As you prepare for your next move there are a few important tips to keep in mind when looking for the next place to call home.
Conduct a thorough walk through
Before you sign the lease it is crucial to do a thorough walk through of your new home. Things to look most for are damages from previous owners. If these damages are not caught before you move in, your deposit may be affected. Tenants should also test the stove, any appliances, and that the hot water runs for a period of time. No one wants to run out of hot water during a shower!
Review the lease
A lease is a contract that legally binds both parties to specific terms for a period of time and should be taken very seriously. Carefully read all of the conditions and rules before signing your name. The most effective way to fight a rule is before you sign the lease. Do not let anyone rush you into signing an agreement before understanding what it says. If you are uncertain about anything in the lease or not sure what to look for have somebody else review it.
Get everything in writing
To avoid miscommunication and future issues you should get everything in writing. Keep copies of any paperwork and follow up any verbal agreement with a letter or email. This will also be a relief to your landlord, because they are making verbal agreements with tenants multiple times a day and may forget.
Purchase renters insurance
Your landlord’s property insurance will not help you in a disaster. Renters insurance covers your belongings from possible bad events like fires, floods, theft, or water damage. It covers more than just your personal belongings, it covers injury, hotel costs after a disaster, dog bites, neighbor property damage, etc. Insuring anything is always a good idea and will benefit you in the long run.
Position yourself as a desirable tenant
To position yourself a desirable tenant you want to have your checkbook ready. Landlords want to see you are ready to move in and are financially stable enough to put down any money at any time. Prospective landlords may also want to run a credit check, so try to fix any issues on your credit report before starting your search.
Following these tips will help you avoid issues while you are renting and will make fro an easy transition when it comes time for you to move to your next assignment.