Student Rentals during COVID with Jared Henderson

In this podcast episode, Dave Debeau speaks with Jared Henderson about the current state of student rentals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Jared shares his insights from his industry experience, revealing the significant challenges and inventive strategies student renters and landlords have been employing to mitigate them. 

Student Rentals During Covid With Jared Henderson

In this podcast episode, Dave Debeau speaks with Jared Henderson about the current state of student rentals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Jared shares his insights from his industry experience, revealing the significant challenges and inventive strategies student renters and landlords have been employing to mitigate them. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly created a new norm in various sectors, student housing being one of them, as Jared explains. With many institutions transitioning to remote learning, the demand for accommodation has experienced a notable decline. Despite this, student rentals remain a viable investment option, albeit with some crucial adjustments. 

Jared points out that landlords have had to devise ways to ensure profitability while maintaining the safety and satisfaction of their student tenants. These include pivoting to long-term leases and turning student accommodation into regular rentals. This strategy cushions landlords against losses and offers students reduced rates, hence a win-win for both parties. 

Jared emphasizes the importance of property upkeep during the pandemic. With the decrease in demand, landlords can refurbish their properties and make necessary repairs, thus enhancing the value of their accommodation when students start to return. 

The future of student rentals will largely depend on how the pandemic pans out and how quickly institutions return to in-person learning, explains Jared. Nonetheless, the current experience offers vital lessons for student renters and landlords, pushing them to embrace flexible strategies and recognize the value of Communication in maintaining harmonious tenancy relations. 

In conclusion, Jared Henderson sheds light on how the student rental market has adapted to the pandemic and shares some viable strategies to help landlords maintain profitability. While the future is uncertain, renters and landlords can navigate these unprecedented times with resolute flexibility, effective Communication, and mutual consideration.

But first, if you want financing for your next investment and want to know what type of collateral may be involved, click the link below for a free strategy call with our mortgage team at LendCity to discuss your specific situation.

Impact of COVID on Student Housing Market  

COVID-19 has profoundly altered the landscape of the student housing market. Dave Debeau, in conversation with Jared Henderson, delves into this seismic shift. They highlight how the pandemic, almost overnight, changed the housing requirements and behaviour of millions of students worldwide. 

Decreased Demand for Student Rentals 

According to Jared, one of the most significant impacts on the sector was a significant decrease in demand for student rentals. With universities and colleges pivoting to online learning platforms, many students stayed home, leading to widespread vacancies in student properties. It resulted in a significant hit for rental property owners and managers who mainly cater to student tenants. 

A Shift in Preference 

Jared further highlighted a change in students ‘living preferences during the pandemic outbreak. Many now opt for single-unit housing over shared spaces for health and safety reasons. This preference, blended with the shifting academic landscape, clearly demonstrates the alteration in the student housing market. 

Financial Implications for Students and Parents 

COVID-19 has also brought significant financial implications for students and their parents. As Dave pointed out, the difficulty of finding employment opportunities due to the pandemic has left many students struggling to pay their rent. Consequently, parents, too, are feeling the financial strain, with many having to step in and support their children financially. 

In conclusion, the impacts of COVID-19 on the student housing market have been far-reaching and have led to significant changes in housing preferences and financial planning for students and their families.

Safety Measures for Student Rentals 

With COVID presenting unique challenges, safety measures in student rentals have become priority number one. Dave Debeau and his guest, Jared Henderson, emphasize the necessity of this aspect. 

Regular Sanitation 

Regular sanitation is one of the foremost safety measures in student rentals. Jared Henderson mentions that landlords and property managers are now more proactive about ensuring cleanliness in common areas. This might include a frequent cleaning schedule for lounges, laundry rooms, and shared bathrooms.

Social Distancing Rules 

Another safety measure discussed by Dave and Jared is enforcing social distancing rules within rental properties. This includes limiting the number of people in common areas and establishing rules for guests who might visit. 

Active Communication 

As Jared Henderson pointed out, active Communication is essential in ensuring safety within student rentals. Property managers regularly update tenants about the latest safety procedures and COVID-related updates. 

Safety Equipment and Materials 

The presence of safety equipment and materials such as hand sanitizers, gloves, and masks is another critical measure. Dave Debeau highlights the importance of the availability of such items in student rentals to enhance safety. 

Compliance with Health Regulations 

Lastly, Dave and Jared indicate the significance of following health regulations outlined by government bodies. Ensuring compliance, not just by property managers and landlords but also by the students, is integral to maintaining safety within student rentals amidst COVID-19.

Challenges of Student Rentals During COVID 

Jared Henderson discussed the unique challenges that student rentals faced during the COVID-19 outbreak. According to Jared, managing student rentals during a pandemic has been challenging, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding universities’ reopening and remote learning policies a difficult period,” shares Jared. 

Maintaining rental properties 

Beyond the challenges of renegotiating leases, landlords also had to deal with maintaining rental properties. With many students learning remotely, properties were often left unoccupied or improperly maintained due to the lack of regular supervision. Ensuring the upkeep of these properties was yet another obstacle landlords had to tackle during this period. 

