1.Learn all that you can about your local housing market.
2.Find out where “normal” young adults are living in your community.
3.Allow the youth to sign the lease if possible and age appropriate.
4.Allow the youth to be involved in the process of finding and securing the apartment.
5.Try to seek housing opportunities that include all or at least some of the utilities as part of the rental agreement.
6.Do not intentionally pair youth seeking your services to become roommates to defray the cost of the apartment. This is almost always a mistake.
7.Try to avoid placing many youth from your program in one area together.
8.Try and seek housing opportunities that the youth could possibly sustain after they are discharged from your program.
9.To the extent possible, “Coach” the youth to negotiate with the landlord to obtain the apartment on their own. If the youth is turned away or has difficulty with the process, step in and assist with the negotiation.
10.When speaking with the leasing agent, divulge only pertinent information related to the youth as a potential tenant. Any information that is shared should be general or should demonstrate to the landlord that you have prepared the youth to be a good tenant.
11.Be wary of slumlords or neglectful property owners who will not take care of general maintenance items once the youth is housed.
12.Consider safety concerns in neighborhoods where rent is exceptionally low and seemingly affordable.
13.Try to avoid apartments that require weekly payment. They are generally in areas that are unsafe, and keep youth thinking short-term.
14.Dorm Style or efficiency apartments in communities where universities are located are generally a good place for youth to seek housing. They are able to “blend in” with other college students and generally affordable with varied leasing options.
15.When negotiating with landlords, realize what their needs and concerns are and do your best to address any concerns they might have about renting to your youth.
16.Consider possible transportation issues when seeking housing for youth. How will the youth get to school, work, etc. in the area where the apartment is located?
17.Develop working relationships with landlords and support them (the landlord) when a youth you have placed is violating the terms of the lease. Advocate for the youth if the landlord is violating the lease agreement or fair housing laws.
18.The process of helping youth secure and maintain apartments requires a great deal of mobility. Successful programs have staff that spends the majority of their time in a vehicle with the youth in the community. To address safety concerns, staff should work in teams or be trained in safety and have contingencies.