Information You Need to Have Before Renting a Home

• Author: Jeffrey Simmons
• Posted: 2024-03-30

You need to be careful when renting a house because it is not yours. Being alert may mean ensuring that the property doesn't get damaged. In addition, you must be observant about your legal rights as a tenant. If you are looking for a rental house, this is what you should know:

Find Out Your State's Landlord-Tenants Laws

You need to understand these laws in your area to know your responsibilities and rights as a tenant. That will help you avoid conflicts with the property owner that may lead to legal suits.

Inspect the House before Signing the Rental Contract

Read and Understand the Rental Agreement

The rental agreement is a legal document you sign before renting a house. It may contain some clauses that are not part of the Landlord-Tenant laws. However, the clauses are legally binding when signed by the property owner and tenant.

If you read the contract and find some clauses a bit unfair to you, it would be best to contact an experienced attorney handling Landlord-Tenant matters. For example, the property owner may, in the agreement, require the house to have inspections every month. If you are uncomfortable with that, seek legal counsel or look for another home.

Conduct a Second Inspection

After signing the rental agreement, it would be best to conduct a second inspection of the house. During the inspection, please take photos of all the damages you see and document their details. For example, if you find holes or cracks on the walls, take photos and write to the landlord informing them of the same.

The property owner may repair the damaged areas before or after you move in. However, you need to notify the property owner or agent before moving into the house to avoid them accusing you of the damages and taking part of your deposit for the repairs.

Pay Your Full Rent on Time

While renting any house, always ensure to pay your total rent on time. While you can pay rent through electronic transfers, checks, or cash, it is not advisable to do it in cash. That is because you may not have a proper channel to track your payments. However, if you opt to pay in cash, ask the agent or property owner for a receipt to show the amount paid, what it was for, and the date you paid. Also, try as much as possible and pay the whole rent in one installment. It might be challenging to follow up on rent paid in bits.

Create a Good Landlord-Tenant Relationship

Even though this doesn't mean that you should be best friends with the landlord, you should avoid instances that would make them hate you. It can be challenging to deal with an unhappy property owner during the rental period.

Be respectful and kind to your property owner. You may even show more concern by sending a greeting card for any holiday you prefer. When your property owner is happy, they may be prompt to respond to your requests, such as emergency repairs. If your property owner has an agent, create a good relationship with them.

All Your Communication with the Landlord Should Be in Writing

Documenting all conversations with the property owner through text messages and emails is essential. Even though you may have a good relationship with your property owner or agent, it is vital to take precautions to protect yourself if things change. It may be impossible to prove verbal promises in court.

Communicate to Your Landlord about Repairs the House May Need

It is your duty as the tenant to inform your property owner of any needed repairs. If you don't report the damages and they worsen after some time, you could end up paying for them.

When renting a house, you need to have as much information as possible to have a peaceful stay throughout the rental period. Therefore, find out all you can about what you need to know before signing a rental agreement. The above are some pointers to help you enjoy your stay during the renting duration.