Tips on Making our College Rental Student Proof

[Trent Arey]

Good day all,

I need a little help here, and here’s the recap:

Some partners and myself just formed an LLC and intend on investing in a nearby college town that shows continuous enrollment increases with limited housing.

We’re laying the foundation now, as far as lease agreements and what to incorporate, marketing, types of homes, etc. I would love some input on how someone in our situation “student proofed” their home/apartment, lease tips, and anything else they found helpful when renting to college students.

Any tips or ideas are welcomed and thank you in advance!

[David Kelly]

I don't personally own any student housing, however I've been in construction a good part of my life. I have several ideas for you.

1. Thick drywall is key 5/8 or thicker. It does not feel good to punch through 5/8 or thicker drywall. 

2. Do not put a throw away style floor (laminate, carpet, cheap vinyl planks) in your property. You will have very high turn over in college housing and they will also destroy your throw away floors very quickly. Very few people are aware of how cheap you can get a real hardwood floors in a house. (Ask a contractor about cabin grade red oak) This Floor can just a have a new layer of finish rolled on between tenants and has the ability to last 50+ years.

3. Be Prepared for the smell of weed, ( carpet is bad for weed smells).

4. Cars in the grass will be a problem. 

5. Tough sinks, toilets, door nobs etc. Buy them in bulk and use the same ones on all your properties. 

6. Remember you will have lots of turnover semester to semester so set up lease accordingly.

7. Make mom or dad co-sign.