1. Adulting 101: Your First Rental
Finding housing and protecting yourself.
ASUM RENTER CENTER
(406)243-2017
JORDAN.LYONS@MSO.UMT.EDU
UMT.EDU/RENTERCENTER
2. NOT LEGAL ADVICE
◼ This presentation is information only, not legal
advice.
◼ Legal advice is available to you through ASUM
Legal Services.
◼ I am an advocate and former property
manager.
3. About the ASUM Renter Center
The advocate for student renters.
We can help you:
Find Housing
Solve Landlord Issues
Be a Good Neighbor
4. YOUR RIGHT TO FAIR HOUSING
Per federal law, landlords cannot discriminate
based on these protected classes:
◼ Race
◼ Color
◼ National Origin
◼ Religion
◼ Sex
◼ Familial Status (including children under the
age of 18 in the household and pregnancy)
◼ Disability
Additional statewide classes:
◼ Creed
◼ Marital Status
◼ Age
Missoula classes:
◼ Sexual Orientation,
◼ Gender Identity
◼ Gender Expression
5.
6.
7. HOW DOES A LANDLORD DECIDE WHO TO RENT TO?
◼ Income and assets
◼ Rental history
◼ Credit
◼ Criminal background*
"Missing Money - 4" by locomomo is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
8. YOUR BUDGET
Traditionally, spending 30% of your income on housing is considered “affordable.”
Landlords are also looking for renters with 2-3x the rent in income.
30% <= (rent + utilities) /
(wages + savings + financial aid + student loans + public assistance)
9. IMPROVING YOUR ODDS
◼ Pay off debts, especially to landlords and
utilities
◼ Recruit a cosigner
◼ “Dress for success”
◼ Make sure your phone has a professional
outgoing message
◼ Cultivate positive references, character
references:
◼ Employers
◼ Teachers
10. LOOKING FOR HOUSING
◼ umt.edu/HousingFinder
◼ Craigslist
◼ Missoulian
◼ Social Media
◼ “Housing Wanted” ad
11. YOUR LEASE
◼ Read before you sign
◼ Ask questions
◼ Make an appointment with ASUM Renter Center
◼ Keep a copy!
◼ Scan
◼ Take photos
"L-140 dont just sign" by Sustainable Economies Law Center is licensed
under CC BY-SA 2.0
12. YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT
◼ It’s your money
◼ Insurance for landlord
◼ Must be refundable (minus damages)
◼ Inspect when you move in!
13. SOLVING PROBLEMS
◼ Communicate in writing
◼ Mail or email with a read receipt is best
◼ If you talk in person or on the phone, email saying
“Per our conversation, I understand …”
◼ Pay with a card, check, or money order
◼ Get receipts
14. ROOMMATES: ‘TIL DRAMA DO YOU PART
Having a roommate is a big deal! You are all on the
hook for rent, damages, or other expenses.
◼ Choose roommates who share your values
◼ Set expectations
◼ Sign a written agreement
◼ Use systems for success
15. BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
What we do
● Free Snow Shovel Rentals
● Monthly Newsletter
● Sunday Sweepers
● Conflict Mediation
● Neighborhood Events
16. Say Hello!
“The Gram” @asumneighbors
Facebook UM Neighborhood Ambassadors
Twitter @asumneighbors & @asumrenterctr
17. OTHER IDEAS? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
ASUM RENTER CENTER
(406)243-2017
JORDAN.LYONS@MSO.UMT.EDU
UMT.EDU/RENTERCENTER
