Your house is everything to you and your family. It’s shelter, sure, but it’s also a place you’ll make memories. It’s the space you rely on and find comfort in after navigating the stresses of everyday life. It’s, for lack of a better term, home.
So why wouldn’t you want to ensure you get the best home with an application process that all but guarantees it? You and your family deserve to find a rental home you can rely on time after time, without any surprises along the way.
If you are about to begin the house rental application, hold up for just a minute. It’s a good idea to go in with your eyes wide and with some knowhow on your side.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through six of the most critical questions to ask prior to signing a lease. This includes everything from terms and conditions to elements you may have not even thought of. By article’s end, you’ll know what to look for when touring a house for rent. And you’ll know how to find (and negotiate) for the very best lease terms for a rental house.
Here are some questions to ask before using your precious time on a house tour:
Some properties offer all-inclusive services in their rental payments. This could include lawn care services, utilities, maintenance, and more. Other properties simply charge rent, with all other benefits or services being paid for separately by the renter.
It’s important to know which type of property your rental agent is suggesting, as each come with distinct pros and cons. Your leasing agent should be able to discuss the landlord or property management company and what benefits they offer.
You likely already know to ask about the security deposit, what it covers, and how to get it back at your lease’s end. But you really should try to think like a lawyer and ask as many questions about the terms as possible.
What is the preferred rent payment method? Is your new property a month-to-month lease, or does it feature a fixed timeframe? Are there any penalties for a house lease early termination?
Also consider financial aspects of the property. Does the rental property allow for sub-leases, or is the lease expressly yours for the duration of its run? Are there planned rent increases?
It’s also worth asking about renter’s insurance and whether it’s required. This could be one more element that surprises you down the road as you form an agreement between landlord and tenant.
These questions and more are important to ask, as they ensure you’re not signing yourself into a situation you can’t handle. Remember, the more flexible the terms the better you’re covered for life’s unexpected twists.
After you’ve settled on properties to visit, it’s time to check off your list of questions to ask when renting a house. This way, you’ll know exactly what to look for when touring a house for rent. Nothing will slip by unnoticed, meaning nothing will trip you up and cost you your security deposit down the line.
Focus on both big and small picture here. Chances are no two properties you consider will be the same in terms of features and benefits.
Are there communal spaces for residents to gather? Does the property manager offer any special events like block parties or themed get-togethers throughout the year? What is the communal spirit of the property?
Each of these questions and more will help you understand how you might fit in and find fun in your new community.
If you’re new to the area, ask about the town in which the property resides. Fun things to do, school districts, and more are just the tip of the iceberg as you get to know your potential new home.
If your family has a dog or a cat, it’s important to ask about a property’s pet policy in the rental agreement. Some properties may simply charge a small pet deposit fee on top of the monthly rent. Others may have strict policies about what species, breed, and more are allowed (if any).
Remember, there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a property only to find your fur baby can’t come with.
If you find a property you love, don’t sleep on it. Lord knows the rental markets move fast. So when meeting with your agent, ask them how best to get started on the rental process. During this time, be sure to ask if the application will hit your credit report/credit score.
Now that you know how to ask like a pro during your house rental application process, you’re ready for what comes next: discovery. Thankfully, ARK Homes For Rent makes the process far easier than you thought.
We offer access to communities throughout the sun belt that are beautiful, feature-rich, and well situated. And our house rental application process means getting approved for the perfect home is quick, secure, and super simple.
