When you’ve identified which properties fit your criteria, it’s time to start setting up some showings. Prospective tenants generally attend a few showings before settling on the one they want to pursue. There are a few things you should keep in mind while doing a walk-through of a potential home during a showing:

Bills

Knowing what utilities and/or misc payments are included in your monthly rent is extremely important. In many cases, the rent and utility payments are separate. This means that the tenants would pay their rent to the landlord. Utilities like gas and electricity would be in the renter’s name, and payment would go directly to the utility company. Sometimes, cases see things like Wi-Fi or Water included in the monthly rent. In cases like this, it is important to ensure you know which utilities are covered and which you must pay separately.

Local Amenities

Once you have narrowed your list of potential new homes, you want to look around the community and see what local amenities you need. Do you frequent Walmart? Are you about to be too far away from one? Coffee Shops? Gas Stations? Local Gyms? Parks? Laundromat? You want to stop for a minute and think about how this change will positively or negatively impact your day-to-day life. Maybe you’ll get lucky and move down the street from your favorite fast-food restaurant!

Neighbors

Having friendly, cordial neighbors is an extremely important detail many of us overlook. Whoever is showing you around the property will tell you, to the best of their knowledge, about the home and its surrounding area. However, the individuals living in the area may be a different story. It is important to do some research or maybe walk around and say “Hi” to some neighbors to get a feel of the area you may be living in. You can’t always choose your neighbors, but you can try to get a heads-up about what is around before you move.

Rental Duration

Most rentals have a 12-month lease agreement, but some have short-term leases that could be as low as 6 months. Knowing the duration of a lease is important, as it can quickly derail your plans. If the lease is for six months, understand what will happen afterward. Will it turn into a periodic tenancy? You want to ensure you have the proper time to plan for your move or the next lease agreement.

Rent Due Date

When is your rent due? Some payments may be due at the start of the month, while others may be due at the end of the month. Clarify these details so you can plan your finances. Also, it is important to note what payment types are accepted and how payments are made.

Security Deposit

Security deposits are an extremely hot topic. People don’t always like paying hefty security deposits to move into a new home. Also, some landlords will request a holding deposit to ensure that you are a serious prospective tenant. (These are often refunded) – So, how do you plan for all this? The best thing(s) you can do is KNOW YOUR CREDIT and ASK QUESTIONS.

Pets?

If you have four-legged children, you must ensure that your rental allows animals. At Buckeye Northwest Realty, over 80% of our rentals allow pets. Some landlords are more lenient than others, and each will have its own policy. So, make sure you know these details to prevent any future disagreements. You also want to know all the details on pet rent, deposits, and fees.

Decorating

With rentals mostly, any decor you put up should be able to be removed easily when it’s time for you to leave. Most landlords will not be open to changing and redecorating the home, so if you feel like the style is not something you can work with, try finding another place. Things like painting and hanging up pictures are considered normal decorating.

Efficiency

Knowing your home consumption rate is, in general, a great thing that will let you know what kind of spending decisions to make. You may opt for solar lights and other efficient tech if the property consumes much energy. Usually, older properties are much less energy efficient than newer ones. Understanding the energy performance certificate and how much similar houses consumers will give you a clear idea of what to expect. You can also ask questions about typical monthly payments for electric, gas, etc. However, that does not mean the landlord will always know that information.

What Else?

Other questions and your needs may arise, which you should clarify with your landlord before selecting your home. Remember that this is a home you could live in for years, so it is important to make the right decision.