Renting a house is a big deal and should not be done hastily. There are many things to consider when renting a house instead of an apartment, such as added costs and property inspections. We have you covered on the basics of home rentals with our expert guide on what to know before renting a house.
Assessing Your Needs and Budget
Before you even begin to look for a house to rent, you need to consider important factors such as your personal needs and how much you can spend on rent and utilities each month. Here’s a quick breakdown of those considerations:
Determine Your Needs
You’ll need to establish a list of things you need from the house you’d like to rent and the surrounding neighbourhood. Depending on the size of your family, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms may be a determining factor for you. Proximity to schools and work locations and public transport access should also factor into your decision.
Set a Realistic Budget
Houses can come with additional costs, such as higher maintenance and insurance costs. Make sure you calculate your monthly income and expenses and create a realistic budget that works per the type of house you’re looking to rent.
It’s important to set realistic expectations before renting a house, but once you’ve decided on a property, it’s time to inspect!
Research and Inspection
Houses come with a wide range of different appliances and their own heating and cooling systems. These need to be properly maintained and should be well inspected regularly. It also helps to use reputable websites or real estate agencies to get the most information about your potential rental.
Do Some Research
Start your search on well-known rental websites as these platforms often have verified listings and provide detailed information about the properties. Consider also working with a real estate agency that has a solid reputation in the market, like GIL! You can check out a list of available rentals and let us help you through the house rental process.
Inspect the Property
Once you’ve found a property that meets your needs and criteria, you should consider scheduling an in-person visit. This will allow you to conduct a physical inspection of the rental, which is crucial for assessing the real condition of the house.
Look for signs of mould, damage, or pest infestations. Pay close attention to the structural integrity of the house, inspect areas prone to mould growth such as bathrooms and the basement, and look for signs of pest infestations such as droppings, nests, or chewed wires and furniture.
Finally, make sure all appliances are in good working order. Check the plumbing by running faucets, flushing toilets and looking for leaks under the sinks.
Renting a house comes with added considerations but shouldn’t be stressful. If you’re ready to begin your house rental journey, GIL is here to lend a helping hand. Contact us today to get started!
