Provide the Overall Handout before beginning the module.
Suggested Introduction
Moving can be time consuming and expensive. In addition to rent, there is the security deposit, moving costs, utility hook-ups, and so on. During this module we will discuss what you want and need in a rental unit.
You will do a better job of comparison shopping and ultimately in choosing the right rental unit if you have identified what you want and need as well as determine how much rent you can afford. This process will help you be comfortable establishing and maintaining a business relationship with your landlord/property manager.
Activities
Activity 1: Determining Your Housing Needs
Activity 2: How to Locate a Rental Unit
Activity 3: Finding Affordable Housing
Activity 4: Comparing and Inspecting Rental Units
Activity 5: Discussion about Challenging Situations that Impact the Ability to Rent
Activity 6: Building and Maintaining a Relationship with the Landlord/Property Manager
Learning Assessment
Have participants learned the key concepts of this Rent Smart module? The following questions or activities are recommended to assess participant understanding of the information covered in this module.
- Identify at least two features that are important to them in rental housing. Discuss how these features will affect the way in which they shop for housing.
- List resources they would be likely to use in trying to find rental housing.
- Name at least two things they would inspect prior to making a decision to rent the property.
- Share how they will prepare themselves when talking to the landlord/property manager about a prospective rental unit.
