Students want a way out if classes go online due to Covid

[David London]

Just finished renovating a SFH intended to be used as student housing. Found a group of 5 students interested in signing a lease quite quickly. Some of the parents are asking if the students would be allowed to back out of the lease if their college decides that the fall semester will be held online.

Some background:

- As of Today, the college is scheduled to open in August and hold classes in person until Thanksgiving. This obviously might change if Pennsylvania get a spike in Covid cases and is ordered to stay home again.

- House is 5 min. walk to college and if rented to students bring almost twice as regular rentals. 

- House is rented furnished and I am just about to order all the furniture...if rented to whoever unfurnished is preferred.

What would you do?

[Theresa Harris]

I'd tell them no or you could do a reduce rent for that time if the place is vacant.  You are one month away from classes starting (is that right) and it looks like it will be in person.  Even if things change part way through, they will need to stay there (last thing you want is a bunch of people travelling during a pandemic).

If it is rented furnished, then get the furniture now.  Not sure if you are furnishing the bedrooms as well.