There are a lot of reasons for renting instead of buying: You proceed frequently, you prefer to not have the duty of a house and yard, you are just beginning in your home or it is cheaper to rent. No matter the reason, you are going to want to follow some guidelines to make your rental experience successful and stress-free.
Time Frame
Leasing leases are for one year. Following that, they automatically roll over to some month-to-month term or, if all parties agree, could be renewed for a particular term. If you know you will be leaving in under a year, don’t signal a yearlong rental unless it features a subletting provision. In the event the lease prohibits subletting, you are going to need to pay the rent for the complete year if you live there or not. Some leases permit subletting nevertheless make the original tenant responsible for your lease. It’s more advantageous for you as a tenant to be able to move the lease, discharging your from any additional responsibilities. Request the landlord about those issues upfront and examine the lease prior to signing it.
Application Process
Although landlords are legally required to treat all types of individuals alike when reviewing tenant applications, as with job interviews nothing affects them like first impressions. All other things being equal, landlords will gravitate toward prospective tenants that appear on time, are ready with a credit record and references hand and ask thoughtful questions.
Relationships
The association between a tenant and landlord starts as soon as the prospective tenant walks through the door to look the place over. Although the unit and its place, along with the neighboring tenants, may have a lot to do with how happy that a tenant will be in her new digs, her connection with the landlord is key. Throughout this connection it is crucial to stay respectful and upbeat. If the toilet is stopped up because your toddler stuffed his teddy bear to it, don’t call your landlord up in the middle of the night. Report your problems during business hours whenever possible. Apologize and offer to pay for the repair of any damage you cause, and invite your landlord once he goes over and beyond the demands of the lease. Slimming down the line, when you want a favor because you have locked yourself out or need a reference, you may reap the benefits of a fantastic relationship with your landlord.
Averting and Solving Problems
Although you might think the landlord doesn’t want to be bothered about the little leak in your kitchen faucet, take into consideration the water bill he pays monthly. In case the garbage accumulates in the chute and no tenant takes responsibility, take into consideration the nice the landlord may get from the city. Landlords like problem solvers and tenants that can help him watch out for problems. When it comes time for rent increases, you might find that you do not get one. Landlords will go the excess mile for a helpful tenant.
Other Considerations
Some towns, such as San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland, have rent control. This is local laws that limits lease increases, frequently limits evictions and occasionally prescribes other tenant-landlord regulations. These regulations take precedent over anything. Familiarize yourself with these rules prior to signing a lease.