Property rental is often overlooked as the part of real estate realm. Many people take it as a common practice, but people hardly consider it a serious part of the whole house-hunting process.
Primarily because renting can be more restrictive because you can’t change many parts of the building. Some landlords may not even allow tenants to change the wall paint or even get new furniture.
5 Things You Must Check Before Renting
If it’s your first time renting any property, we have you covered. Here are the five crucial things you must check before you sign the rental document.
- Plumbing and HVAC
It is crucial that you understand the plumbing situation in the property. Check if it’s properly insulated considering you will be renting the place for at least a couple of months. You also must check if you can make adjustments to fix any issue you may find. Some landlords may put it as your responsibility, and others may take it as theirs.
- Location and Neighborhood
Even though you only rent the property, you need to check if it’s the best location for you. For example, if you move because of work, make sure that the rental is close to your office. This must be one of your priorities in choosing the rental.
- Cost of Living
The overall living cost in each city differs from one another. Make sure that the destination city is close to where you’re from. A different cost of living can be very surprising and make it difficult for you to adjust your new income with expenses.
It also will affect your ability to pay for rent until the lease is through. Don’t forget that most rental clauses put the termination clause for missing payment.
- Rental Clause
It’s crucial that you check the rental clause closely. And don’t be afraid to raise any issues you notice in the clause. You are the customer here and you have the right to know what you’re getting into.
The rental clause can be tricky because it has law lingo and can be difficult to understand. You can check out some document examples first to know what you can and cannot have in the clause.
- Moth and other infestations
It doesn’t matter where you live, infestation is a serious issue. Even more so when you move to a new location you never know before. Warm climates tend to have worse moth infestation. But it doesn’t mean the cold ones can’t have the same issue.
If you’re renting a house, you must check the whole property in person. Any crack and sign of infestation must be addressed immediately.
The renting process can take a while, but it’s quicker than buying a house. However, you need to personally check the property before signing the rental agreement. It will help you to know if the property is as good as in the pictures.You may not know much about the real estate market. But you can be assured that you understand how to choose the best property to rent.