8 important tips for those who first rent a home

Whether you move away from your parents, or end your student life, renting the first home is a big and interesting step. However, if you do not know all the aspects related to the rental process, the entire task can be a challenge. Fortunately, we have gathered 8 essential tips to help those who rent for the first time to find the first perfect apartment and make the transition as easy as possible. Regardless of where you rent, these tips will help you find the ideal rental property.

1. Your budget should not cover just rent

If you rent for the first time, it is essential to know how to plan your first home. The monthly rent should be considered, of course, but there may be other unique and current costs that you have to pay. Let’s look at these costs more closely.

Initial costs, once

Before moving to the new home, you need to save enough money to pay the following initial costs:

• Caucus
• First and last month of rent (if applicable)
• Movement expenses
• Furniture if necessary

Recurrent costs

Once you have moved to the first home you will need to cover several current monthly costs:

• Hire
• Utilities, such as electricity, waste, water, waste water, etc.
• Internet and telephony
• Parking

As a beginner tenant, it may be the first time you are responsible for these costs. The last thing you want is to judge the wrong thing what you can afford because you forgot to consider these important elements of the cost of life.

2. Make a list of your needs and set them priorities

Start with your dream house – what are your needs? Although you may not get everything you have on the list, it is important to understand what you value at a house. Some common needs for those who rent a house for the first time:

• Functional kitchen
• Balcony, terrace or other private outer space
• Closet and storage space
• Proximity to work place, nightlife, dog parks or other services
• Natural light
• Air conditioning

After you have prepared the list, classify the most important to the least important. This will help you restrict the list and choose between similar properties.

3. Ask a lot of questions when you look at the apartments

A few things you need to know when looking for apartments. You can ask these questions to the potential owner or you can document yourself. Here is a list of questions that you have to ask, but you can add others to meet your own needs.

• How much is the rent?
• Costs include utilities? If not, how much do they usually cost?
• How big is the deposit?
• How should I pay the rent and utilities?
• Is there a parking fee?
• Pets are allowed in the house and if so, what are the costs?
• Are the deposits or taxes at the end of the rental contract?
• How long does the rental period last?
• How often the rent increases and how much it grows?
• What changes can I make in my home?
• How does it deal with the maintenance of your home?
• Is there a property manager?
• Am I responsible for maintenance?
• What services are available nearby?
• Are there any specific rules that I need to know?

These questions are just the beginning. You probably have your own specific needs or preferences that will inspire other questions. Keep this list of questions with you when you look at the houses.

4. Know the requirements for a rental request

The rental process may be different for each apartment. The process usually involves some or all the following:

• Complete a rental request
• Present a proof of income
• Complete a background check
• Provide the lease history with the owner’s contact details or a personal recommendation
• Attach an optional letter of intention

In order to prove the income, you will probably have to present the proof of the latest salary. You can also use a job offer or letter from your employer if you move for work. Many owners or property management companies will want to see if you have a monthly income to pay the rent. Although it depends on the conditions of the property, there is often an income requirement that the tenant has to earn 2-3 times the monthly rent.

5. Clarifying the situation of parking

Some rental properties have designated parking spaces. If you intend to live with an apartment colleague and you both have a car, are there enough parking spaces available? If the property has a parking place, make sure you have checked if this will involve an additional cost. Parking fees are increasingly frequent for rental properties.

On the other hand, many properties have parking spaces, especially in large cities. In such cases, pay attention to public parking. The public parking signs tell you on what days or at what hours of the day the parking is restricted or forbidden. But do you notice how many free parking spaces are there on the street – are there enough places or are the cars cramped? The streets full of cars parked very close to each other usually mean that it is difficult to find a parking place.

6. What is the best time to rent a property?

You cannot always control the moment when you have to move, but if you have flexibility, choosing the right period of the year can make a big difference in terms of rent. If the price is your main consideration, you should plan your search for properties for the winter months. Usually, most people move summer (for example, students moving from a family home, etc.), so demand and prices are usually the highest and lowest in winter. Keep in mind that although rents may be smaller, there may be fewer available properties.

On the other hand, if finding ideal property is the most important aspect, a summer move could be the best choice. Most tenants sign a 12 -month contract during the summer. Therefore, contracts usually end during this period. This means that most of the new apartments appear on the market during this period, so you will have to choose. The main disadvantage here is that the rents will usually be bigger and you will have to act quickly before the best apartments are sold.

7. Read and understand the rental contract carefully.

The first time you rent a property, the lease is contract for the revision is one of the most important steps to make sure you get the property. Although the rental contract may contain a complicated language, it summarizes the key agreements you accept by signing it. Here are some things you need to be careful about:

• Duration of seasonal subscription
• Pets rules and any special conditions (such as additional taxes)
• Deposit and refund requirements
• Sub -rent rules
• Responsibilities of public services
• Maintenance procedures

If you have doubts, it is good to ask the tenant’s legal representative to review the lease. A legal representative will be able to identify the illegal provisions, to explain how the provisions work, to inform you the unfavorable provisions and their consequences and to suggest changes that will give you a more favorable rental contract.

8. Take an insurance for tenants.

In many cases, rental insurance can be mandatory for owners, especially if you rent an apartment for the first time. Even if it is not mandatory, it is a good idea – whether you are a long -term tenant or rent for the first time. An insurance policy for tenants protects you in three important ways:

Protection of personal goods: If someone steals, damage or destroy your personal goods, you will receive a payment (except the fragrance).

Personal Liability: If someone is injured in your home, the insurance for tenants pays the medical invoices and the lost income, depending on the terms of the contract. You may be covered if you lose a process.

Always read the contract carefully. It is a good idea to keep a record of personal goods so you both have a record of what you own. If you are not sure about any part of the insurance contract, talk to your agent.

Final comment on first properties rental

Finding the perfect property to rent requires a certain thoroughness, patience and training. By following these tips, you can avoid potential traps and make the process of searching for a property as easy as possible, especially if you are on the first rent.