6 Things to Consider When Renting for the First Time
Are you considering renting your first place? If so, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Renting can be an excellent option for those who don’t want to commit to buying a home or who aren’t ready to do so yet.
However, it’s important to ensure you’re choosing the right place and getting the best deal possible. Here are six tips to help you rent smarter and avoid surprises down the road. Happy house hunting!
Always Rent Through an Agency
One of the first considerations you’ll need to make when renting for the first time, which also happens to be one of the most important, is whether or not you’ll rent through an agency. In all honesty, it is better to be on the safe side and rent through an agency, especially if it is your first time renting.
When you rent through an agency, you can rest assured that everything will be done by the book, and your rights will be adhered to. In addition, when looking for a property to rent in Brighton, with an agency, you will gain access to many options that you would otherwise not have access to.
Consider Your Needs
The next thing you must consider when renting for the first time is your needs. When considering this, there are many things to think about. For example, are you going to be working from home? Then the apartment or house needs to have a room that can be used as an office.
Similarly, do you have pets, or do you want pets? If so, the apartment or house must be pet-friendly and have a garden.
Ensure That You Have Budgeted Accordingly
One of the most important things you will need to do when renting for the first time is to ensure that you have budgeted accordingly. You might be under the impression that budgeting isn’t that important just because you aren’t buying a house.
For example, you will need to ensure you have enough to pay for the deposit and the first month’s rent. More importantly, if you don’t have furniture, you need to make sure you have enough money for that. Does the house or apartment come with a stove or oven? You might need to pay for that and other appliances and services, such as a microwave, alarm systems, internet, and more.
Understand What is Required of You
Another important thing you’ll need to consider when renting for the first time is what will be required of you as a tenant. Different landlords have different expectations and rules. For example, some landlords might not allow you to hang anything on the walls. Some landlords might instruct that any loud noise be stopped by 9 pm, whereas others might expect you to pay for a lawn trimming service.
Pets may be prohibited by some landlords. If you plan to rent an apartment with your pet, talk to your landlord about your history as a responsible pet parent. Reference letters will be helpful. Describe how your pets have been trained with good behavior. Provide your landlord with essentials such as training pee pads, water-proof diapers for cats or dogs, and a secure crate. A veterinarian’s endorsement is the most important thing to show that your pet is healthy and doesn’t spread diseases.
Finding out exactly what is required of you will make a big difference in your experience renting the property. The last thing you want is to sign a contract with a landlord that is too strict or
doesn’t care at all.
Take Notes During Inspection
One thing you’ll definitely need to do before signing any contract would be to take notes during the inspection. Some landlords take advantage of first-time renters by charging them for damages that existed before the tenants moved in.
To avoid any unnecessary money being removed from your deposit, you should take notes and photographic evidence during the inspection. This will allow you to request repairs for anything that is broken before you move in as well as to be able to dispute any claims on your deposit.
Parking Needs
Finally, the last thing you will need to consider renting for the first time would be your parking needs. Do you have a car? Then you will need to find out if there is parking at the premises and what that entails; a fenced-in parking lot, a garage, or undercover parking?
You will also need to consider whether or not you will have friends or family visiting since they will need somewhere to park. If you have a big, active family, a place without parking won’t work.
- by Matt Watts
