Renting an apartment or a house is an excellent option if you can’t afford to buy a house now. You can quickly find a rental home where you can have a peaceful time with your family. Moving to your new apartment or home is undoubtedly very exciting, but finding the perfect house or flat which matches your needs and expectations can be challenging. You will have to hunt for the ideal house with a good location, live by the home owner’s rules, negotiate the rent, etc. So, to make your task easier, we have compiled the essential information on what to know when renting a house or apartment. After you find the ideal home, you can move in by hiring home shifting services and have a comfortable stay.

Know Upfront Cost and Set a Budget

Upfront Cost and Set a Budget

When you move into a new rented home or apartment, you will be spending a lot of money such as security deposit, logistic charges, brokerage fees, and sometimes paying the first month’s rent in advance. So, plan accordingly, so that you can cover the upfront cost. It is best to set a budget to know how much you can afford to pay. There are times when you will also be forced to compromise on a bigger apartment or house in a well-developed area. So, make sure it is worth spending more on that property.

Research the Location

Research the Location

One of the essential things to do before renting a house or an apartment is to check the neighborhood and the location. Many people ignore this crucial step and sign the agreement without researching the neighborhood. It’s important to know about the area of your future home is up to par with your expectations. Make sure that this apartment or house has all the amenities nearby like schools, gyms, hospitals, grocery stores, etc. Know the accessible route of transport from this area to your workplace or college/school. It is best to visit the location before signing the lease so you can cross-check the furniture where the property for rent is furnished, electrical outlets, and other areas of the property. Paying a visit to the apartment or house helps in clearing confusion that may take place between you and the landlord.

See also  Moving During COVID-19: Quick Tips to Plan A Safe Move During Pandemic!

Know what is Included in the Rent

what is Included in the Rent

Ask the landlord of the house or apartment whether the rent amount is inclusive of utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi or not. You can estimate the cost of utilities each month, or you can ask your landlord what other tenants pay with their monthly rent. Knowing this beforehand will help you prepare the monthly budget accordingly. You will clearly understand how much you will have to spend on your rent and utilities every month.

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance and Repairs

Make sure to discuss who is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the house/apartment before signing the lease agreement. Some landlords cover the maintenance and repairs, and other times you have to pay the bill. If there is any damage to the property, it is best to inform your landlord immediately instead of procrastinating.

Discuss Rent and Due Dates

Discuss Rent and Due Dates

When you choose to rent over buying a property, you don’t have to worry about the down payments. Renting your home or apartment is less costly in the short term, but you must remember that most landlords ask for the first month or a few months’ rent in advance. So, before signing the lease, consider this crucial point to check the affordability of this house. You can negotiate the numbers to make it more affordable. Also, don’t forget to discuss the security deposit and how you should pay it. Ask the landlord what date the rent should be paid and the accepted payment modes. This way, you can pay the rent at the right time.

Know About the Landlord

About the Landlord

Another essential thing to know before renting a flat or house is about your landlord. Knowing how to deal with your landlords is crucial so that you can have a comfortable stay at your new home. So, check the previous records of the owners with their previous tenants. Know if they are strict and if it will be hard to negotiate with them.

Ask About Pets

About Pets

Your furry friends are part of your family too, which is why you must ensure that your house/or flat is pet-friendly. There are various flats or houses for rent that do not allow pets and some do with restrictions, such as type, breed, or number of pets. Before you go ahead and sign the rental agreement, talk to your homeowner whether they allow keeping pets to avoid arguments when you move in.

See also  Choose IBA Approved Packers & Movers For Safer Relocation in India!

Ask for Written Agreement

Written Agreement

It is crucial to ask your house or flat owner for a written contract to be safe from misunderstandings. Both parties should sign the contract, and the landlord must keep the original and give you a photocopy. If you do not receive a written agreement and it’s still in process, the landowner can ask you to leave at any time. So, remember to ask for the written agreement, which is one of the essential things to do before moving into a rental house.

New Landlord

New Landlord

Another essential thing to know before renting a flat is if your landlord decides to sell the house or flat you stay in, the tenancy will continue and will be assigned to the new landlord. The new house owner then has to follow the terms of the agreement. And, if he or she wishes to make any change, a new agreement has to be made.

Take Security Deposit When You Move Out

Security Deposit When You Move Out

When moving out, remember to collect the security deposit a couple of days before, as landlords sometimes do not return the money on time. You can ask them to pay a visit to the house and measure the damages caused by you or a family member. They will then deduct the amount from the security deposit to repair the damages.

Some Questions to Ask Your Landlord

Here are some of the basic questions which you can ask your landlord before moving into a rental flat or house:

  • When is the rent due date?
  • How safe is the building?
  • Does the house have a gas pipeline?
  • What are the rules for visitors?
  • How much of the security deposit is refundable?
  • Are there any restrictions?
  • How much notice do I need to give before vacating the flat/house?

Those are the essential guidelines and things to know before renting an apartment or house. Now you will have a complete idea of how to search for a rental flat or house and what to do before signing the paperwork. Once you have decided on the property you want to move in, you can hire professional packers and movers in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, or the location where you reside and have a comfortable and relaxed home relocation.

Pratiksha Priya
Latest posts by Pratiksha Priya (see all)