Renting 101

Location, Lifestyle, Leases, and more. There are so many pieces to the puzzle and Sioux Empire Housing Partnership can help you put them all together. We provide practical education to help people acquire and keep affordable housing. We have the answers you need to make your rental a perfect fit.

Topics discussed in Rental Education include:

  • 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

Fair Housing – It’s Your Right
 Human Relations

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