What Are The Things You Need To Look For When Searching for the Perfect Rental Property?

The ideal rental property is out there, and to find it, you need to go over several aspects of the home and its surroundings with a fine-toothed comb. In this post, we will help you in your search by narrowing down some key things to look out for as you look at rental properties.

Location

For many, the location makes the deal or breaks it. Despite this, some renters may not have a good idea of their ideal location. One way to figure out your perfect location is to answer these questions:

• Do you want to live in the life of the city, away from the hustle and bustle, or somewhere in the middle?
• What would you like to see when you open your window every morning? A shoreline? A city? A forest?
• What are five nearby locations you can’t live without? For example, parks, shopping centres, restaurants, etc.
• What are your deal breakers? Some renters will not check every single item off their perfect location, but they may avoid specific deal-breakers if they do their research. For example, you may not want to live in an area that lacks high-speed Internet access.
• If you currently have children or plan on having children, what school district would be the best for your child? How close is the property to the school?

Amenities

When renting, the space you’re going to lay your pillow down to rest in is essential, but so are its amenities. For many renters, the amenities can make the cost of renting worth it, significantly if they can save on other aspects of life. So here are a few general questions to ask yourself when looking for the best location:

• Do I need to have a gym? Some rental properties come with a fitness centre, which can work for a casual fitness lover. However, someone more into fitness may be searching for a bigger location.
• What about other sporting areas? Do you want a pool? A tennis court? Something else entirely?
• Parking is another vital amenity. Some rental properties have assigned spots, while others have a first-come, first-serve system. Some properties allow anyone to park, while others have a strict permit system with specific places for visitors. Other properties may not have on-premises parking but will have parking on a sidewalk. The need for this may depend on if you drive and how often.
• Does the property have an area for pets? For example, some apartment complexes may have a park or other location where you can walk them.

Property Features

As a renter, you need to explore the property and see if it’s to your taste. Not only that but there are several things to keep in mind when you’re looking, which include:

• The age of the property. Some renters will want newer buildings or at least renovated rooms. If the property feels old, this may lead to repairs and other issues, which can be a hassle. While most rental properties offer free maintenance, it’s still annoying for a renter to have to call them frequently.
• What about appliances? Most rental properties include the basics, but some will not include appliances such as microwaves and other specific kitchen essentials. Also, how old are these appliances? Some rental homes will have older appliances that lack features, while others can have the newest appliances with the latest tech.
• Going on from this, what about the washer and dryer setup? Some rental properties may include a washer and dryer, while others have the hook-ups for them, but you must purchase the washer and dryer yourself. Finally, some properties may have an on-sight laundry room to pay for each use.
• If you’re in an apartment complex, how thick are the walls? Can you hear the other tenants? Can you be noisy and not disturb others?
• How much space does the property have? Some smaller properties may have ways to make it feel better, such as an open floor plan or having windows to make the area look more spacious to the average renter. This sentiment also applies to outdoor spaces, such as a patio.

Other Policies

Let’s discuss several other policies that you may want to see in your rental property:

• Pet-friendliness. Depending on if you have pets, you’ll want a rental property that allows them and has a fair policy. For example, some rental properties will allow pets for a one-time deposit, while others may add a bit on your rent each month.
• Paying rent. Some properties will make it easier by having online payment, while others are a little more old-fashioned and only accept a check in the office during business hours. In that case, what happens when the date for payment is on an off day? Are there any late fees?
• Quiet hours. If you are in an apartment complex, what are their policies on noise after certain hours?
• How is the maintenance system? Is it easy to make a request? Does the maintenance team answer promptly? What about emergency cases?
• If there’s an outdoor area, what are their policies on outdoor activities such as barbecuing, children playing, and similar activities? Do they allow them, allow them with exceptions, or don’t allow them at all?
• When will the property be ready for moving in? This question can make or break your experience, especially if you need to move during a particular time.

Conclusion

Choosing a rental property does require careful research, especially if you’re looking for a place to call home. You may want to hire a good real estate agent to ensure that you choose the best property for you. In addition, ZFC Real Estate can help when you have questions about the properties in the area you’re looking to move to, among other inquiries. Contact us for more information about our services.

Millie Archer

Millie is a perfectionist with a passion for property and writing articles. You’ll find her researching the latest housing trends and the newest up and coming areas worth investing in. Read more about Millie here.