(Objective 1: Identify total cost of individual rental units.)
- Handout 1: What Do the Ads Tell You? (One copy of this handout should be provided for each individual rental unit.)
Information on rental units from:
- Local ads
- Use available websites: WIHousingSearch.org; HUD.GOV (specific to Section 8 housing); rent.com; Apartment.com; Zillow.com; Craigslist
- Phone Apps (if participants typically use a Smartphone)
Instruct participants to study the ads provided and complete the questions on Handout 1: What Do the Ads Tell You? Discuss what the ads tell them about costs—the rent, utilities, additional costs. Is information missing? If an ad claims “includes heat and appliances” or “utilities included” what does that mean?
How can you get information on estimated utility costs? Discuss methods for obtaining necessary information. It is important to know the total costs of rental housing before making any decisions. If provided with an address, utility companies can usually provide information on past usage and billing. And while it is true that landlords are required to disclose fees and charges (even if just verbally) and provide information on all costs, it is ultimately the future renter’s responsibility to ask for this information before agreeing to rent.
Review together Handout 1: What Do the Ads Tell You? Were they able to answer these questions? Or lead participants in brainstorming their own list of questions.
