Whether you are considering renting an apartment, a single-family house, or townhome, or maybe you want to live in the city or in the suburbs, keep in mind that you are going to spend a long time searching online and driving around to see what is best for you.
Having in mind, and on paper, everything you want will avoid many headaches in your rental process. So, let’s see what’s important to know!
1. Attention to details
Decide what you need — how many bedrooms, bathrooms, a big kitchen or you’re ok if it’s a small one. Being very clear about what your necessities are you can avoid the listings that are not targeting your needs.
Another point here is to know where you want to live and make sure the neighborhood is safe. Someone that is selling a home will tell you it is safe, so our tip here is to make your own search, visit the area at different times, and talk to people to know more about the community.
2. Amenities
Every renter has their must-have amenities beyond the basics, like heating and kitchen appliances. The most popular ones people look for are air conditioners, in-unit laundry, big closets, ample storage, and private outside spaces.
In addition, nice amenities to have are recent renovations, hardwood floor, renovated bathroom, upgraded kitchen, and lots of windows. You can have more than that, and shared spaces should be included in the listing too, like a pool, fitness center, rooftop deck, rooms for hanging out, etc.
3. Potentially problematic policies
What is a dealbreaker for you? The listing should disclose any potential dealbreakers for you. For example, ask about rules about pets, the maximum number of people that can live in the property, noise, smoking policies, parking, and have all of this clear.
Another thing that is very important about the maintenance of the property. The listing should have this information, if it is the landlord or a company that does the maintenance. Who can you call when something happens? So, keep this very transparent for you to avoid problems in the future.
4. Clearly described costs
It is essential to have all the costs very clear. Everything you need to pay has to be shown in the listing. If not, an affordable dream home can turn into an expensive nightmare.
Here are some of the costs: What is the monthly rent? How much of a deposit is required, and is any of it refundable? Are there any one-time moving fees? Is there a pet fee or monthly charge? Does parking cost extra? Who pays for utilities?
Pay attention to all the details to not be surprised by any hidden costs.
5. Photos
It might not look so attractive, but it will make a huge difference in your search to have high quality, current photos and from many angles of the property. They should be from the actual property not from a show unit, so make sure the landlord or the real estate agent it is showing where you are actually going to live.
Once you find the listings that include all these, you’re ready to start. Make sure all your necessities are met, identify the dealbreakers, visit the properties to know if they’re really what you saw online, and enjoy your new home!
