“This class is a first-time offering from our Adult Ed program–the Pathways Prep program–and what prompted us is through the Homeless Coalition, there was a need for renters education,” said Learning Center Office Manager and Rental Course Instructor Lisa Burkhart. “[This course] has been in the plan for a year or two and wanting to educate mostly people who have had that poor rental history and how to get them back into good standing with landlords.”
According to Burkhart, “Ready to Rent” is a six-week class that will be initially held at Kenai Peninsula College, beginning April 2 – May 7, on Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 pm. In the future, the goal is to offer the course at community agencies (Love Inc., Lee Shore, Nikiski Shelter of Hope, etc.).
Burkhart says this is to make the atmosphere more amenable to those who might shy away from attending a class in a more formal college campus environment. “Our goal is to offer [the renters course] into the community and other resources–other agencies–so that we can go to the clients. We know that we have had feedback from some of the agencies that clients are intimidated to come to the campus, so we want to make sure that we can make it accessible to all.”
This course is designed to help tenants learn their rights and responsibilities as well as to begin the process of reconciling and overcoming rental barriers. This could include first-time renters or renters who have faced eviction, have a poor rental history, etc.
The Ready to Rent curriculum was developed with the help of landlords, social service agencies, and volunteers. The course can only be taught by certified instructors; currently, there are two are working at KPC.
Some of the topics covered are:
- Make a rental plan
- How to overcome barriers to housing
- What are your responsibilities as a tenant?
- Applying (The application process) – types of leases
- Alaska Landlord Tenant Law
- Take steps to repair credit and establish a realistic budget
- Moving in and Moving out – what are your responsibilities
This course is free to those who qualify, and registration is required. Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.