If you are thinking about renting a home, apartment, duplex or townhouse, the Virginia Housing Development Authority’s (VHDA) free online Renter Education course can help. The course titled “How to be a Successful Renter” helps participants learn about the rental process from start to finish and how they can be a responsible renter.
This online course covers a range of important topics including tenant rights and responsibilities, Virginia laws and regulations, common misunderstandings, challenges and barriers, fair housing concerns, scams and much more.
The course is divided into nine sections, with an assessment at the end of each that learners must pass to earn a certificate. Participants have the option to complete only the sections that interest them.
The nine sections are:
Are You Financially Ready to Rent?
The Ins & Outs of Credit
How to Find the Right Place
Handling the Application Process
Understanding the Lease Agreement
Getting Back Your Security Deposit
Life as a Renter: Rights & Responsibilities
Housekeeping, Maintenance & Repairs
The Right Way to Terminate the Lease
To learn more about the free course, visit: www.vhda.com/renters
About VHDA
The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) is a not-for-profit organization created by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1972, to help Virginians attain quality affordable housing. VHDA carries out its mission by working in public-private partnerships with local governments, community service organizations, lenders, Realtors, developers and many others. Mortgages are funded by bonds issued by VHDA, not by taxpayer dollars, and are available for homebuyers and developers of quality rental housing. The group teaches free homeownership classes and helps people with disabilities and the elderly make their homes more livable.