What comes next (semester)?
Traditionally during this time of the spring semester, student renters are coming near the end of their existing lease and looking for other places to live for the next school year. Instead of scoping out new apartments, the entire student body is now forced to shelter-in-place and pondering what the next school year may even look like. Indeed, the fall semester at colleges around the country is up in the air as students consider their options — or lack of them. Colleges could potentially see a huge drop off in enrollment as the COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted future plans. Even in the midst of the pandemic this semester, the University of Montana is expected to lose 18 million dollars as events are canceled and students move off campus to reside in safer living quarters. The economic drop off will, no doubt, continue and intensify as the fall semester approaches.
The University of Montana plans to adjust to the long term effects of the pandemic by offering more online classes for students wary of physically returning to campus and allowing students to take UM courses at two-year institutions like Helena College. A recent survey concluded that there is a gap between how undergraduate students and graduate students view the move to remote learning. While graduate students are open to the possibility of learning online and complimenting their in-class experience with other mediums of learning, undergraduate students are wary of options that take them off campus. The question of whether future students decide to learn online or seek out a traditional on-campus experience may be determined by the rental landscape that exists in Missoula and whether students can afford to live here.
What the rental landscape will look like in the fall is still unclear. For the time being, Governor Steve Bullock has issued a ban on evictions, foreclosures, and utility shutoffs. This moratorium only lasts officially until April 10th but may be extended. Under this provision, a tenant is still legally required to pay rent but may not be evicted due to lack of payment. Additionally, a tenant cannot be evicted for remaining after the end of the lease. Tenants can be evicted for any other reason, so make sure you are on good terms with your landlord and stick to additional agreements outlined in the lease. Give notice to your landlord that you will not be able to pay rent on time. Keep in mind that unauthorized guests are not protected under this directive and may be subject to eviction if your landlord becomes aware of their presence. Renters may also be subject to eviction if they abandon their residence. Don’t expect to be able to return to your rental property if you have spent considerable time sheltering somewhere else.
Indeed, these stopgap measures will not resolve any long term problems awaiting students who plan to reside in Missoula while attending classes during the fall semester of 2020. For those wishing to continue their education at the University of Montana, come up with a plan that will accommodate both your educational goals and your housing needs. For some, this may mean electing to learn remotely if housing options in Missoula are untenable. For those who wish to remain in Missoula, start budgeting now and plan to network with as many landlords and potential roommates as possible when social distancing restrictions are eventually lifted and public health officials deem it safe to begin circulating in the community. Make sure you fulfill all your financial and contractual obligations with your current landlord before moving to a new residence. Don’t make any rash decisions that will put you at risk of becoming homeless or housing insecure. During the duration of this pandemic, it is vital that people maintain a secure residence to avoid contracting or spreading infection. Any plans of action you put into place now may determine whether you can remain in Missoula for the next school year. Students planning on enrolling during the summer semester should follow similar guidelines if they plan to stay in the community. Keep in mind that social distancing restrictions will likely still be in place when the summer semester begins in May.
When the disruptions associated with COVID-19 finally subside, college students will encounter a substantially altered landscape. Balancing the necessities of school and housing will become ever more precarious as the economic down turn caused by the pandemic continues to play out. It will take time to accommodate and assist all the student renters adversely affected by these turn of events. In addition to securing a sustainable survival plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to social service agencies in the community — like the ASUM Renter Center — to help you get through this difficult time. Although the office of the Renter Center is officially closed, we are still dedicated to assisting student renters remotely. When our office finally opens up again, we will be more than happy to assist students face-to-face. Our hope is that as many student renters as possible have the opportunity to continue their education when the fall semester finally arrives. Until then, hang in there.
