So you have getting ready to leave home and need a place to live. What do you do?
It is most likely that YOUR first home will be a rental.
1. Your first step is to analyze your situation: How much can you spend on rent? Do you plan to have a roommate? Where do you want to be? How long will you be there?
2. Now you need to do some homework about what your choices in housing actually are.
What can you get within your budget. There are several websites available to search rentals: www.phippsrealty.com, www.riliving.com, and www.craigslist.com. It is probably easiest at this point to get a rental agent involved to help you with the search. (If you do clarify what the agent will be paid and who will pay them)
3. Go see the properties. Make sure to look closely at the property. While the first one you see, may in fact be the best, look at several options before making a commitment. Many rental companies require that you bring a government issues identification. IE license or passport, before they will show you a property. This is very common. Do not be offended.
4. When you find one you like, you can make an offer the rent or lease which will outline how much you will pay and how long you will be there. Many landlords have minimums on the lease, either six months or a year. Make sure to clarify who will pay the heat, electric and cable. If the building was built prior to 1978 and you have children you will want to make sure the landlord has a lead paint compliant certification form.
5. Typically the rental agent will require a deposit and do a credit check before you sign a rental agreement or lease. Rental agreements are typically month to month, meaning there is no minimum time for the agreement. Leases are more formal and usually have a start date and and end date.
6.After the credit check is complete and the rental/lease agreement is signed, you will have quiet enjoyment of the property from the first day of the agreement. Before you move in, it is prudent to do a walk through with the rental agent noting any damage so you are not held responsible at the end of the lease. Digital photos are smart insurance.
7. It is also prudent to have tenant's insurance. Typically the landlords insurance will not cover your stuff. Insurance is necessary. Do not assume that pet are OK? If you have a pet it is better to disclose that up front. Some landlords also prohibit smoking. Be aware.
8. After you move in, remember to document, via email or writing, any issues with the property, from repairs to notice of departure.
As with most things in life, make sure to look before you leap. Good luck!
Check out our rentals at :http://www.phippsrealty.com/rental_division/index.php
