When starting to seek rental options in your new city, first consider your living needs and wants. It is beneficial to share this information with other parties who are helping you find rental properties, even before your arrival. You will want to provide this information to your agent for further assistance in your search.
Your first consideration is location. Just as if you were purchasing a home, it is important to choose a neighborhood that is right for you and your family. The following factors enter into neighborhood selection. Classify each as ‘V: Very Important/Must Have.’ ‘W: Would Be Nice’ or ‘N: Not Important,’ and add specific qualifiers.
HOW IMPORTANT SPECIFICALLY
__ Commute to Work _________________
__ Schools _________________
__ Public transportation access _________________
__ Population density _________________
__ Airport proximity _________________
__ Age of neighbors _________________
__ Children in area _________________
__ Proximity to shopping centers _________________
__ Overall neighborhood appeal _________________
__ Proximity to entertainment _________________
Your next consideration involves all physical attributes required of a rental property and its amenities. Classify each as ‘V: Very Important/Must Have.’ ‘W: Would Be Nice’ or ‘N: Not Important,’ and add specific qualifiers.
HOW IMPORTANT SPECIFICALLY
__ Age & condition of building ________________
__ View _________________
__ Deck or Patio __________________
__ Neutral interior décor __________________
__ Number of bedrooms __________________
__ Number of bathrooms __________________
__ Sound control __________________
__ Ample closet space __________________
__ Nearby storage spaces __________________
__ Covered parking/garage __________________
__ Guest parking __________________
__ Air conditioning __________________
__ On-site management services __________________
__ Pets allowed __________________
__ Security system __________________
__ In-unit laundry __________________
__ Dishwasher __________________
__ Swimming pool __________________
__ Exercise facility __________________
__ Recreation/party room __________________
Following are some of the things most often overlooked by prospective renters. Keep these in mind and ask questions during your search.
· Is heat and/or air conditioning included in the rent?
· If you are paying for heat, is it gas or electric, and what is the average monthly bill?
· If looking at single family homes, who is responsible for maintenance and yard control?
· If looking at a smaller apartment complex, what is the on-call maintenance policy?
· Is sound control adequate at varying times of the day?
· What is the manager/owner’s right to enter, and what kind of notice will they provide?
Please email if you have any questions or feel free to call (866) 941-3936
