As you may know, not all properties are the same and not all rental agreements are worth your signature. However, you can locate a decent place to live and one that won’t set you back financially. Let’s consider some tips on finding a decent place to live.
Rental Ads
You review the ads in your Sunday newspaper or online postings, and list after list of homes are available for rent. By limiting your selection to areas you want to live, you cross off homes that are small, too big, very expensive, or just not right.
When all has been said and done you have narrowed your list to seven or eight rentals with the hardest work now before you.
Your List
After calling each place and talking with the landlord you narrow the list down further when you learn that pets are not accepted or too much deposit money is required. From there, you have a list of five places that you want to see.
Now what? Well, if you now have your appointments in place you can do the following:
Drive by each home to determine if it is in a neighborhood you believe you can live in. If not, scratch that home from your list.
Home Considerations
Visit each home and be prepared to take mental notes of each place. Some questions you will ask yourself:
- Are the rooms large enough? You need enough room for your furniture.
- Does the bathroom come with a tub and a shower or just a shower stall?
- Is the kitchen clean and do the appliances work? Every home should come with a refrigerator and a stove. A microwave and a dishwasher are bonuses.
- Does the home have modern fixtures? The electrical system must be up to date and within code requirements.
- Has the place been painted? If not, will the landlord give you an allowance to paint?
- Are the floors, wall, and ceilings in good repair? If carpeting is in place, is it clean and in good condition?
- Are the doors secure and dead bolted? What kind of security system is in place?
- Are the windows airtight? Drafty windows mean higher utility bills.
These and so many other questions must be answered before proceeding.
Cost Considerations
Now let’s say that you like the place; there are some more questions you need to ask yourself:
- What is the rent?
- Can you afford the monthly payments?
- Will the landlord require the first and last month’s rent plus deposit?
- Will you need to sign a lease or is month to month sufficient?
If you lease, is the contract straightforward or will an attorney be necessary to help you sift through the agreement?
Home Work
Renting any property is a drawn-out process. By the time you answer each question, you should be able to confidently find a home that is right for you.
See Also — 11 Reasons Why Renting Can be Better than Owning a Home
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