Chico State virtual semester causing concerns for landlords

Chico State's transition to online classes is causing concern for some local landlords.

Topped the list of troubles in chico -- but with the university going virtual... that's all about to change.

Action news now reporter kristian lopez is live in chico.

Kristian, will the campus shutdown impact rental prices in the coming months?

Some landlords tell me they plan on lowering rent while others don't.

David halimi owns houses and duplexes and rents to some students in town.

He says some students had already signed leases and made plans to move here before the university switched to online classes and some still plan on moving to chico.

However, he says if there's uncertainty about the spring semester things could change.

I think there will be a lot of vacancies and prices will come down to attract the few who are looking for places, but by then hopefully we have everything out of control and classes are back in person and we shouldn't have a bleep in the market.

Another landlord who owns houses right across the street from the university told me they are alread* planning on lowering their rent.

He says students had signed leases and opted out but he's still getting calls from parents and students who still plan on moving here.

I reached out to about a dozen apartment complexes near the university, most refused to comment.

Live in chico kristian lopez action news now coverage you can count on.

### the chico state president and other university officials take part in a covid-19 related town and gown meeting tonight... with chico vice maor alex brown and city council member randall stone.

The zoom meeting will focus on the economic impact of the coronavirus on the city of chico.

The director of off-campus student services at chico state, will also provide updates on student housing.

Viewers of the zoom call are invited to submit questions.

We have a link to how you can access the zoom meeting, at action news now.com.###