The slow economy may have strained NIU’s budget, but the housing market for NIU students remains resilient.

Rental agencies have exercised various tactics to keep customers coming in for their housing needs in spite of the looming economic state.

Each rental agency in DeKalb has its own array of options to provide housing for students and residents.

Star Properties is one local realtor noting the increased business.

Sosnowski said part of Star’s success is because of higher enrollment at NIU, which means a greater need for housing.

Star management secretary Sylvia Mascote said the main contributor to drawing in students was its upkeep of both upscale and affordable housing developments. Star rents out about 450 units per year.

Mason Properties has kept its leasing on track.

Property manager Jessica Saber expects that Mason will be sold out for fall by mid-August.

Laing Management reported business as normal this fiscal year, renting roughly 200 units per year; A&D management is sold out for the fall.