Renting is already a super competitive and cutthroat process. On top of this, finding the rental of your dreams is very difficult. From budgets to location and speed, the rental process and journey isn’t an easy one. Here are some of our tips to bag your dream rental.
Understand Your Budget
Finances are paramount, and nobody would like to be in a stressful financial situation later down the line. Avoid listings that are out of your budget and be realistic about your expectations from the start of the search.
Before starting the rental process, assess your finances (income and outgoings), and factor in things such as utility bills, entertainment and savings.
Be sure to enquire about utilities from early on, as some energy providers may have set costs for certain areas.
Location, Location, Location
Location will be pivotal in the search for a rental. It helps to establish where you want to be located quite early on. It allows you to take the time and explore the area in more detail throughout your search.
Make a list of things that are important to you when searching. If you have children, you’d need to be in a certain school district and catchment. Would you like to be very close to work, or do you not mind commuting?
Be Prepared & Professional
Learn as much as you can about the rental process and all the details you need to provide in order for it to go smoothly. Another important part of the process is coming across as professional. So, when you attend a scheduled walk-through or open house, treat it a bit like an interview and come across well.
It also helps to visit the neighborhood at various times throughout the day and make a note any differences–this can be especially important if you completed your original walk-through during work hours on a weekday.
Lastly, review your lease agreement thoroughly and don’t be afraid to ask for clarifications. As a lease agreement is a legal document, it pays to be certain of all the responsibilities you hold along with your landlord.
Establishing a good Landlord-Tenant Relationship
Throughout the rental process, you’ll be communicating with the landlord directly or a property manager, don’t be afraid to utilize these discussions!
Ask questions to get an idea of what type of person the landlord is. Some of these questions can include: how they respond to emergency repairs, or their plans for upkeep can shed light on their future dealings with you should you become a resident.
Read our previous blog post here: Should I Add Smart Home Devices to My Rental?