RentReady

Partners HP (Hunger and Poverty Prevention Partnership of Portage County) in conjunction with multiple community-based member partners has established the RentReady Program.  The purpose of this program is to provide training and certification to participants and rent assurance to landlords that will enable unsheltered persons and persons with adverse histories to obtain market rate rental housing they would otherwise be unable to obtain.

We do not provide financial assistance nor do we provide housing.

PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Verifiable income of at least $1500 per month
• Income includes: wages, disbility, social security, SSI, child support, SNAP
• NOT ON THE SEXUAL OFFENDER REGISTRY
• No outstanding misdemeanor or felony charges

PROGRAM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• Complete the RentReady application
  • Online at bit.ly/ApplyRRPC
  • Scan the QR code
  • Submit a paper application to the office indicated
• Attend a RentReady Class
  • Currently held on the last Wednesday of each month from 4:30 to 6:00 PM
  • Attendance can be virtual
• Complete the RentReady Portfolio
• Meet with a Financial Wellness of Portage County Coach and bring the following documents
  • RentReady Application
  • RentReady Porfolio
  • WI Realtors Association Rental Application
  • Financial Wellness Spending Plan Form (included in the portfolio)

UPON GRADUATION

Graduate Responsibilities

• Graduate will receive a certificate of completion
• Graduate will look for housing
• Be Courteous to prospective landlords
• DO NOT pressure the landlord for an immediate answer
• Return phone calls/emails from landlords
• DO NOT GHOST THE PROSPECTIVE LANDLORD
• Follow all terms of the Limited Rental Guarantee Agreement
• Follow all terms of the Rental Lease
• DO NOT ALLOW OTHERS NOT ON THE LEASE TO LIVE WITH YOU IN THE RENTAL – THIS COULD RESULT IN EVICTION
• Pay rent on time
• If applicable, change utilities to your name and pay on time

Remember that landlords talk to each other, so your interactions with one prospective landlord may influence other landlords    

Hunger and Poverty Prevention Partnership/RentReady responsibilities

• HPPP will provide a list of participating landlords
• HPPP will provide a limited Rental Guarantee Agreement to the landlord               
• HPPP will conduct a walk-through of the rental with the landlord and/or tenant if requested
• HPPP will work to secure a mentor for the graduate

Applications are available at the Salvation Army, the Portage County Library, on request, or scan the QR code for an online application.

Contact Information:
Financial Wellness Portage County
715-346-1321
rentreadyhppppc@gmail.com