Why Flexible Lease Terms Appeal to Student Condo Renters

Miami is home to thousands of students from Florida International University, University of Miami, Kaiser University and Miami Dade College campuses. For investors, condos offer an easy entry into student housing, combining the security parents crave with the amenities students value. Here’s how Miami condo property managers can create flexible lease terms to appeal to student renters in Miami. 

How to Attract Student Renters with Flexible Lease Terms

The National Center for Education Statistics projects an undergraduate enrollment increase of 9% by fall 2031, bringing an additional 139,000 students per year into the student housing mix. Not all students live in the area full-time. Many travel from different parts of the United States or from overseas. When school is out for the summer, these student renters want versatile rental agreements to return home and visit family, work summer jobs, or take a break from Florida’s scorching summers. 

If you’re interested in tapping into this growing real estate market, there are some steps you can take to attract university attendees to your properties.

1. Research Student Housing Needs

Before changing your current lease or investing in marketing, take the time to understand what students at nearby schools want. Check national and local housing surveys and online reviews to spot common complaints from students and parents. Spend time chatting with the leaders of student organizations about how to better serve their members. 

Take the time to consider what a student’s typical year looks like. The most popular move-in and move-out periods are typically at the beginning and end of semesters. How can you align with these dates? Consider what amenities students need, such as high-speed internet, furnished units and transit options. 

2. Embrace Flexible Lease Options

If parents are covering housing costs, they may be reluctant to pay for months when their child won't be at school. Offer semester-based leases, nine-month terms or even month-to-month options. 

Consider making costs more affordable. For example, you could split the rent between two or more people by having them sign individual agreements and placing locks on bedroom doors, while keeping the kitchen and living spaces as common areas. 

Decide if you’ll allow subletting or early termination for internships or study abroad. Flexible lease terms help you attract more renters. 

3. Change Your Marketing Strategies

Consider ways to attract students. Many dislike the stress of paying utilities separately from rent, so roll costs into a single payment. Tell potential renters that paying higher rent may save money if they aren’t paying independently for utilities. They also benefit from knowing how much they’ll pay every month instead of dealing with unpredictable expenses. 

Highlight condo benefits over dorms on housing boards and student-focused platforms like Reddit, Facebook and Instagram. Emphasize your flexible terms and student-friendly amenities. 

4. Adjust Application and Move-In Processes

Young people may be coming from their parents' homes to live off-campus. Anything you can do to streamline and simplify the application process benefits them. Since many move from out of state, offer virtual tours and digital applications. Accept co-signers, so their parents can take on the bulk of the responsibility until they finish school and are more independent. 

Explain the reasons behind a security deposit. Around 35% of renters get security deposits back within a week of moving out, but be clear about your expectations at the end of the lease and the reasons you might deduct from the funds, such as damage to walls. 

Property managers should create a move-in checklist that simplifies the process for first-timers. Include basics like laundry locations and appliance use. What numbers should they call for repairs? How can they get in touch if they lock themselves out of the condo? Consider anything a student might struggle with and create a guide to make the transition easier. You'll gain a reputation for being student-friendly. 

When Flexible Lease Terms May Not Be the Best Fit

Assess whether changing to flexible leases is in your best interest as an investor. If shorter leases raise costs without boosting income, student renters may not be worth pursuing. 

Smaller properties with limited administrators may struggle to keep up with more frequent turnovers and higher maintenance costs. Also, your condos may be too far from the university to attract enough students to make it worthwhile. A better strategy may be to seek long-term professionals. Ask whether your team can handle quick move-ins, frequent changes and potential added calls from inexperienced tenants. 

Position Your Property for Student Success

Adopting flexible lease terms may be a quick way to attract a growing student population. If you're battling empty units and lost income, the steady demand from students can change the condo rental game for you. With a few changes, you can appeal to this new demographic. 

Evelyn Long is a writer that specializes in housing market trends. She is also the editor-in-chief of Renovated Magazine, where she writes essential resources for renters and homeowners. She has contributed to several other publications like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives.