When looking to rent a home what do you look for?

Question

When looking to rent a home what do you look for?

Answer 1

There isn't as much to look for when renting because you don't care about the long term of the house/apt.  The only thing to look for would be what matter the most to you.  Some people like older places with more space.  Others prefer brand new places but are willing to deal with less space.  It is really all opinions.  Since you are renting if anything goes wrong you can just move, at most you are there for a year.

Answer 2

First off, when you first ask for a viewing check out the landlord, are they friendly, well presented, know what there talking about... Then when you go to view, check out the street. Has it got off street parking if you drive, is the street quiet and tidy, is there good street lighting. Sounds stupid but does the door bell work, i moved into my flat and the door bell wasn't working, and people were ringing the neighbours door bell instead of mine,  caused a little tension with my neighbours. Its not major but its something to check out for. And check out the general state of the outside of the property, double glazing is a must in this day of rising gas prices, it really does cut your bill. Next is communal areas, are the carpets clean, does it have a whiff etc. Ask whose responsible for the up keep of communal areas, some landlords will have someone come clean them, others expect tenants to clean them. Check how good security is, fire alarms, decorative order etc. Then when inside the flat/apartment or if its a house, is it clean, modern, good decor. Whats your genreral feel for the place? Then ask your questions, and check for the landlords responses, a good landlord will answer any questions you ask without trying to fob something else on you. Whats included in the rent, (this is where i suggest you take pen and paper, just so you can jot things down) what council tax band is it in, is there gas and electric or just electric. Check for phone sockets and internet access. is there a garden, or an outdoor space of some sort. Do they allow smoking if you smoke, are there rules about visitors? I lived in a place where visitors weren't allowed after certain times. Im sure other questions will come to mind, dont be afriad to ask what ever you need to ask.  

Answer 3

Who will your roommates be? Its better to live with people around the same age, same s*x, and similar goals. If you're going to live on your own, drive by at night and see if there are a lot of people loitering or being loud at night- this is a sign of a dangerous neighborhood.  

Answer 4

What is included?  Does the rent include trash, gardening, utilities, cable?  How are maintenance issues handled?  What is the term of the lease?  What does the security deposit cover?  Are you allowed to have pets and is there a separate deposit covering that?  What are the move out requirements (i.e. cleaning)?  Ask the age of the following:  HVAC system, hot water heater, appliances, irrigation/sprinkler system, etc. and the age of the home (gives you a hint about future maintenance issues that could affect your personal belongings and renter's insurance.)  What are the parking arrangements?  When is the rent due and what is the grace period before late fees are incurred?  What payment vehicles are allowed (check, automatic deposit, debit/credit card)?

Answer 5

Ask the neighbors if they are happy living here.  If they are , you will be. /