While students are now framing their diplomas and parents are planning their fall getaways (because that is the beauty of empty nesting), property management companies (PMCs) in the off-campus student housing space are gearing up for new residencies in a few short weeks. Gitnux.org reports that 69% of college students lived off-campus in 2019 (pre-pandemic), and with the newfound respect for social distancing and concern for others’ personal space, we wouldn’t be surprised if this number rises in the coming years. All of this to say that to the PMCs in this unique market, it is your time to shine, and our team at ePremium® Insurance Agency wants to make sure you shine bright.
Freedom (and Responsibility)
Off-campus housing offers more autonomy, flexibility, and personalization for students, allowing them to feel more like full-fledged adults than university communal living can sometimes seem. Plus, as Research.com shares, U.S. students’ top 3 most valued amenities are included in-unit washer and dryers (79%), their own bathroom (68%), and extended cable/Wi-Fi (54%).
However, with these perks come a few risks for the PMC to consider. From ‘epic’ college parties and tenant tiffs to high turnover rates, there are more than a few unique challenges this market faces.
Best Practices
With these niche challenges in mind, we’ve made a list of best practices for property managers. These include:
- Clear Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with residents. Make sure they understand their lease agreements, rules, and expectations from the beginning.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the unit to ensure it is well-maintained and any issues are addressed promptly.
- Safety Measures: Implement safety measures such as proper lighting, secure locks, and fire prevention systems. Educate residents about safety procedures and emergency protocols.
- Community Building: Foster a sense of community among residents by organizing events or creating shared spaces where they can interact and socialize.
- Maintenance Response: Have a system in place for residents to report maintenance issues promptly. Respond to these requests quickly to ensure resident satisfaction and property upkeep.
- Tenant Screening: Screen tenants thoroughly to ensure they are responsible and will uphold the terms of their lease agreement. This can help minimize potential conflicts and ensure a better living environment for all residents.
- Legal Compliance: Stay up-to-date with local laws and regulations regarding rental properties. This includes fair housing laws, building codes, and landlord-tenant regulations.
- Rent Collection: Have a clear rent collection process in place and enforce it consistently. Late fees and penalties should be outlined in the lease agreement.
- Conflict Resolution: Develop strategies for resolving conflicts between residents or between residents and management. This may involve setting clear guidelines for behavior and enforcing consequences for violations.
- Regular Evaluations: Periodically evaluate the property management processes to identify areas for improvement. Solicit feedback from tenants to gauge their satisfaction and make necessary adjustments.
- Emergency Preparedness: Have a plan in place for handling emergencies such as natural disasters or property damage. Ensure residents are aware of emergency procedures and have access to necessary resources.
- Document Everything: Keep thorough records of all communications, maintenance requests, inspections, and lease agreements. This documentation can be valuable in case of disputes or legal issues.
By implementing these best practices, PMCs can effectively manage off-campus student housing while ensuring the safety, satisfaction, and well-being of students.
Perks for our Off-Campus PMCs
We’ve assessed the advantages of off-campus living for students, but did you know that ePremium also has perks available for PMCs that manage off-campus student housing? That’s right, we’re here to help you and your teams with your everyday tasks as well. Our IRIS software can help alleviate the paperwork and can integrate with many property management software platforms used by student housing properties.
Plus, we offer a comprehensive renters’ policy! Rather than watching a student’s parents try to piecemeal together options to get both liability and contents coverage, empower them to work with our team to get an enhanced policy that covers multiple aspects of their off-campus apartment. It may even include options such as pet damage, water damage, and bed bug remediation. Call 1-800-319-1390 and let our team help you and your rental community!
ePremium Insurance Agency, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Ohio, is a licensed insurance producer in all states, except Alaska with its principal place of operation at 4770 Duke Drive, Suite 200, Mason, OH 45040 (NPN 9925625, California License No.: 0G66570, Texas License No.: 1549460). ePremium Insurance Agency, LLC does business under the following names: in NY dba – ePremium Insurance Agency LLC; in FL dba – ePremium Insurance Agency, LLC; in CA dba – ePremium IRIS Insurance Solutions, LLC.