Back to: Finding Your Place: Overcoming Barriers in Rental Housing
The course provides guidance on how the REAL world of renting works with information from experienced landlords with decades in the business and covers the whole process from application through to moving out. We will also cover how to overcome background challenges such as criminal records, poor credit scores, eviction histories, immigration status and other challenges when searching for rental properties. Other topics include understanding the application process and background check process, building a strong rental history, improving credit scores, providing references, and being honest with potential landlords about any background challenges. It also includes information about rental assistance programs and working with rental agents.
We will cover topics such as how the rental application process and background checks are used by landlords, how to build a strong rental history, improving credit scores, collecting references, and understanding leases, violation notices, moving out, security deposits and evictions. Additionally, the training highlights relevant laws and regulations, such as fair housing laws, that tenants should be aware of to protect their rights and responsibilities when renting a property. This includes understanding what information landlords may collect during the application process and what criteria they may use to select tenants. The training also provides tips for tenants on how to prepare for a background check and how to address any issues that may arise during the process. The goal for this course is to equip tenants with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the rental market successfully and unlock rental opportunities despite challenges they may face, and provides practical strategies for overcoming these challenges at each step of the rental journey.
The target audience for the training course is diverse and includes individuals who are searching for housing but are facing a wide range of challenges due to their background. These challenges may include criminal records, poor credit scores, eviction histories, immigration status, non-traditional family structures, non-traditional employment, such as gig workers, sex workers, freelancers, or those who are self-employed.
The course is relevant to a wide range of individuals, including those who are first-time renters, those who have experienced challenges in securing rental properties in the past, and those who are unfamiliar with the rental process or the laws and regulations related to renting. It is also useful for property managers and landlords who are responsible for screening tenants and selecting tenants who meet the requirements for their rental properties.
The goal of this course is to make sure you are as prepared as possible to apply for housing. You will work to create an information packet to provide to the landlord that will encourage them to view you as an individual and not just another applicant. This packet will help to explain any challenges you might have as well as to show that you are prepared for and understand the responsibilities of being a good tenant. The information in your packet could be helpful as well for other applications you may be submitting such as housing assistance, work placement, probation and court ordered compliance, job applications as well as helping you to take control of your life and move forward to a better future.