Personally inspect any property you may wish to rent, if possible. If you must
commit to a rental before arriving at a new location, try to work with a
representative who will perform the inspection on your behalf. Ideally,
this should be a friend, relative or a colleague from your new office.
Let them know what is most important to you and ask them for an assessment.
Locator Services
Some renters use free rental locator services to help find housing in suitable
neighborhoods and price ranges. Rental locator services work somewhat like real
estate offices. Agents access databases of area rentals and they receive a commission
from landlords when they are rented. Many home and apartment locators publish Web
sites with property listings that include interior and exterior photos, floor plans,
available amenities and price ranges. Some complexes have Web sites that will allow
you to scout a new residence even if you cannot visit in person. While locator
services are helpful references, remember that locator service agents are paid
to represent the interests of landlords.
Locating Expert Resources
No matter where you may rent in the United States, the National Apartment Association
(NAA) can provide helpful information. Most states have an NAA affiliate which can
address questions about your geographic location. Check with your local Chamber of
Commerce and other civic organizations in your specific area.
Considering Your Options
- A convenient location makes a difference. Even the most attractive housing area
or apartment complex may not be worth a long daily commute.
- The quality of the neighborhood should also be a major consideration. Do you find
the location to be comfortable and safe? Often, a good barometer of neighborhood
quality is the caliber of the schools. If you have school-age children, consider
school district boundaries as you evaluate residential neighborhoods.
- Consider an area’s proximity to expressways, grocery stores, shopping malls,
churches and other regular destinations. If you rely on public transportation,
determine if it is accessible.
- Inspect each rental carefully. In addition to the overall appearance, look
closely to ensure that proper maintenance is performed and safety standards are
met. Leaky pipes, mildewed surfaces, exposed wiring, torn screens and old
appliances — all should serve as red flags. They indicate poor property maintenance
and worse, a landlord’s disregard for renter well-being. Also consider the following
questions.
- Are playgrounds, swimming pools and other recreational areas in good condition?
- Does outdoor lighting function properly?
- Are the grounds well maintained?
- Has the rental been thoroughly cleaned and made ready for occupancy?
- Do all appliances work?
- Do the drains and garbage disposal smell clean?
- Safety and security are important considerations. There should be, at minimum, a
working smoke detector (as required by statute in some states) within the premises
and a deadbolt lock on the outside doors. If you are looking at apartment complexes,
take note of security gates and fenced premises, and ask if hired security guards
patrol the grounds. These features will enhance the safety of both you and your
property.
- Note the location of the rental within the complex.
- Is the rental convenient to common areas that you may be using?
- Is the location prone to irritating noise levels?
- Which floor is it on? Your property will be less vulnerable to potential
thieves if it is on a higher floor than the first.
Use the Rental Comparison Work Sheet for
other points of comparison between rentals.
Consider Housing And Apartment Extras
Familiarize yourself with the specific amenities included in each housing area and
apartment complex. Some may offer extensive recreational facilities, such as swimming
pools, workout areas, playgrounds or party rooms. Such features vary widely among
housing areas and apartment complexes.
Within individual rentals, there may be extras such as an oversized balcony, a
fireplace or a desirable view. Some may include all major kitchen appliances and a
microwave oven. Others will expect you to supply your own appliances.
Curtains and carpet are other variables that can represent a noteworthy savings.
In some cases, rentals do not include floor coverings, but still expect you to
provide them to muffle sound. Be sure to ask if such a requirement exists.
Moving In
Before you sign the lease, it is important to inspect the home or apartment with your
landlord. This should also be done at the end of the lease.
Document all existing damage immediately. If you do not do this, you may be
charged for the damage when you move. To document the condition of your rental,
you may want to photograph it when you move in. Visual records can provide excellent
documentation. If the landlord does not provide a form to do so, make a list of
every damaged item. Even worn dials on appliances, small chips on a counter or
seemingly inconspicuous spots on the carpet may be assessed against you if not
noted when you move in. The stove and refrigerator should be working well, with
all shelves and bulbs in place. Use the
Rental Comparison Work Sheet
to remind you of items to inspect when moving into your rental.
When your list of damages is complete, ask the landlord or property manager
to review your list with you. Both of you should sign, date and retain a copy.
Submit all maintenance requests in writing and keep copies for your files.
When you move, you will be expected to leave the home or apartment in virtually
the same condition as when you arrived. While some carpet wear is expected, a heavily
soiled carpet is likely to be considered damaged. Greasy kitchen walls, caused by
careless cooking, may also result in a security deposit deduction.
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Selling A Home
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