Vacancy percent on student rentals

[Travis Carter]

Looking into student rentals and just trying to figure out numbers to see if it’s something I could do. What percent of my income would you recommend I put away for vacancy? Assuming no students stay during the summer the apartment would be empty for 3- 4 months a year?

[Will Gaston]

@Travis Carter it's probably market dependent. In my market (Columbia, SC) almost everyone requires a 12 month lease so vacancy isn't an issue unless you wait too long to sign students. I've owned some properties for 10 years and never had a day of vacancy. 

I typically pre-lease all of my properties in December-April for a June-August start date.