Renting right now might seem like a far more affordable way to get into the home you want.
There are always rental options to choose from, but that doesn’t mean the first place you come across is the right one. These tips will help you find the perfect rental property.
Search Online
While large portals like realestate.com.au or Domain may spring to mind to find your rental property, other agent websites can often list properties that the larger property classifieds listing websites do not. The rental property search at https://firstnational.com.au/rent often includes rental properties that are not found on larger real estate aggregation websites.
Local Real Estate Agent Rental Listings
Many renters may not be aware that rental properties are often listed immediately on local real estate agent websites before being listed on larger property classifieds listing websites. As these third party classifieds site impose listing fees, landlords and real estate agents often do not list rental properties on larger websites. Savvy renters should search local real estate agent websites for listed rental properties before going to the larger websites.
Find your local First National agent
Walk the Talk
Nothing will help you find the most suitable rental home for your needs like spending some time in the local streets around the rental property you are looking at. We suggest driving and walking up and down the street the rental property is in prior to applying for it. Get a feel for the street and think about how much privacy you’ll have in a potential neighborhood. Is there a barking dog and sufficient off-street parking. Are there tall fences and tree lines, or are houses close together? Look up what cafes are in the local area, how close it is to your gym or to the local pool, or even how long a walk is to and from the local park or beach.
Check for Storage
Look at the storage situation in your rental home. Is there a garage? How big is the bedroom closet? Do all bedrooms have internal storage or wardrobes. You can always bring a measuring tape as well to check the height, width and depth of storage areas. If you are looking at multiple rental properties in one day, these are the small important things which you can forget about after inspecting multiple properties on a weekend. Remember that while mobile storage displays can be purchased from IKEA, finding a home with built-in storage will suit you better in the long run. Consider the yard and any outdoor spaces as well.
Ask about Apartment Security
When inspecting each rental property, make sure that doors and windows have security features on them. Deadbolts on doors and locks on windows are great, as well as home security systems. Not only will you feel safer with these features, but your insurance will likely be cheaper, too. For apartments, ask the real estate agent about general security for open access areas and what procedures are put in place by the body corporate.
Cleanliness
Most rental property agreements require an end of lease cleaning to be completed and paid for by the tenant. If the rental property isn’t very clean when you inspect it, chances are, you’ll have to clean it yourself when you move in. Ask the property manager at the open inspection about any additional cleaning or clearing out of sheds and garages if a landlord has personal belongings stored. Once you have rented the property, be sure there are photographs taken of the property and a report detailing any marks or defects. This will ensure you can show at the end of the lease you left the property in a similar condition as when you began the lease and are not held liable for unnecessary wear and tear or damage to the rental property.
There’s a suitable rental out there for you – all you need to do is take some time to find it! The team at First National Real Estate can help you, so get in touch today.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.