Tips for Renting a House

As a resident, it can be stressful going through the application and then the rental process. But, with the right set of knowledge, you can be on your way to a successful renting experience.

These rental tips will help you to cultivate a positive relationship with your property owner or manager, ensuring you are safe, happy, and healthy in your rental home.

Article at a Glance:

As a renter, you are responsible for fostering a successful relationship with your landlord to enhance your renting experience. Here are ten rental tips to follow to ensure you are doing that properly:

• Tip #1: Be prepared
• Tip #2: Closely review the lease
• Tip #3: Get everything in writing
• Tip #4: Purchase renter’s insurance
• Tip #5: Keep records of payments
• Tip #6: Protect your privacy rights
• Tip #7: Protect your safety
• Tip #8: Request repairs
• Tip #9: Treat your rental property like you own it
• Tip #10: Don’t break the lease

Tips for Renting a House

The renting experience is heavily reliant on the relationship between the renter and the property owner. Together, owners and residents work to create the best renting experiences possible for both parties. After all, a productive relationship between a landlord and a resident works for everyone. 

You can help make your stay in your rental home a great one with these rental tips.

Tip #1: Be Prepared

One of the most critical parts of being competitive with others interested in the same property you desire to rent is to come to the meeting prepared. Make sure you complete your application ahead of time—including references and a completed credit report. Remember that you can get three free credit reports each year.

Tip #2: Closely Review the Lease

Along with coming to the table prepared, you must take time to review the lease before signing closely. Make sure that you even read the small print to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of the lease altogether. If you are unsure about a specific part of the lease, make sure you ask questions before signing the document.

Tip #3: Get Everything in Writing

It’s also important to note that if you and your landlord or property manager have any verbal agreements, make sure they’re codified in the lease. Don’t rely solely on verbal exchanges to hold throughout your time as a renter. It’s in everyone’s best interest.

Ultimately, you want to know what you are allowed to do and aren’t allowed to do – this will keep you from violating the lease and promote harmony between yourself and your landlord. 

Tip #4: Purchase Renter’s Insurance

Even if your landlord has an insurance policy, it will not cover your losses that may occur in the instance of damage or theft. Thankfully, renter’s insurance is very affordable, typically costing around $350 annually for a $50,00 policy.

Tip #5: Keep Records of Payments

Once you have committed to the property and signed the lease, make sure you keep up with your payment records in case you need them in the future.

Tip #6: Protect Your Privacy Rights

A common dispute between renters and landlords is surrounding your landlord’s right to enter a rental unit and your right as a renter to be left alone. It is in your best interest to have a thorough understanding of your rights as a renter, including the amount of notice your landlord must give before entering the home.

Tip #7: Protect Your Safety

While on the topic of protecting your rights, it’s equally important to protect your safety. Learn about your building, the neighborhood, and your neighbors. Get an understanding from your landlord about what actions they will take if your security is compromised in any way. Check local or state laws requiring any type of safety devices on rental units, including deadbolts or window locks.

Tip #8: Request Repairs

Sometimes a resident may be reluctant to ask for a repair. Remember, as a resident, you can request repairs from your landlord instead of paying out of pocket; therefore, take advantage of this opportunity and make sure to call upon the landlord when you need repairs made to the property.

Communication is at the heart of any strong relationship, especially when it comes to rental homes. As a resident, you should communicate early and often with your landlord – or their property manager – regarding issues and concerns you may have. 

Maintenance is a prime example. Let your landlord know when critical systems within your home are acting up. A timely notification can save a minor repair from turning into a major one – which is a significant inconvenience. 

Tip #9: Treat Your Rental Property Like You Own It

Although you are merely renting the property, remember to take care of the home as if it were your own house. Being proactive and taking care of the property can go a long way in helping you to get more of your deposit money back (typically minus cleaning fees).

Would you treat your home any differently if you owned it rather than rented it? Hopefully not. Your home is your home and should be treated well, no matter if you are renting or the owner. Work with your landlord to keep your home well-maintained and looking sharp. This includes keeping a home looking new, especially if pets are involved.

Tip #10: Don’t Break the Lease

Breaking a lease goes beyond major violations like cutting out early, subletting without permission, or not paying rent. There are less severe violations that are also important. It’s yet another reason you must go through your lease and understand all of the terms that have been outlined in the document.

Final Thoughts

Great residents deserve great landlords and vice-versa. Follow these rental tips to uphold your end of the bargain and be a model resident that any landlord would love to have.

At the end of the day, it is essential for you to come to the table prepared, review the lease closely, keep records of payment, request repairs, and respect the property. Following these tips for renting a house can help you to have a successful renting experience.

Matthew Whitaker

Matthew is the CEO of Evernest. He is a student of the book Good to Great and is passionate about building the best property management company on the planet (and maybe even the universe if Elon Musk will hurry up). You can usually find Matthew at the baseball field with his son, at a dance recital with his daughter, or at his favorite restaurant with his wife, when he’s not in the office. And if you can’t find him in any of those places, it probably means he’s traveling.