Renting a property may be more convenient to buying one. However, one must be cautious while renting a property. It is never a good feeling to discover weeks down the line that you have made a terrible mistake after having made a down payment and sealed the contract. You may want to check the following before deciding to rent a property:
The Exterior
So many things add up to the exterior. Is it in good condition: the way you would like it to be? Are the walls painted or peeling? If it is a house encompassed by a large compound, is the surrounding clean enough? Are the gates and fences strong enough to keep you secure and prevent a burglary?
The Interior
The interior of a house speaks volumes of the owner of that house. The décor is something to consider. Does it suit your taste? Look out for any loose wiring, broken louvres or windows, leaky pipes, clogged sinks and toilets. Do any repairs need to be made, and by whom? Are the rooms large enough for you and your family or do you need a larger space?
Budget
To rent a property requires money. You must be able to afford the property you intend to rent. It will avail much if you run through your budget to ensure that you haven’t exceeded what you can afford. It will be foolhardy to live in a rented nice house and be broke. You may also want to check if the cost of utility bills is embedded within your rent or separate from it. In any case, which will you prefer?
The Landlord
Problematic landlords can make your stay in their property unsavoury. It is important to run a check on your potential landlord. Asking past tenants questions about him or her may help here, even though you may want to take what they say with a pinch of salt. Another key thing is if the landlord is ready to make repairs should there be any need to.
Accessibility
Are the roads leading to, and within, the environs of the property motor-able? Can you get to work easily from there? In the event of a heavy downpour is it pleasant: is there a working and effective drainage system in the area? All this can make your stay either pleasant or gravely unpleasant.
