Things To Consider Before Renting A House

Posted on: 3 December 2019

Renting a home can be a great idea for those who are new to an area and want to get to know the community before purchasing, or for people who are not ready to buy a house but want more room than an apartment, townhome, or condominium can provide. If you are planning on renting a home, it can be very helpful to work with an experienced real estate agent who can assist you in looking for homes for rent and walk you through the process. Before you sign a lease to rent a home, always consider the following things.

Location

The majority of homes for rent require at least a one-year lease agreement, so it is essential to find a house in a convenient area. Always think about your commute to work — renting a house to live in can be exciting, but the excitement will wear off, and most people do not enjoy spending hours a week in their car driving to and from work. If you have children, you will also want to think about the school district the house is located in, as well as the reputation of the assigned elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Monthly Rent

Rent is usually one of the most expensive bills a household pays each month, so it is important to know exactly how much you will have to pay before you sign a lease. In addition to the rent amount, also find out what type of security deposit is required to be paid before moving in. If you have pets, find out if the landlord charges a monthly pet rent or requires an additional security deposit. It is also important to know what the rent amount includes — in some cases rent may include the cost of some or all of the utilities, while in other cases a tenant may be responsible for setting up and paying utility accounts.

Walkthrough

When you find a home for rent that you are very interested in, it is well worth your time to view it more than once and do a thorough walkthrough. Pay close attention to how well it has been taken care of and maintained. It is in your best interest to rent a home that has obviously been well cared for — it shows that the landlord takes pride in their investment, and any issues that may arise during your rental term will most likely be repaired promptly.

For more information about renting a home, contact a company like ABA Rental Properties Inc.

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