7 Important Things to Look for When Renting a House
Are you looking into renting a house but feeling overwhelmed with all the options available? Relax – we’re here to help. Renting a home can be daunting, from discerning between room-for-rent ads and finding an apartment or flat share to understanding what you should check for when touring potential homes.
Before signing on any dotted lines, tenants must understand their rights and the crucial factors they need to consider to ensure they’re getting the best possible living arrangement: one that is safe, secure, comfortable, and meets their needs.
While many factors go into deciding which property is right for you, vital features should be considered when viewing potential homes.
This blog post will give you some essential advice on what tenants should look out for when renting a house!
Check the Location
When looking at potential houses to rent, ensure they are close enough to your job, school, or other places of interest.
It would be great if it’s also near supermarkets, hospitals or any other essential amenities you may need. This also helps avoid long traffic jams, making life much easier. Consider the distance to public transport if you don’t have a car.
Additionally, ensure that the house is in a safe neighborhood with a low crime rate and your desired community atmosphere.
Make Sure There Is Enough Space
When renting a house, the size of your space is equally important. You want to ensure that the house you choose has enough room for your family members and all their belongings.
If it’s too small, it’s bound to feel cramped and uncomfortable. Make sure you measure each room and check the ceiling height before signing any rental agreement.
Inspect the Condition of the House
To avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that everything in the house is up to your standards, it’s essential to inspect the house’s condition before you sign a lease agreement.
Let’s have a look at the important things to look for when inspecting a house:
- Check for signs of water damage. Look in the basement, attic, around windows and doors, as well as areas where there is plumbing.
- Inspect the electrical wiring and outlets. Ensure they meet safety requirements and that all lights and outlets are in good condition.
- Look for pest infestations such as termites, ants, or other bugs. Check both the inside and outside of the house for any signs that pests may be present.
- Check the roof for any missing shingles, broken tiles, leaks, or damage from storms or strong winds.
Inquire About the Rental Agreement
The agreement should clearly define all the terms and conditions of the tenancy, including rent amounts, payment methods, occupancy limits, and pet policies. Knowing these details can help you avoid unexpected costs or surprises during your rental period.
Be sure to read through the lease carefully before signing and try to understand everything written in the contract. Ask questions if necessary to ensure you know all the terms and conditions. If there is any ambiguity in the rental agreement, remember to resolve it before signing.
It’s also important to verify who will be responsible for utilities like water and electricity. The landlord may provide these services or pass them on to the tenant. Additionally, ascertain who is responsible for any property damage that may occur during the lease.
Be aware of any additional fees charged for things such as late payments or exceeding occupancy limits.
Compare the Market Rates
You will always be happy comparing the rate before renting a house to ensure you get the best value for your money. Research the current market rates in the area you want to rent and ensure you are paying enough for a property. It is essential to understand typical rental prices in your desired location to determine if it is a good investment.
Research the Landlord/Property Manager Reputation
It would help if you always took the time to research the reputation of any potential landlord and property manager before you sign a lease. Look for reviews from past tenants, check with local consumer protection agencies, and ask people in your area who have rented from that person or company before.
This can give you an idea of what kind of landlord they are and if they will treat you fairly. Knowing the reputation ahead of time may save you a lot of exhaustion and frustration down the line.
Evaluate the Cost of Utilities
Another essential factor to consider when renting a house is the cost of utilities. These can add up quickly and can vary significantly from one property to another. Contact utility companies where you are looking for rental properties and get an estimate of what it will cost for electricity, water, garbage removal, etc., before signing any leases.
This way, you can factor the cost of utilities into your budget and ensure that you are taking on an appropriate expense that will be manageable for you to handle.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, there are a few things that you should look for when it comes to renting a house. Take the time to research landlord and property manager reputations, read through the lease agreement carefully before signing, know your rights and obligations as a tenant, and inspect the property thoroughly before moving in.
If this seems overwhelming, rely on the experts at Limehouse Property Management. We are a full service property management company, and our goal is to take the stress out of renting properties. We will ensure the property renting process is smooth and stress free! Get in touch with us to learn how we can serve you!