It can be stressful and difficult to find the right flat for rent near me. If you want a quality unit in a prime location, you may have to compete with many others.
A real estate broker says the secret is to plan ahead. It is not uncommon for renters to wait until the last minute to find another flat. However, tenants in a hurry often choose flats that don't suit them.
You Can Find The Best Flat For Rent Near Me By Following These Eight Tips
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1. Invest 90 Days In Your Search Before Moving
Don't wait until midmonth to figure out where you're going to live. The best rentals, in terms of location, price, and amenities, go earlier in the month, so look for a flat earlier.
If you're looking for a rental property in an area where it isn't much available, begin your search at least 60 days before you need to move.
It tends to be busiest on the second and third weekends of the month. The best properties will still be available if you start your search on the first weekend of the month.
2. Find Rental Listings Online
90% of renters will begin looking for a place to live. Searching online is a good way to begin the process. You'll get an idea of flat amenities and prices.
The sites of flat rental companies don't give you enough information about neighborhoods and local amenities, like grocery stores or public transportation, if you are moving to a new city.
3. Make Use Of A Real Estate Broker
Typically, real estate brokers assist renters in finding properties for free. Find a broker who offers rental properties, not homes for sale.
You should check with several real estate agents before choosing one, especially if you're looking in areas where there is generally stiff competition for flats, since each agent may have different relations with each building.
Make sure you speak to an agent who has access to flats buildings in the neighborhood where you want to live.
4. Take Into Account Roommates
Consider asking the landlord for separate leases if you're considering sharing a flat with roommates.
If your roommates don't pay their share of the rent, you are responsible for the total amount. In contrast, if you have a separate lease, you are liable only for your portion of the rent.
If you don't know your roommates, don't be afraid to ask for references. You can also learn more about them using social media - LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
5. Beware Of Scams
It is important to be aware of online scams, particularly those ads that require you to provide your credit card to pay a deposit fee to see the flats. A deposit should never be required to see a flat.
It is also a good idea to use extreme caution when renting directly from a private individual, since you will be providing them with your Social Security number, banking information, and likely a credit check as well. Real estate brokers who are licensed and bonded are safer.
6. Lease For 24 Months
A 24-month lease can help you get a landlord's attention in a competitive market.
7. Visit Smaller Buildings
There will be a noticeable difference in price for the same size flat in a six- to eight-unit building with a swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, computer lounge, and weight room versus one in a 300-unit building that has these amenities. Make sure you will use the amenities if you pay for them.
8. Take The Help Of Social Media
Be sure to post on Facebook that you're searching for a flat. Inform your friends that you're looking for a new place to live.
You should consider getting renter's insurance after you find your perfect flat for rent.
If the unexpected happens, you want to be covered, since your landlord's insurance doesn't cover your belongings.
Questions You Should Always Ask Before You Take A Flat For Rent
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1. Check The Status Of The Title
You should find out whether a property is hassle-free before buying it. A good way to guarantee the title is to rent the flat from the flat owners.
2. Inquire About The Actual Cost Of The Flat With Neighbours
In addition to the actual price of the flat, utilities such as parking, water, electricity, and various taxes will be included. Legal and registration charges might also be included.
3. Ask About Utilities
Upon renting the flat, inquire whether the flat has any in-built amenities. Examples include a kitchen and other furniture, electricity, etc.
A clear understanding of some of the basic things will save you from lots of hassles and unnecessary surprises later on.
4. Is It Okay To Decorate The Apartment Without Being Penalized?
When you move out, most leases require that the apartment be returned to the same condition you found it in.
You may even find that your landlord has included a clause in the lease that requires their permission before you paint or decorate.
Hanging artwork, hanging wallpaper, driving nails into the walls, if you wish to keep your security deposit, these things may have to be pre-approved and/or reversed when you move out.
5. Pets Are Allowed? Are There Any Fees?
While some landlords strictly forbid pets altogether, others are more flexible: They might allow a small dog but not your massive labrador.
You should check your landlord's policies and your lease for fine print regarding pets. You should factor in your apartment costs up-front if you're allowed to have pets by your landlord.
If your friend brings her/his golden retriever with her when she visits, is he allowed inside?
How To Negotiate With Owner Before You Take A Flat For Rent
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Those families struggling to meet other family needs, such as paying high rent, feel the pressure of skyrocketing rent prices.
In Indian cities, rent increases are inevitable, and a prospective tenant should be aware that negotiation is always possible.
Typically, property owners raise the rent by 10% each year with a small margin for negotiation.
1. You Should Know The Value Of Your Apartment
You should also know how much the apartment is worth before starting the negotiation. Consider speaking to the owner if you do not feel that your money is being well spent.
Verify that the increase is legal and check the local rental laws and guidelines. The owner is likely to demand the last received rent, however, if the apartment was previously tenanted.
2. Request What You Want
In exchange for a decrease in rent, you might exchange something you can do.
The only conceivable advantage would be if parking was not available and you did not own a vehicle or didn't intend to buy one.
Nevertheless, if your landlord refuses to agree to an increase, you can always request some perks like specific repairs to your apartment or painting before you move in.
3. Demonstrate Your Value As A Tenant
An unsatisfactory tenant can cost a landlord more than lower rent. You might find it useful to use your tenant track record as a bargaining tool.
A rent increase is more likely to be negotiated if your rent has been paid on time.
Keep in mind that the cost of renovation matters greatly to a landlord, so make sure that you emphasize your efforts to keep the apartment in good shape.
In return for a marginal reduction in rent, you might also offer to split the monthly maintenance expense.
Conclusion
Often, when renting an apartment, renters fall into the same nasty trap: They only consider the big picture, such as painting the walls a deep purple and holding cocktail parties every night, while completely ignoring the details like landlord rules and fees that seriously bite them later.
Wait before you sign your lease. It's extremely important to ask yourself several key questions because it could make the difference between your apartment renting experience and your bank account.
