Although many homeowners won’t hesitate to espouse the benefits of owning, there are numerous perks to going the rental route. Not being tethered to a mortgage, the ability to relocate on short notice and having property maintenance handled by a landlord are just a few of the advantages that renting has over purchasing. However, this isn’t to say that all rental homes are created equal. So, the next time you find yourself on the hunt for a suitable rental, take care to consider the following factors.
Location
It isn’t hard to see why people who work in real estate often emphasize location over the size or condition of properties. After all, a home that’s lacking in size and/or amenities can still fetch a handsome price if it’s found in a desirable, in-demand area. Conversely, a property with abundant space and ample amenities may not be able to command a good price if it’s in an undesirable area.
From a buyer or renter’s perspective, location is important for other reasons. For example, if you’re looking to avoid a cumbersome commute, you should limit your options to homes that are located within easy walking or driving distance from your place of business. Furthermore, if you have children, it stands to reason that you’d want a home that’s located in a good school district. Luckily, people looking for homes for rent in Atascocita, TX should have no trouble finding a plethora of attractive options.
Condition of the Property
It’s hardly unusual for a rental property that’s had previous occupants to have a little bit of pre-existing damage. Small wall dents, tile cracks and carpet stains are all examples of common forms of pre-existing damage. If you find such damages unsightly, request that the landlord fix them before you move in. You can even make this a prerequisite for your tenancy. Even if you don’t mind living with minor damage, make a point of documenting and photographing any problems you come across before moving in, as this will prevent you from being blamed for them when you move out.
Of course, this isn’t to say that you should be okay with all forms of pre-existing damage. For instance, if a rental home has mold, major plumbing issues, electrical problems, structural damage or any combination thereof, this should be taken as a red flag.
Regardless of how new or well-maintained a rental home is, it’s a good idea to purchase renters insurance. Unlike homeowners insurance, these policies are designed specifically for renters and can protect you in the event of theft, break-in or visitor injury.
Cost of Rent
Unsurprisingly, cost of rent is the first thing many of us take into account when seeking out rental homes. To help ensure that you don’t get overcharged, make a point of researching rental prices in the area to which you’ll be moving. This will give you a good idea of what you can expect and help prevent you from signing an exorbitantly expensive lease.
Additionally, try to limit your options to homes with rents that you can comfortably afford. For example, if your monthly rent eats up the bulk of your income, you may have trouble paying for other basic necessities – not to mention hobbies and leisure activities.
Reliability of the Landlord
As any renter can attest, not all landlords are equally obliging. While some are perfectly willing to address problems with their properties in a timely and professional manner, others leave a lot to be desired. So, before entering into a rental agreement with a new landlord, take care to do some online research. Reading reviews and testimonials from both current and former tenants should provide you with a solid understanding of a landlord’s business practices and general approach to tenants’ needs.
Seeking out a suitable rental home can be equal parts exciting and frustrating. While the prospect of finding a brand-new residence is certainly exhilarating, navigating a plethora of options is liable to overwhelm certain rental seekers. Fortunately, provided you know exactly what to look for, you should be able to dramatically narrow your options and find the right rental in a timely and stress-free manner. So, if the ideal rental home is what you’re after, remember to take the previously discussed factors into careful consideration.
