What are some questions to ask the management company when renting a house?

Question

I've never rented a house before -- we've only owned houses, and rented apartments, so I don't know what we're in for. The house is being managed by a professional management company with a good reputation (from what I've seen searching the web & a BBB report).

The house was on the market for a while but apparently didn't sell. Will it still be on the market, and might I have people coming through to look at it, or do sellers but that on hold?

What should I be aware of before renting a house? What other things should I ask?

Answer 1

Good for you that you thought about the house going up for sale.  It always happens.  You might not have rented it if you knew that you would have 4 lookers per week for 8 months.  That is a normal scenario for a house on the market.

Write into the lease that there will be 2 "rents".  If the house is off the market, you will pay the advertised rent.  If any "lookers" come thru, the rent will be 50% of that amount (name a dollar figure).  If the owner refuses to sign, he was going to put it up for sale 1 day after you moved in.   You will hate the experience.  i did when i rented a house that went up for sale.  A complete invasion of my privacy.

In the normal world of renting houses, just videotape your movein and moveout days with a copy of the day's newspaper in the scene. If you don't have a camera, borrow one.  Demand a copy of the lease when it is signed- run to a grocery store to make a copy but don't let someone tell you they will get it to you later.  When you do your final walkthru, have the manager sign a piece of paper saying the house is OK.

Answer 2

When is rent due?  Are utilities included in the rent?  ask the owner or the  company if it is still for sale.  if it is, then yes, it is possible that people might walk through your house, but the company will call you or get in touch with you somehow before they let anyone into your house, or at least they should.  if you sign a lease, read the lease thoroughly.  if someone buys the house, they cannot kick you out before your lease is up.