of your living area/residence. Take detailed pictures of any damages you notice that of course you didn't cause. It's important to document everything and have "your side" documented in the event of a future dispute. If you notice any damages or poor condition of anything in your unit, do let your landlord know immediately. Let your landlord know that you're documenting everything as well and that you've take pictures of everything (even if there's no damages). That shows your landlord that you are responsible and intend to protect the condition of the unit and your own reputation of course!
lieve that a tenant must sign a lease renewal to remain a tenant. For most residential tenancies in most jurisdictions, this is not the case. What typically happens is that a tenant becomes a month-to-month tenant after a lease period expires without a signed renewal. The original lease now serves as a rental agreement but the rental term stipulations no longer apply. Of course, the tenant must still comply with their duties, rules, and regulations of the original agreement. Check with your own local laws and practices to get a better understanding of what options are available at lease end. But one thing is for certain everywhere: no tenant can be 'compelled' to sign a contract/lease against their own will.
TIP #5 - Know Your Rights As A Tenant
Not true. Sometimes landlords may get you to sign forms or agree to terms that contradict the local and regional laws governing landlords and tenants. They don't always do this on purpose. Many times it's because your landlord may not know all the rules and laws or interpret them incorrectly. It's important that you are aware of your responsibilities and your landlord's duties outlined by the law. It's very easy for a landlord to come across as intimidating to student tenants and that can easily lead to a student tenant being unfairly taken advantage of. Knowing your rights, helps protect you and provides you with the confidence to act when needed.
