FACTS TO REMEMBER BEFORE RENTING A HOME

We see your tenancy contract has come to an end and you sit there wondering how to start your hunt for a rental apartment. We understand it is a little overwhelming. And to have to move out of a house, you built into a home for months, if not years, is also a tad bit crushing. All you need are a few critical efforts here and there, and you are all set with a newly rented apartment, ready to start life afresh.
But what are these critical efforts? When you go down hunting for a newly rented apartment, you need to remember a few essential factors. We know finding an apartment to an individual’s liking is very difficult, which is why we highlight these essential facts that you need to keep in mind before you decide to rent an apartment.
So, without further ado, let’s dig right in!
- Look into how much advance and deposit needs payment:
- You will have a budget in mind for rent you can afford and are willing to pay. And indeed, you will pick out apartments that fall under your budget range. You may forget to ask the landlord beforehand about the advance and deposit money that they may require. An advance is a month, or two’s rent received ahead just as a security if the tenant vacates without paying. On the other hand, a deposit is an amount of money that the landlord keeps against any damages that may happen to the property. Generally, the amount equals a month’s rent. However, it is better to question before choosing a house.
- Explore the neighborhood:
If you are someone who loves peace, it will be a bummer to find out that the apartment you just rented is three doors down to a construction site. Therefore, it is best to conduct thorough research around the area and see if you find anything that makes you want to decide otherwise. It is essential to explore the neighborhood because even though the rented apartment is temporary housing, you will still have to put up with it for months, if not years.
- Examine the house:
The house may look impeccable, and you may entirely fall in love with it at first sight. However, inspections are still necessary. Examining the house before you rent is imperative since it lets you see any hidden defects or damages that the landlord may not have informed you about. In such a case, you can discuss these issues with your landlord ahead of time and get them fixed before you move in. Also, inspections allow the onus of the damages to be on the landlord rather than you.
- Inspect the furniture and appliances:
While you are examining the house for defects, do not forget to inspect the furniture and appliances. If it is a furnished apartment, it is better to explore these things in advance and inform the landlord if they are not working correctly. You should also discuss the procedure of getting repairs for these items with the owner if they break down.
- Test the water taps and showers:
Do you know what is worse than a noisy neighborhood? A slow drizzling shower. When you are running late for work and have to wash that soap off you, a low water pressure becomes the bane of your life. And this is why we advise you to check the water pressure, taps, and bathroom showers for their adequate functionality.
- Define the responsibility for maintenance:
Every house needs constant maintenance to keep it clean and functioning. Under a tenancy arrangement, the maintenance expense could either fall on the landlord or the tenant. It pretty much depends on the contract set, and therefore, it is best to define such responsibilities in advance. Ask if you would be responsible for the maintenance and, if yes, how this may affect your rent schedule.
- Study the contract:
Read anything before signing it. Once you sign, you become obligated by the contract. Therefore, remember to thoroughly study the tenancy contract and do not shy away from asking questions. It would help if you demanded clarification for any confusion as soon as possible. Read each clause in detail and remember to put forward any concerns that you may have regarding any given clause before you sign the contract.
Conclusion:
Before renting an apartment, make sure you satisfy all your reservations and not miss out on anything. It is better to have a detailed discussion with the landlord before renting the apartment so that both parties are on the same page. It will prevent any conflicts along the line and will ensure that your tenancy agreement is stress-free. Remember the pointers mentioned above, and we are optimistic that your hunt for a new apartment will be smooth and trouble-free.