Lack of demand 

One of the vital points that Jared further emphasized was the decreased demand for student rentals. With the shift to remote learning and many international students unable to travel, demand for student housing plummeted, affecting landlords’ incomes. Remote Learning 

Joining Dave Debeau on the podcast, Jared Henderson discusses the massive impact of remote learning on student rentals. With students studying online and not needing to attend classes physically, the demand for student rentals has shifted significantly. This brings about new challenges and opportunities in the rental market. 

Across the globe, educational institutions have turned to online platforms for teaching. This means geographical restrictions no longer constrain students. Jared expresses the effect of this shift on the student housing market. With no need to stay near their campuses, many students are exploring more affordable living arrangements. The usual surge in demand for student rentals at the beginning of academic years has flattened, causing a decrease in rental rates in traditionally student-populated areas. 

Jared touches on the point that the profile of renters has also changed. More adults who are comfortable with remote working are now considering student rentals. This could mean more long-term leases as compared to the seasonal nature of student rentees. On the other hand, landlords would have to consider different needs than those of a typical student renter. 

Despite the decreases in rental rates, opportunities for property owners still exist. As Jared suggests, students and professionals are considering sharing arrangements to reduce costs. This move reduced landlords’ preference for group contracts or exclusive dormitory-style accommodations. 

However, there are associated challenges. More group rents also mean conflicts can arise more frequently. There could be disputes within the tenant group or issues with communal spaces. These call for a unique set of solutions, pointing towards the importance of property managers’ or landlords’ presence in maintaining harmony within rental properties.

Adapting to these changes requires a comprehensive understanding of these new trends to ensure the continued success of student rental businesses.

Affordability and Budgeting for Student Rentals 

When talking about student rentals, the subject of affordability and budgeting inevitably comes up. Mr. Henderson shares some insight on this critical matter. 

“Yes, students have always been price sensitive, but the circumstances of COVID have amplified this,” Henderson stated. In his experience, students are now more mindful about over-spending on housing.

With the shift in priorities, Henderson notes that property managers and landlords must reflect on their pricing strategies. Given the increased financial strain, inflated rental prices can no longer be justified in many situations. 

Henderson advises students to approach rental decisions with a budget-driven mindset. 

“Knowing what you can afford is the first step. Once you have that clarity, you can make informed choices. That might mean sharing a house with several roommates to keep costs down,” he explains.

Despite the necessary adjustments due to the pandemic, Dave and Jared underlined the importance of adequate and safe student accommodation in the academic journey. Students are encouraged to carefully consider their budgetary constraints when seeking accommodation, while landlords are urged to bear in mind students’ tight budgets when setting rental prices.

The Importance of Communication in Student Rentals 

Dave Debeau and Jared Henderson delve into a crucial element in student rentals and Communication, particularly during the ongoing COVID pandemic. Their comprehensive exchange unravels many facets of effective Communication integral to student rental management. 

According to Jared Henderson, the role of landlords is pivotal in Communication. The landlords are responsible for keeping their student residents apprised of any new safety guidelines or changes in the rental agreement due to the pandemic—prompt updates help manage expectations and decrease the student community. 

A crucial point Dave Debeau raised centred on the significance of regular Communication. Scheduled weekly or biweekly virtual meetings enable the landlords and students to exchange their concerns, discuss preventive measures, and ensure rental norms are being met. 

In the words of Jared Henderson, “Communication in the student rental sphere is not a one-way street. It is a shared responsibility.” Students are encouraged to communicate their concerns or challenges to landlords promptly. This proactive approach will lead to effective problem-solving. 

Dave emphasizes that numerous channels and platforms facilitate Communication in this digital age. Email updates, online tenant portals, virtual notice boards, and social platforms can be leveraged to maintain constant Communication. 

Lastly, both agree that being open and approachable is vital to successful Communication. Students should feel comfortable discussing their issues with the landlords and vice versa. This open dialogue paves the way for a successful rental experience. 

Conclusion 

In this episode, Dave Debeau and guest Jared Henderson discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the student rental market. They highlighted the challenges, the changes, and the coping strategies related to student accommodations amid this global health crisis. 

From this enlightening conversation, a few key points can be pointed out. 

  • The impact of COVID on the student housing market has been significant, with many students opting for online studies thu, thus reducing the demand for rental units.
  • Landlords and rental companies are urged to take ample safety measures, ensuring that their facilities abide by health regulations to curb the spread of the virus in student housing.
  • The pandemic brought about various challenges. However, landlords, renters, and students alike have found ways to adjust and thrive despite the circumstances.
  • Remote learning has become the new normal. This shift dramatically impacts the rental market as the demand for proximity to educational institutions decreases.
  • The situation also affects the affordability and budgeting aspect for students and landlords, putting a strain on their financial realities.
  • Lastly, the importance of Communication between renters and landlords has been underlined as it paves the way for understanding and compromise during these challenging times.

In conclusion, the COVID pandemic has undeniably disrupted the student rental market. Both students and landlords had to face challenges and make significant adjustments. As the situation evolves, continual adaptation and Communication will be vital in transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.

If you are ready to start investing today and want more information about how your mortgage may be secured – or are looking to apply for a mortgage today – click the link below for a free strategy call with our mortgage team at LendCity today.

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