What You Need to Know Before Renting a House for the First Time

• Author: Jessica Williams
• Posted: 2023-07-15

Renting a house for the first time might intimidate you, not knowing where to start. However, the following tips will help you know the right thing to do before settling on the right house:
 

Do Enough Research

Whether you want to buy or rent a house, choosing the right one is a major life event, so you should spend enough time researching before settling on the perfect one. These days, the internet makes most things simple, so you can use it to find the house you need. You can get online property searching portals that will enable you to search for the houses you need in your preferred locality. You may also register for instant alerts to get new listings about the rental houses you need.
 

Beware of Scammers

In this digital era, fraudsters and bogus agents may use the internet to advertise fake rental spaces. Be keen while looking for a rental house to avoid falling prey. If you communicate with an agent who doesn't allow you to view the place you are interested in, please keep off. Also, avoid the property owners or agents who refuse you to meet in person.

The other red flag you should know about is an agent forcing you to transfer money before signing the rental agreement documents or one who keeps essential information from you. To avoid scammers, investigate the house you are interested in before deciding. Additionally, only transact with a reputable agency and confirm with a legal advisor the legitimacy of the paperwork before committing yourself.
 

Rent an Affordable House

As a first-time renter, you should be keen only to rent a house that you will afford. You may incur some hidden costs while moving into a new dwelling. Hence, set some cash aside for unforeseen expenses and ensure you don't spend more than you can afford. Choose a house within your budget and have some funds for paying utility bills and appliances or repairs that you may need.
 

Have Some Cash for Security Deposit

Most property owners ask for security deposits before tenants move in. They hold the down payment and use it to repair any damage you might cause when living in the house. Try as much as possible to take great care of the new home to get a full refund of your deposit when the time comes to move out. Additionally, the property owner may ask you to pay an entire month's rent before moving in. Make sure to have a budget to have all the required funds to get the house you want.
 

Make Sure to Have a Written Lease

Before moving into the new house, ensure you sign a written lease whose contents you understand. The contract should contain the rules, rights, and regulations you and the landlord should meet during the rental period. You should not sign the document before understanding its contents. It should include the penalties for late rent payments, information about altering and painting the house, policies such as owning pets, and who should make repairs if needed.
 

Living with Pets

If you plan to live with your furry friends, choose a property that allows renters with pets and has a clean and safe environment. However, you need to note that you may pay more for a pet-friendly house since the property owner will need to cover the wear and tear costs incurred by the pets. Ensure to get a go-ahead, rules, and boundaries from the landlord before moving in to avoid confusion and disagreements. Check whether the terms and conditions provided on the lease contract suit you and your pets.
 

Make a List of All the Things You Need

When planning to move into a new house for the first time, you might be surprised at the many things you'll need to live comfortably. Make a list of all the things you will need. You will need more than just a couch, chest of drawers, and bed. The new place will need essential household items such as utensils, bathroom accessories, and cleaning supplies. The daily items you use will guide you on the things to include on the list to live comfortably as you enjoy the new house.

When looking for a rental house, you need to have enough time and avoid making hasty decisions because it is one of your major life events. Consider the above tips to help you make the right choice.