Extension > Family > RentWise > Renter 101 Online Course
Renter 101 Online Course
This is a free online course that helps families better navigate the rental process.
Through this course you will ensure you become a responsible renter by learning how to:
- How to manage money resources wisely to pay rent on time every month.
- How to choose adequate, safe and affordable housing.
- How to communicate effectively.
- How to maintain a home.
- How to navigate the rental process - screening, lease agreements, security deposits and moving out.
This course is free and takes about an hour to complete. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate.
Are you in the MFIP/TANF program? This course counts as one hour of a Core TANF activity for Life Skills Training. This course will provide an overview of the tools and strategies you need to navigate the rental process and securing housing. Finding and keeping a home, rental or otherwise, is an important step in maintaining a stable home environment. A stable home is an important factor in keeping employment and building a solid job history. See other MFIP/TANF offerings
How do I get started?
Check that your computer has the following these simple instructions:
- Access to the internet
- Adobe Reader (available as a free download)
- Adobe Flash Player, version 8.0 or newer (available as a free download)
- Internal or external speakers (audio scripts are available within the course as an alternative)
The course is free and does not require registration. You can access and return to the course as often as needed.
Looking for a take and teach lesson? The following lesson plan can be used with job clubs and other in-person gatherings. It helps reinforce the ideas of the course and gives particpants the opportunity to apply what thye have learned.
Related Resources
Communication, Compromise, and Consideration: The 3 Cs of Getting Along with Roommates (133 K PDF) — This fact sheet reviews areas that cause conflict with roommates and offers tips for avoiding and/or working through those conflicts.
Home Maintenance Checklist (70 K PDF) — This fact sheet gives quick tips on cleaning supplies, what to clean when, and how to deal with roaches
Resource Guide (RentWise) (87 K PDF) — Quick reference to resources that strive to support and assist renters.
Take and Teach: Renter 101 — How to Become a Responsible Renter (400 K PDF) — Supplemental lesson for professionals that reinforces the concepts of the Renter 101 Online Course.
The materials in this online course were created and/or adapted by Lori Hendrickson, Extension Educator, with assistance from Research Assistants Dung Mao, Weiyang Xie, and Kristina Blasen. They were adapted from RentWise, a tenant education certificate program. For additional information on renting, you may also be interested in purchasing the complete RentWise Workbook/Organizer which covers the topics addressed in this tutorial and more.
Do you have questions on this course? Contact us
You may also be interested in: RentWise Workbook/Organizer and Energy Actions to Save $ and Increase Comfort for Renters
See these related programs: RentWise, Families in Tough Times, and Educational Offerings for People to Receive Public Assistance
