As you leave foster care, you’ll be faced with several new challenges as you settle into your new living arrangement.  You’ll have to learn several new skills which may include home budgeting, tenant rights, tenant responsibilities, home maintenance, and many more.  There are resources available to help you adapt to these challenges.

• Tenant rights/responsibilities (The Florida Bar)

• Finding housing/placement programs

​​

Rentals

You may need to establish credit in order to rent an apartment. Establishing credit may take a few months, so plan accordingly.

 

Tampa Bay CDC is a non-profit agency that is available at no cost to you. They will help you to establish credit and teach you how to maintain good credit. To reach a counselor at Tampa Bay CDC:

• 727-446-6222 (Pinellas)

• 813-849-1121 (Hillsborough)

• www.tampabaycdc.org

 

You can try to establish credit on your own by opening a store charge or line of credit. If you do this, MAKE SURE you don’t go over 40% of the amount of credit extended to you. Example: for a $100.00 line of credit, don’t charge more than $40.00. If you do, your credit will show up as bad. Start saving money! Most rentals require you to pay first and last months rent, and another month’s rent as a security deposit, all before you move in!

 

Once you establish credit, now you’ll want to obtain a list of available rentals. Visit Realtor.com and check out the rental section. You’ll be able to search by area of town, price, and number of bedrooms. Make sure if you own a pet (or are planning to get a pet), that you disclose that to your landlord. Many apartments don’t accept pets, and if they do, will charge a non-refundable pet fee. A typical pet fee is $250.00.

​​

​

Subsidized/Section 8 Housing

If you qualify for a section 8 rental, a government agency will subsidize your rent. Find out if you qualify for subsidized rent by checking with your local welfare office.

• Neighborhood Housing Service of St. Petersburg or Clearwater can help you find a rental or prepare you for Home ownership.

  • St. Pete NHS 727-821-6897

  • Clearwater NHS 727-442-4155

 

​

Household Budgeting

Are you having a hard time paying bills on time, or can’t seem to save enough money to get a car or furniture? There are experts who will help you figure out a plan, and there is no cost to get this credit counseling. Simply call Tampa Bay CDC to set up an appointment. To reach a counselor at Tampa Bay CDC:

• 727-446-6222 (Pinellas)

• 813-849-1121 (Hillsborough)

• www.tampabaycdc.org

​

​

Home Maintenance

​While living in foster care, you may not have had to worry about home maintenance and repairs. Living on your own, this is a skill you’ll have to learn. Speak to your landlord or housing provider to agree on what home maintenance each party will be responsible for as the need arises. It’s always a good idea to learn the basics of home maintenance and repair and how to react in an emergency situation.

There are several internet resources available:

• Youtube videos on multiple topics

• Home Maintenance Guide

 

​

Utilities

​When you move into a new home, many times you will need to have utilities hooked up. Before moving in, ask what utilities you’ll be required to provide and what will be provided for you. Once you know what utilities you’ll need to provide, call each company to learn what the hook up process.

Utility deposits are a big moving expense. Call each company to find out what you’ll have to pay as a deposit.

​

• Electric: Duke Energy (all Pinellas County): (727) 443-2641

• Water: ​

  • Pinellas County Utilities

  • City of St. Pete (727)-893-7341, Pinellas County (727)-464-4000; Pinellas Park (727) 541-0711; City of Clearwater (727) 562-4600​

• Gas: TECO People's Gas (727)-862-333​

• Cable & Internet: Spectrum (727) 329-5020; Verizon 1(800)-Verizon; Clear 4g Internet (727) 798-8132