There are definitely numerous advantages to renting instead of owning. For example, you don’t need to worry about paying for any necessary improvements to the home that you’re living in. You also won’t be responsible for paying the property taxes on a rental home, which can be quite expensive. Renters also have the option to move at the end of the term of the lease, providing them with convenience and flexibility when it’s time to change locations. However, it’s important to be aware of the responsibilities that you have when you’re renting living space. Let’s look over this list of things to keep in mind as you move into your next rental home.
Carefully Evaluate the Area before Moving In
A rental isn’t a permanent residence. However, it’s no fun to be in an unsafe part of town, even if it’s only for a little while. Before you sign a lease, be sure that you completely research the area to make sure it’s a safe neighbourhood and the area is convenient.
Review the Lease
Take the time to carefully read the lease before you sign it. You may also want to have it looked over by an attorney to ensure that the document is fairly standard. Renting through an agency such as House of Fisher can also help with these issues. Be sure to carefully read the pet policy, any rules about cleaning and upkeep, how the landlord wants to rent to be paid, and what the penalty is for early termination of the lease.
Look over the Property
Are you providing a security deposit? If you’d like to get it back at the end of your lease, you should be sure to document any damage to the property that already exists. Take photos of the damage as well, and submit copies of them to the landlord. You may also want to see if the landlord offers a checklist of items to examine at move in and move out. These lists usually contain specific items that the landlord will review before you leave to check them for any damage that has been done to the property.
Purchase Rental Insurance
There’s no way to be sure what will happen when you rent a new residence. Even rentals in the safest areas can have unexpected problems. Unfortunate events like break-ins, theft, or fire can happen too often for your comfort, so it’s best to be prepared. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to purchase renter’s insurance to cover your belongings.
Arrange Automatic Bill Payment for Rent
The last thing you’ll want to do is wind up with a late fee on your rent, or accidentally forget to pay it entirely. If your landlord accepts payments via bank transfer, it may be best to take the time to set up a monthly bill payment automatically. This makes sure that you’ll never forget to pay your rent payment when it’s due. It also makes sure you have one fewer task to remember each month.
Deep Clean the Property
As you move into your new home, take the time to clean the entire house when you first arrive. You don’t know who was living in the home before you, or what kind of housekeeping schedule they kept. There’s no way to know about the last time the house was cleaned well. So, gather your cleaning supplies and get ready to mop, scrub, and vacuum before you move in your furniture.
Speak with the Landlord about Customisation Rules
Do you absolutely despise the shade of paint on the bathroom walls? Would you love to get rid of the floral wallpaper in the kitchen? Before you take a roller to the wall, you’ll need to speak with the property owner and find out what the lease says about customising the property. If you feel that they’re vitally important, you may want to talk about any changes you’d like to make before you sign the lease.
Maintain a Positive Relationship with the Landlord
Although there’s no need to try to be best friends, it’s important to try to keep a civil relationship with your landlord. This will help make it easier to manage any issues that you have with the property, but it will also make the landlord easier to work with in the future if you have issues, need to break the lease, need to be late on a payment, etc. Maintaining a positive relationship with your landlord will, in fact, go a very long way towards making your rental experience the best that it can be.