Considerations to Make Before Renting a House for the First Time

• Author: Mary Singleton
• Posted: 2022-11-14

Moving into a new house can be exciting and challenging in equal measure. You need a house with specific features, price, and neighborhood, but you are unsure if the real estate agent will locate such for you. If you rent a house for the first time, you will have added responsibilities. You will now have to pay the bills, buy food, and other expenses you might not be catering to while living with your parents.

However, before renting a house, it is essential to ensure you are doing things the right way to avoid the need to relocate after staying in it for one or two months. Here are the considerations you should make as a first-time renter:
 

The period the Property Owner Has Rented It Out

As you may be aware, the property market can be unpredictable because of fluctuations in prices and value. That can make locating the perfect house in your preferred locality challenging. However, it would be best if you didn't rent a home before asking how long it has been on the rental market. If you find a house that has been listed several times, there must be a reason why it is still on the market.
 

Has the House Undergone a Major Maintenance?

The other thing you need to ask the agent is if the property owner has done significant building or maintenance work on the house. If the property hasn't had such works in the past, you may need to spend your cash on minor issues arising during the rental period.
 

How Much Rent Will You Pay Each Month?

Once you identify a rental house with your desired features, ask the agent or property owner what you'll be paying each month for planning purposes. They will provide you with the amounts you'll need to pay for agency fees, rent deposits, taxes, insurance, and utility bills. That will let you know whether you can afford the amount to avoid financial problems and future conflicts.
 

Check the Property's Neighborhood

While searching for a rental house, research about the locality before deciding on a particular one. It would be frustrating to learn certain things concerning a place after you have already moved in.

You can ask your agent about this since they are conversant with several neighborhoods and can provide the answers you need and help you locate a house in a safe place. Additionally, consider going to the area and speaking to some neighbors to get a feel of the situation. Such people will give you a clear picture of what to expect because they already live in your desired area.
 

Find Out the period You'll Stay in the Rented House

Before moving into any rental property, please find out the exact period you should spend in it. The property owner should include that in the rental agreement, which you will sign before moving in. However, you may request the property owner to extend the rental agreement before the rental period lapses.
 

Ask the Landlord or Agent about an Item Damage Agreement

However much you may enjoy living in a particular rented house, it is essential to remember you are not its owner. Before moving in, ask the property owner for a damage agreement. Also, take pictures of the property's condition before renting it, give copies to the property owner and retain some since you will need them when moving out. Additionally, document the house's condition at the end of the tenancy period to avoid paying for items you didn't damage.
 

Inquire If You Can Decorate the House

As a first-time renter, you must be excited about decorating the new house to your liking. However, it would be best if you didn't do that before getting a go-ahead from the landlord. Some property owners don't allow tenants to hammer nails or paint the walls. Others restrict some little comforts like lighting candles in their properties for safety. Therefore, check with the property owner before decorating the new house.

Renting a house can be fun but challenging to starters. You'll need to find with your preferred features and in secure area. You will also have to speak to your property owner to find out the rental duration and if you can extend it, how long the property has been in the market, agree on repairs, and if you can decorate the house, among other issues. If you have sufficient information about a house that interests you, go ahead and sign the rental agreement, pay rent and move in.