Renting Tips and Finding a Great Place to Live

People move for varied reasons such as better living standard, proximity to workplace or school. Renting a home, an apartment, a townhouse or a condo unit is not as simple as 123, oftentimes, it can be a daunting task. You don’t just rent and hope for the best. You have to consider a couple of things should you decide to rent one.

Renting can be beneficial too. You are not compelled to continue staying in the same home or same location. Whether you are looking for a place to stay for a short period or not ready to purchase a house, renting is always a viable option. Here are some important factors you might want to consider:

Search and plan early.

Searching for an apartment can take a lot of your time. You can always take a look at the list of apartments for rent. List your priorities. Be clear about the kind of property you're looking for, where you want to live, what amenities you need to be close to and the budget you have available, and how long you want to rent it for. If you own a car, see if there is a garage space. This will make your hunting easier.

Examine the property.

Spend time to check on the exterior and interiors of the entire property. See if there are damages and what needs to be fixed. Check the conditions of the bathroom, kitchen sinks, cabinets, windows, laundry areas, ceilings, walls and flooring. Always consider water supply, power supply, telephone and Internet connection, and a lot more of the necessary factors. Be sure to ask who will handle the major repairs or incidental damages. Don’t rush inspecting the property you want to rent, be thorough and take the time you need.

Determine your ideal location.

Check the entire neighborhood before renting an apartment. Make a thorough research on the where you are going to live. Consider your public transport means, its proximity to schools, hospitals, markets and other important locations.

Rental costs and payment terms.

Consider your budget and how much you can afford to pay. Ask the landlord/owner about payment dues, payment forms and penalties for late payments. Most will expect you to pay 2 months rent in advance. You may also be asked to pay a security deposit, which is usually a month rent. Make sure you can afford to pay the rent and other bills once you decided to move in.

Don’t forget to ask for a documented agreement, examine your lease in detail and keep every payment receipts.

Plan the big move.

Moving, packing and unpacking can also be stressful. Plan carefully for your big day. The smartest way is to prepare a moving out checklist to keep you organized. Plenty of boxes, tapes and marking materials are a big help.

Know your rights.

Be aware of your rights. If there are problems, better inform the property owner. Always remember your rights to privacy as long as you are paying your rent.

Here in the Philippines you have the option of checking the classified ads section of newspapers, property finder ads, surfing the Internet and going around the neighborhood looking for that "For Rent" sign. If you are in the United States, there are millions of properties across the countries that are available for rent. It is always good to check on reliable sources where you can find the best and most affordable apartments for rent.