Students who study in the different universities in Canada have two options concerning their housing. They can either live inside their campus or live outside of it. Some would consider residing inside the school’s premises ideal. The students would not have to commute every day to attend classes, and they could join school functions anytime.

However, a percentage of students may want to live off-campus. It will allow them to explore their housing options. Living outside of the school premises will also teach them about being independent.

Landlords may want to have student tenants rent for them. If their properties are close to a university, they can offer a spare room for students who prefer to live outside the campus. Aside from the income, it is a show of support to the schools in the community. But even if the landlord takes in student tenants, he should remember to treat the rental the same as any property.

The question is, how can a landlord run a business for off-campus housing?

Build a reputation

The students enrolled in universities belong to a generation where smartphones are a necessity rather than a luxury. They are used to the convenience that the internet brings them and rely on online information. 

For the landlord to attract these people, he has to have good reviews. Websites, such as Yelp, help them decide based on personal experiences from their peers. If the past tenants were satisfied with the landlord’s management, that reputation should help earn him a spot on their list.

Since we’re on the topic of the internet, you may want to advertise vacancies online too. Websites like Padleads will allow you to post your property listings and syndicate them to other networks. Remember what I told you about this generation and their reliance on the internet? But back to the matter at hand.

Live up to the hype

The landlord aims to get good feedback from his tenants. To achieve that, he should make sure that he walks the talk. The students should see that the positive reviews are legitimate by experiencing them personally.

Studies show that tenants will reward the landlord with extended stays if the rental is well-maintained. They will also not complain about higher rent if they find the rental worthy of their money.

Build up high expectations

Landlords who render exceptional services and offer a high-quality rental property should expect the same from tenants. If they see that the landlord manages the property well, they would return the favor and become good tenants. It is called the Pygmalion effect, wherein positive expectations result in positive performance.

Build a trusting partnership

Tenants who rent someone’s home, or a part of it, will have their expectations. They will trust their landlord to assist them during their stay and make it as comfortable as possible. But if the tenants are skeptical about their landlords and the rental, it will cause problems.

For landlords to earn the tenant’s trust, they should be willing to help them out in any way. They should avoid overcharging on the fees and deposits. Landlords must also do well in maintaining the rental property as it is someone’s home. Doing the right things will gain and keep their trust.

Avoid stress

Being a student is stressful. Add that to the fact that students have to live away from their homes. The landlord may have a role in making sure the student tenants avoid stressors. He can offer them extra space for studying-somewhere quiet. Student tenants will also appreciate having a fast internet connection right at home.

Your job as a leasing agent is to help your clients find their ideal home. They may be students, the working class, or families. You are not only searching out a house for them but a home.