How to Handle Student Tenant Vacancies Between Terms

When you rent to college students, they will likely be away from their rental space between terms. This break can last weeks or even months, meaning plenty of time for things to potentially go awry. However, if you are mindful of things that can be done to secure the property until the student tenant returns, the space can be secured and maintained.

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Keep an eye out

Even if you have a year-long lease for your students, they will likely be away from their apartment for a little bit while they travel for the holidays between the fall and spring terms. In order to have their space stay safe, have them alert you as to when they plan to be away from their space. This way, you can keep an eye on their space to ensure they come home to their normal, safe rental space. You do not have to house-sit each property where a student is out of town for the break, but it is important that you make note of things that seem off and take action to ensure the security of your property.

Decide on subletting

If a student’s lease is still going when they are going home for winter or summer break, they may consider subletting their space. This way, their financial burden is eased a bit and you do not have to fill a vacancy. However, there are a few downsides to allowing students to sublet. The utilities have to be switched over, and the original tenant is still responsible for the space, even if they are no longer living there. It can be a difficult decision to make, so it is important to do your research on whether or not you will allow subletting and what your rules will be. If you do decide to allow subletting, be clear in the lease about the rules, responsibilities, and policies of subletting.

Have them clear stuff out

Breaks between terms can be weeks, even months, long. While it may be tempting for students to leave their belongings at their apartment when they are not there, this can increase their risk of theft. Have them clear as much of their stuff out as possible. They can leave things like décor and furniture, but they should take anything valuable and personal, like important documents and electronics. This will decrease the chance of these things being stolen while they are away from their apartment between terms.

They should also clear food out of the kitchen, perishable stuff. If they leave things in the kitchen that go bad, the whole apartment may start to smell and other tenants may complain about the smell. Having them clean out the food will eliminate stenches as well as make it easier to clean when they get back to their space.

Do maintenance requests and upgrades

As they are cleaning out their space, have them keep an eye out for anything they need upgraded or any maintenance work that needs to be done. Getting this done between terms when they are not in the space allows you to take your time without the pressure of having to be quick. This time also allows you to do appliance upgrades, especially if you need to order the supplies or replacements you need for the upgrade. You have time to do projects that might take a bit longer and would be in high-traffic areas of the space.

Be flexible with leases

While you may typically have leases that last for a year or more, this likely will not match a college student’s school schedule. They may not live in their apartment for winter and summer breaks, which adds a whole new security issue. Subletting is an option, but this has its own difficulties. Consider having short-term or even month-to-month leases so college students can be flexible with move-in and move-out dates. This is perfect for students who are looking for a place to live in the summer months when they are taking summer courses and do not need a full-year lease.

Safety measures

It can seem like common sense to you to implement certain safety measures, but your student tenants may not be as knowledgeable yet, especially if this is their first apartment. They likely know to lock the door before they leave, but have them make sure the windows are closed and locked as well so no one can enter that way, especially if the apartment is on the ground floor. If your tenant has a balcony or a porch, have them clear items off it so the items do not draw attention to the apartment and increase the chances of theft. If they have an entrance that has a door outside, and you know they have a key hidden outside near their door, have them take it with them so it is not found.

Tenants leaving their apartments between terms can leave an increased risk for theft, damage, and other issues, so knowing how to handle the situation can help you reduce the risk of these things happening.