Back in the ’90s when my husband Scott and I were fresh out of college and looking for jobs in Boise, we fell in love with this place. And like many Boiseans, we rented our first home. That little rental was where we started building our life and family here.
Every Boisean who rents should have that same opportunity to live in a safe, stable home. That’s why the city has put together resources to help renters navigate some of the challenges that can come with renting. Our housing team has also pulled together a few practical tips for renters who may be struggling:
If you are having trouble paying rent, reach out to your landlord as soon as possible. Some landlords may be willing to work with you on a payment plan.
If you need a repair, communicate with your landlord and make a maintenance request as soon as you can.
The city’s webpage also offers practical resources, including templates and referrals to community organizations that can help, such as Idaho Legal Aid, Intermountain Fair Housing Council, Jesse Tree and Our Path Home.
In some of our neighborhoods, half of residents are renters, and they are an important part of our city and make Boise a vibrant, welcoming community. We have to support renters as our city continues to grow, whether that’s college students renting for the first time or working adults and families whose budgets are tight.
It is our hope that these resources help more Boiseans stay in the rentals they call home so they can build a life in the neighborhood where they live, just like Scott and I did.
