The Sioux Empire Housing Partnership offers rental education – the first step to responsible home ownership. How you pay your rent and bills in a timely fashion and how you maintain your rental unit reflects on what type of homeowner you may be. The subjects discussed in rental education include the following:

Overview of Renting

• • Renting vs. Ownership
• • Understanding the rental process and applicable tenant laws
• • Analyze problems and establish goals
• • Draft a budget
• • Prioritize expenses - necessary and other expenses
• • How to set aside funds for a future goal

Obtaining Rental Housing

• • What type of neighborhood will work for your particular needs?
• • What type of unit is best for you – apartment, duplex, house
• • Apartment inspection checklist
• • The application process
• • Screening policies – why most landlords require a credit and criminal background check
• • The lease - what to look for and how to understand it
• • Deposits and how to protect security deposits

Other Considerations

• • Privacy – when can a landlord enter a rental unit?
• • Safety and repair (What is the landlord responsible for and what are his rights?)
• • Roommates and neighbors (Roommate agreements/checklists)
• • Renters insurance – is it necessary?
• • How to deal with landlord disputes
• • Breaking a lease by the tenant or landlord
• • The impact of foreclosures on renters