Renting a home does have its upsides. For instance, as the tenant, you will not worry about home improvements though you are held liable for any damages to the property. You do not have to pay rental property taxes. Moreover, the most advantageous element in all of this is that you can move to another place when you find it convenient, be it at the end of your tenancy term or otherwise.
On the other side, you also have to appreciate several obligations and responsibilities that every renter has to honour when leasing a home. Given this, below are the must-dos that every tenant should know when renting a property.
Research the Neighbourhood before the Move
The fact that you are renting means you have a temporary residency. Based on this, make sure that you are not staying in the bad part of the city or town. Therefore, you need to thoroughly research the location to know a few things about the community and its residents so that you few confident about your safety when living in this new place.
Mindfully Read the Tenancy’s Terms
Every renter is familiar with the occupancy agreement that one should sign before moving into the property. However, you should comb through the lease contract before appending your signature. If possible, consider seeking the advice of a reputable realtor or a real estate attorney. Such professionals can go over the rent agreement to ensure the rules and clauses cover all the bases, which include, rent payment terms, pet policies, upkeep and maintenance expectations, the terms of breaking the lease.
Inspect the Property Carefully
If your rental terms included a mandatory but refundable security deposit, then you should document all pre-existing damages to the property before paying and moving into the home. Take photos to serve as proof and notify the proprietor of the same. Also, request the property owner to provide you with a move in/move out checklist. It should highlight the fundamental things that will be examined before and after your tenancy period to determine the costs you will shoulder and the much to be deducted from the deposit.
Obtain Renters Insurance Once You Move In
That new home may look perfect and sound, but you never know what will happen after you move in and settle. Some of the unexpected mishaps can prove to be quite costly. For instance, a natural disaster can strike soon after moving in, a burglary spree may ensue, or a fire can break out. That is why you should be ready for the unexpected by taking a renter’s insurance.
Automate the Bill Payments
Late rent payments can become a thorn in the wrong area for you, worse still if you forget to pay. If you are lucky enough to have a property owner that accepts digital money transfers via online banking, then set up automatic monthly payments to your proprietor. You will not have to worry about or forget to pay the rent, and it can also work for your utility bills.
Deep Cleaning the Property When Moving In
You should clean the home thoroughly when you are moving into the rental property. You do not know who clean the previous tenant was let alone when the place was last cleaned extensively. So, break your cleaning gear and get to it, cleaning everywhere from the ceiling to the walls and floors. Ensure you cover every inch of the place or if you are short on time you could look in to serviced apartments with House of Fisher who provide many services to ensure a great start.
Talk To the Landlord about Rules Regarding Customisation
You may not like the paint or wallpaper, or the bathroom cabinetry. Before you stay making any changes to the place, you should talk to the property owner about the renovations you want to make. If such customisation are necessary, it is wise to discuss such matters before you sign the tenancy agreement.
Try To Have A Good Relationship With The Landlord
Try your best to establish a meaningful relationship with the landlord; you can even become the best of friends. However, keep in mind that you are a tenant, and there is a business aspect in your relationship with the property owner. You should communicate as often as possible about issues related to the upkeep of the property. If you are in good terms with the proprietor, you even may be able to have your lease broken early or find a sub-letter for a short while as you make plans to move out. Overall, your efforts to establish a good relationship with the proprietor will be vital in having a positive rental experience during your tenancy period.