What is Rent Well?
The Rent Well Program is a free educational program offered by Transition Projects in Oregon and Washington that provides training to different nonprofits to teach the curriculum through their staff in order to reach out to community members and engage participants in the program. The Rent Well Program works with landlords in order to provide housing opportunities to those affected by housing insecurity if they enroll in the program. Tenants are taught by instructors over the span of a 15-hour course about the responsibilities that come with renting a space. The Rent Well course has 12 different sections teaching topics including: how laws affect your relationship with your landlord, how landlords screen potential tenants, different types of housing options, identifying your housing wants versus needs, how to apply for a unit, reviewing rental agreements, how to deal with a termination notice and eviction processes, understanding landlord expectations, knowing landlord responsibilities, how to be a good tenant and neighbor, how to keep your home healthy and safe, how your choices affect your housing situation, how to communicate with your landlord and neighbors, understanding the landlord’s point of view, and setting goals as well as taking action to achieve housing plans. The instructor-lead style of the course can be offered as an in-person class as well as over Zoom through non-profits. Despite this helpful program showing positive change within our communities, many nonprofits that teach Rent Well are severely underfunded.
This affects the number of people who get access to this program and stable housing which causes further damage to this ongoing issue. With new legislation such as the camping ordinance that was set in place as of May of 2024, which doesn’t allow houseless individuals to camp on any form of public property and can result in fines of up to $100, seven days in jail, or both, programs like Rent Well that offer individuals a way out of the homelessness cycle are needed now more than ever.
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Housing and Rehabilitation
In serving Portland, Oregon’s homeless population, we believe that supporting them in finding housing proves valuable in keeping individuals sheltered for much longer, whilst allowing access to rehabilitation services. To better understand this, consider the effectiveness of Housing First (HF) programs on this population. An analysis of studies involving HF models shows that these types of programs provide better housing stability after 18-24 months, and has a lower risk of emergency room visits than Treatment as Usual (TAU) models. Parallel to HF models, in providing individuals with the right knowledge to maintain rental housing, Rent Well can assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness in stabilizing their housing status, thus allowing them to focus on rehabilitation as needed.
Through our classes, we’ve noticed that a large contingent of those who’ve experienced homelessness also have a disability that impacts their life. Based on our class demographics, about 1 in 2 graduates who’ve experienced homelessness also reported having a history of substance abuse or a physical, mental, or developmental disorder. With these issues disproportionately affecting Oregon’s homeless population, it can make it difficult for them to support themselves, let alone reach out. With the support that Rent Well provides, we can focus on helping them find and maintain their housing, thus allowing them to better focus on finding further support or treatment.
Statistical Information
Rent Well surveys show that our classes have a strong, positive impact on our graduates. About 97% of respondents agree that the classes were worth attending; when asked if they felt more confident in renting, the vast majority agreed. Within the last ten years, we’ve seen over 5,000 of our students graduate, the majority of which Rent Well was able to make a significant difference in helping them learn the ins and outs of renting a home, while also instilling the confidence needed to find and retain their housing.
Rent Well partners with many local organizations to provide classes throughout the state of Oregon. Some of the organizations we’ve worked with include, but are not limited to the following: Transition Projects, Mercy Corps NW, Portland Rescue Mission, My Father’s House, Urban League, CODA, the Salvation Army, and many others. With such a strong network, the reach we have within Oregon allows us to provide classes all throughout the state. Based on our data, at least 3 out of 4 Oregon counties have provided in-person Rent Well classes in the past. Our reach throughout the state allows us to easily provide classes to those in need of them the most; additionally, through our online courses, we can also reach out to anyone regardless of their location.
Notable Quotes
“I enjoyed the assignments that were throughout the book. They opened my eyes to things that I haven’t thought about before.“
“I loved how the work book explained the laws, the tenants rights and the landlords. I learned a lot about what my rights are and when to contact the landlord on issues.”
“The information about [accommodations] and all the ways you can get around tough obstacles helped me the most because I was previously unaware of these options”
“The most helpful part of the workbook was understanding the landlord/tenant laws because it helped me learn rights we have I didn’t know before.“
“Learning about the different agencies/ groups that can help if there is a discrimination or wrongful acts by landlords was very helpful and interesting.”
“I liked learning about all the laws for tenants and landlords. I have gained a lot more knowledge about my own rights as [a] tenant.”
“What I most like is the concept of a housing portfolio including a cover letter [...] I can see myself using this tool going forward, for the rest of my life-always keeping my little portfolio up-to-date and ready to go. It’s a good feeling to be prepared.”
“Very informative. You guys did an awesome job on every section of the renters manual. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. The teachers made me feel welcomed and not outcasted.”
“I am 61 years old and I have only rented a few times in my life until now. I found this whole course very informative”
Landlord Incentive Fund
Rent Well is tackling housing challenges head-on by bridging the gap between houseless individuals and landlords. A cornerstone of this effort is the Landlord Incentive Fund, a program designed to foster trust and open doors. By offering financial guarantees of up to $5,000, the fund encourages landlords to rent to tenants who might otherwise face barriers to securing housing.
How It Works
The Landlord Incentive Fund directly addresses common concerns landlords have about renting, such as risks of property damage, unpaid rent, or tenant misconduct. With a reimbursement guarantee of up to $5,000, it acts as a financial safety net, alleviating these worries and making it easier for landlords to expand their pool of tenants.
To participate, tenants must first enroll in the Rent Well program, where they learn the principles of responsible tenancy, including maintaining homes and adhering to rental agreements. Landlords who experience damages or unpaid rent can file claims supported by documentation. Claims are then assessed and reimbursed, ensuring a fair and accountable process for all parties involved.
Why It Matters
This initiative creates a win-win solution for landlords and tenants. For landlords, it reduces financial risks, offering peace of mind while encouraging them to rent to a wider range of tenants, including those transitioning from difficult circumstances. For tenants, it provides opportunities for housing while fostering accountability and stability.
The program promotes a culture of responsibility, ensuring tenants understand their obligations while giving landlords the confidence to trust and participate. It strengthens relationships, builds trust, and contributes to long-term housing stability.
By removing financial barriers and encouraging collaboration, RentWell’s Landlord Incentive Fund provides an innovative and practical solution to housing challenges. It benefits everyone involved, creating a more inclusive and equitable housing system for all.
