House rental agencies know that deciding on a rental property is a big decision. Depending on the location, there may be many factors to consider including property type, location, and rental cost. However, with proper planning and attention to detail, it is possible to narrow down the choices and find the best rental property for each person’s wants and needs.
House Rental Agencies Tips to Find the Best Rental Property
Always visit in person: in the modern world, it’s easy to find pictures of a property on the internet and social media. However, if at all possible, a renter should visit a property in person to both confirm what they have seen and check for things that don’t show up in pictures such as leaking sinks (or other upkeep issues), overgrown landscaping, and unappealing neighbors.
Research the surrounding area: there is more to a rental property than just the property itself. The location is very important in terms of access to shopping centers and other local businesses, schools, parks and main roads as well as public transit. Other factors such as crime rates, school ratings and the rental market within the neighborhood are also important.
Use a broker: finding the right rental property can be very time-consuming. Rental brokers can do a lot of the groundwork to find viable rental property options that falls within your parameters. Let the broker know about your must-have list including price range and proximity to businesses, etc. Because rental brokers are paid by referral fees from landlords they are a no-cost solution and a valuable option.
The roommate question: For many renters, having a roommate is an unavoidable reality. Before agreeing to a lease with a roommate consider their lifestyle and habits. For example, a roommate who has a very active social life is not a problem for some while for others it is an inconvenience. Also, a potential roommate’s conduct and ability to pay the rent on time should be taken into consideration. While renting is often a financially driven decision, a bad roommate situation is often not worth the hassle to save some money.
Budget: an important aspect of finding the right rental property is affordability. Rental properties range in cost from comparatively inexpensive to upscale with several different amenities being offered. It is important to note that affordable should not mean run-down or unsafe. Staying within budget ensures that monthly payments will be made on time and finances won’t be overextended.
Read the paperwork: the last step before signing any lease agreement is to read it carefully. Most landlords have standards of behavior they expect from tenants concerning a variety of matters such as noise levels, and general behavior. The landlord should also outline the services they expect to provide to renters including upkeep and emergency maintenance calls. Knowing exactly what the contract says can prevent costly situations and frustration later on.
Renting a property is an important decision as it affects where a person lives. It is not something that should be rushed or reviewed solely from a financial viewpoint. Care should be taken to spend enough time doing research, checking properties, and asking questions before agreeing to any lease contract. By being careful throughout the process, several potential problems can be avoided.
Son-Rise Property Management has been serving the property management needs of Bellingham and Whatcom County since 1996. Contact us today to see how we can help you find a rental property for your family or manage your rental properties.
