The Real Estate Blog

During my time as a college student and afterward as a young professional, I moved from city to city. Like many others, I did not want to buy a house, nor did I have the money to do so. Instead, I lived in many real estate rentals, from gigantic apartment complexes run by management companies to a small duplex whose landlord was my next door neighbor. Some were good experiences, but many of them were bad. I’ve learned quite a few things about how to find a property to rent that you will actually want to live in.

First, and I cannot stress this enough, never sign a lease for a real estate rental without having seen the property. Apartment complexes in particular are notorious for showing potential renters a well-kept model apartment without ever showing them the actual unit the renter will move into. Many renters are duped by the model apartment and quickly sign the lease, only to find themselves moving into a unit that stinks of mildew, has appliances from the 1940′s and a serious cockroach infestation.

Once you find a property to rent, pay attention to how the landlord interacts with you. Polite and prompt behavior goes a long way. However, if you find it is difficult to get the landlord to return your calls, imagine how much more frustrating it would be if you were having a serious water leak and couldn’t contact the landlord. Never be afraid to walk away before signing the contract, you can always find a property to rent somewhere else.

Speaking of contracts, make sure you read the contract. Be wary of anyone who tries to rush you through reading the contract. Pay attention to any deposits you must make. Also, see what fees would be assessed if an emergency happens and you have to cancel your lease early. Some contracts only charge a small fee, while others will make you pay for the unused time of your lease, which could run into thousands of dollars.

Photo © zimbio

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