Renting a house can be a great way of establishing your home, whatever stage of life you may be at. It provides flexibility and often far more options than purchasing a property, and it gives you the opportunity to settle into a new space with greater ease.
Before you sign a contract, it’s a good idea to review a checklist of some basic essentials to look for in a rented home. Read on to find out more about what you should consider.
Find out what is included and excluded
Before you decide to rent a property, it’s essential to make sure that it is an affordable place for you to live, and fits in with your personal budget. As well as the rental amount, you will also need to check out other living expenses that may or may not be included as part of the agreement.
Find out about the cost of bills and taxes that may be applicable, and whether or not they have been added to the rent. If not, it is a good idea to get a clear estimate of how much they may be on average, so that you can decide if the place is within your means, or not.
Be sure to ask about any other additional charges too, for example, if you may be expected to contribute to the maintenance or other costs.
What is the area like?
Choosing a new neighborhood to move into is a very personal decision, and the right area will depend on your personal needs, aspirations, and lifestyle.
It can be helpful to make a list of facilities and amenities you would want to have within easy reach of your rental home. If you rely on public transport for work, then having quick and easy access to local stops or stations is a must.
For those with a family, meanwhile, access to schools or play areas may be a high priority. If you are relocating, visiting an online property centre can help you determine what the new area is like without traveling. For example, if you are looking for apartments to rent in Nigeria, the Nigeria Property Centre should be your first port of call.
Does it fit your lifestyle?
When choosing a rental property, it’s wise to keep your personal lifestyle in mind and make sure that the home is a good fit for you. For instance, if you have, or plan to have pets in your home, then you will need to check with the landlord if they are permitted in the property that you may be interested in.
Many rental accommodations will have restrictions on pets or certain types of animals. If it is a high priority for you, then it is also worth talking to your landlord or rental agency, to see if there is any possibility of a negotiation.
As well as the possibility of having pets, other lifestyle factors can also come into play when choosing a rental home. If you have a car or other vehicle, you will want to ensure that you have a safe and practical place to leave it close by. Again, there may be additional charges for this, that you will need to find out about first.
Interesting Related Article: “Tips for first-time homebuyers“