Renting a Home Tips

Many people opt for home renting because it is a more comfortable and more affordable option. However, it is advisable to tread with caution while renting a property since it isn’t yours. Namely, treading with caution means protecting the property from damage and knowing your rights as a tenant. Fortunately, we have the best renting a home tips that will be useful throughout your journey of renting a home. 

Smart Tips for Renting a Home  

According to a 2019 study by Pew Research Center, millennials are people born between 1981 and 1996. They make up a quarter of the global population and can potentially become the largest generation in the United States. They are one of the most talked-about generations in the business world since they constitute a large group of consumers.  

Since millennials make up a significant part of the world’s population, we cannot overlook their purchasing power. Pelow appeals to this generation in the following ways: 

Learn everything about the Landlord-Tenant laws in your area

Researching the landlord-tenant laws in your area will help you understand your rights and duties as a tenant. For example, each state in the US has specific rights that are entrenched in the tenant such that the landlord would be unable to access the property except notice of such visit is tendered.

Inspect the property

It is wise to inspect different areas in the house before renting. Ensure that the air conditioning is sound. Check the water system and locks for windows and doors. Ensure the plumbing is in good condition and ask for a warranty for the first couple of months before moving in should the plumbing integrity is at risk after regular usage. 

All these will help you decide whether to go ahead and rent the house. Enquire about house maintenance and find out the last time the home was maintained. 

 Read your lease agreement carefully

 

It is good to thoroughly read through every detail in your lease agreement. Your lease is a legally binding contract that governs how you use your landlord’s property. Sometimes, it may include clauses that are not required by the landlord-tenant laws in your area. But such clauses become legally binding once you and your landlord sign the lease. 

However, in scenarios where your lease is unfair to you, there is one thing you could do: consult with an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant relations. They will provide legal counsel to help you with the situation. 

Request another inspection

 

At this point, your lease has been finalized, and both parties are on board. It is time to inspect the property again. This time, ensure to go with a camera to help document any damages you may see. Please take photos of even the smallest damages you see and inform your landlord about them in writing.  Top 8 things to consider before you rent an apartment 

Although your landlord may not repair these damages in time so you can move in, you must let him know about these damages before you move in. This way, your landlord cannot accuse you and make you pay for the damages. 

Pay your rent on time

 

Now that you’ve moved in, you will need to make payments on time. You can pay your rent via different means such as checks, cash, and electronic transfers. However, it is not advisable to pay in cash because you may not easily track your payment. But if you must pay in cash, request that your payment be documented using a receipt that indicates the date payment was made.  

If you decide to mail a check to your landlord, ensure that he deposits the check. You may do this by informing him that you’ve sent the rent check. It is best to do that in writing for documentation. This way, you have proof that you paid your rent on time, and your landlord won’t be able to accuse you otherwise. 

Furthermore, we know that it may be difficult to make rent every month on time. Coincidentally, Covid-19 and its impacts on the world economy has not made things any easier. Therefore, in that case, you could use Pelow’s investment platform to raise money for your housing needs. This way, you could grow funds for your housing needs by utilizing your network or the Pelow community.

Have a good relationship with your landlord

 

You don’t want your landlord to hate you. Establishing a good relationship with him or she will help your experience throughout your lease. Of course, you must not be the best of friends with your landlord. Try to be respectful and kind to him or her 

You may also send him or her greetings cards during the holiday season. When your landlord is happy, he or she is likely to respond quickly in the event of an emergency repair. Sometimes, you may only be in contact with your landlord’s property manager. If this applies to you, you should try to be on good terms with the property manager. 

Always document your communication with your landlord

 

While you have a good relationship with your landlord, you should always have it at the back of your mind that things could get ugly. To prevent this, you should document all your communication with your landlord. An excellent way to do this is by using text messages and emails to communicate with him or her. Avoid verbal promises alone as you can’t prove them in court. 

Get acquainted with your neighbors

 

People often underestimate the importance of getting to know their neighbors. Your neighbors can help you in many ways. They probably know the area more than you do. They can provide useful information like the best auto body shop around. Also, you may be able to learn about your landlord’s history within hours through your neighbors. 

Don’t hesitate to contact the landlord for property repairs

 

It is the tenant‘s responsibility to notify the landlord when the property needs fixing. It would help if you did this once you discover any damages in the house. If you don’t inform your landlord on time and the damage worsens, you may be held accountable for it. 

Make sure your landlord approves of any pets you may have

 

Before adopting that dog or cat, be sure to contact your landlord and ask for permission. While some landlords may allow pets on their property, many others are against it since animals can cause damages to properties. 

Your landlord can perform inspections but know where to draw the line: 

It is okay for your landlord to carry out inspections but don’t allow him to harass you. Your landlord must notify you properly before inspecting your home.  Home inspections must be done at reasonable frequencies and times.  

When issues arise, retain an attorney to help you

 

Don’t allow your landlord to bully you. Many landlords think they have the ultimate power. But as a tenant, you have rights that your landlord can‘t violate. If you cannot afford to get a lawyer, you can opt for a tenant protection organization to help you.

Conclusion 

We hope these renting a home tips make you feel more confident in this complex and long process. Renting a home has many benefits for both landlords and tenants. But it would be best if you spent the time to educate yourself on how to handle pitfalls. Start with the tips above to fill any knowledge gaps regarding home renting. They will help make your home renting process more straightforward. Our growth is directly related to yours because as a community one thrives when the others thrive as well, so in case you haven’t seen Pelow growth strategy yet, we recommend you do so here!