05/02/2023
I get regular messages from people struggling to find a rental. I wanted to share my tips to hopefully help put you on the right track. Vermont is experiencing a severe housing shortage so it takes patience.
TIPS
Set up custom searches on Zillow.com, Realtor.com and FCrentalconnection.com to ensure you are getting notifications on all newly posted rentals. If you qualify for subsidized housing, contact Champlain Housing Trust to be added to ALL community waitlists that would work for you. The waitlists can be long but always be added. Please vet any listing seen on Craigslist and Facebook as many are scams. Do not pay any money until you see the rental and meet the owner or property manager.
Most rentals will have basic requirements that include:
•Verifying income of 3X the rent (household gross income) so it’s good to always have your last 2 paystubs printed.
•Credit check. Know what’s on your credit. Collections (especially utilities and previous landlords) and current past due payments will generally be a cause for denial so clear up what you can.
•Know the contact information of any landlords you’ve had within the last 5 years. Most owners want to see some type of positive rental history (not family or friends).
