Renting to college students can feel like a gamble. For some property owners, it’s a goldmine. For others, it’s a headache. If you own rental property near a university or college, especially in the Kansas City or Lee’s Summit area, you’ve probably wondered if student renters are right for you.
At Real Property Management Consultants, we’ve helped countless landlords navigate this decision with confidence. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and pro tips to help you decide if renting to college students is a smart move for your portfolio.
The Opportunity: Why College Students Can Be Great Tenants
1. High Rental Demand
College towns consistently experience strong rental demand. Every semester brings a new group of students looking for off-campus housing. If your property is near a major school like the University of Missouri–Kansas City, Rockhurst University, or Metropolitan Community College, you’re sitting on a rental hotspot.
2. Reliable Income via Co-Signers
Most student tenants don’t have significant income, but parent co-signers are standard practice. That often means:
- On-time rent payments
- Financial stability guarantees
- There is less risk of a lease default
3. Less Competition
Not all landlords want to rent to students, which can give you a competitive edge if you’re willing to cater to this niche. With fewer listings targeting students, your unit may rent faster.
4. Long-Term Market Stability
Colleges don’t close down during recessions. Student housing remains a steady investment even during economic downturns, giving you some insulation from larger market fluctuations.
The Challenges: Why Renting to Students Isn’t for Everyone
1. Lack of Rental History
Most college students are first-time renters. They may not understand lease terms, have no references, and need extra education on basic tenant responsibilities.
2. Higher Turnover Rates
Student leases often last just 9–12 months, typically ending in May or August. That can result in more frequent vacancies and increased make-ready costs.
3. Noise and Neighbor Complaints
Let’s be honest—college students may not be the quietest tenants. Noise complaints, parties, and wear and tear are more likely, especially in properties near campus nightlife.
4. Property Wear and Tear
Young renters may not treat your property with the same level of care. Common issues include:
- Damaged walls or carpets
- Overloaded trash bins
- Missed yardwork or maintenance
5. Legal and Fair Housing Concerns
It’s tempting to set special rules for student renters, but remember, fair housing laws still apply. You can’t discriminate based on age, familial status, or school enrollment.
Pro Tips for Renting to College Students Successfully
At RPMC, we’ve developed a set of best practices that help property owners minimize risk and maximize reward when renting to college students:
1. Screen Everyone, Even Students
Don’t skip the screening process just because tenants are young or have a co-signer. Run full background and credit checks and verify student status. And screen the co-signer just as you would a primary applicant.
2. Use a Detailed, Student-Specific Lease
Include clauses that address:
- Noise and party restrictions
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Parental co-signers
- Rules for subletting or early lease termination
- Cleaning and move-out expectations
Clear expectations reduce disputes and protect your investment.
3. Align Lease Dates with Academic Calendar
Start leases in July or August and end them in May or June to coincide with the school year. This helps reduce mid-year vacancies and makes your property more attractive to student renters.
4. Furnish or Partially Furnish the Unit
Students often don’t own furniture. Offering furnished or semi-furnished rentals can justify a higher rental rate and make your property more competitive in the market.
5. Conduct Regular Property Inspections
Schedule periodic inspections (with proper notice) to catch maintenance issues early and remind tenants of their responsibilities.
6. Communicate with Both Tenant and Co-Signer
Keep lines of communication open with both the student and the co-signer. This helps resolve payment issues or policy violations more quickly.
What Types of Properties Work Best for Students?
Not every rental is a good fit for student housing. Here are the best options if you are considering renting to college students:
- Duplexes or triplexes near campus
- Single-family homes with multiple bedrooms
- Apartments or condos with shared amenities
- Properties near public transportation or walkable to class
If your property falls into one of these categories, it could perform exceptionally well with a student tenant base.
Why This Matters in Lee’s Summit and Kansas City
With schools like UMKC, Rockhurst, MCC, and more, the Kansas City metro area has a robust student population seeking off-campus housing. Areas like Lee’s Summit are growing in popularity for students who want a quieter, suburban living experience while attending college in the city.
By marketing to students, smartly and safely, you can tap into a steady stream of tenants that keeps your units occupied and cash flowing.
How Real Property Management Consultants Can Help
If you’re thinking about renting to college students, we’ve got your back.
At RPMC, we:
- Provide full tenant screening (including co-signers)
- Create customized student lease agreements
- Handle rent collection and roommate management
- Offer proactive maintenance and 24/7 emergency response
- Provide detailed financial reporting
- Ensure legal compliance and reduce your risk
Whether it’s your first time renting to students or you’re managing a multi-property portfolio, our team ensures a smooth, professional, and profitable process.
Final Thoughts
Renting to college students isn’t for everyone, but with the right strategies, it can be an innovative, sustainable, and rewarding choice. It all comes down to preparation, policies, and the right support system. Ready to explore the student rental market near you? Let Real Property Management Consultants help you rent smarter, not harder. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
