Many of us live in a rental property at some point. Some people share communal space whilst studying at university, some share houses when starting their careers, others share apartments whilst travelling the world, others rent while waiting to get onto the property ladders, others do so for financial reasons, whilst other rent simply because they prefer the flexibility.
Asked who they’d most like to share a house with, respondents in a recent survey apparently put celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver at the top of their list with the bad boy of music, Pete Doherty at the bottom. While it’s no surprise that the friendly, funny and warmhearted Jamie comes ahead of the troubled rocker with his penchant for noisy guitars and a history of antisocial behaviour, but when it comes to renting a house or apartment, you certainly don’t want any nasty surprises!
So when it comes to renting, where does one begin? Don’t limit your search to property management companies, talk to real estate agents, scour the classified sections of local newspapers and search the internet. And remember, quality tenants are highly sought after – so having all your ducks in a row from the outset will be a big advantage.
Just as your landlord needs to check out your references, if you’re dealing with an agent, check out their credentials and professional associations. According to a reputable agent specializing in real estate Bentley, Western Australia, a good agent will also have the tenants’ best interests at heart and it’s best to deal with professionals. Renting can be a hassle-free experience for both parties OR it can be a minefield – so here are some things to remember :
1. Before you even begin, it’s advisable to have all information that may be required by the landlord on hand (such as identity documents, details of references, proof of employment, reports from a previous landlord etc)
2. Understand what your rights as a tenant are and what your obligatipns are. Lease agreements will vary from place to place, so make sure all bases are covered.
3. Spend plenty of time investigating your options. Do a checklist of important aspects – public transport, schools, community centres, sports clubs etc.
4. And when you see a property you like, check it carefully even though it may look perfect. It’s wise to draw up another checklist and go through with a fine toothcomb. For example, check the state of the appliances, the water pressure, the cleanliness of the carpets, what furnishings are included. If anything is not quite right, take a photo of it and get the estate agent to record the date.
5. Check the inventory thoroughly before signing anything. At a glance, things may look in order, but it’s always worth spending time on the detail to avoid possible conflict – and cost – in the future.
6. Always read between the lines! You need to know your responsibilities as a tenant and there are often hidden issues such as maintenance and cleaning that could lead to dispute and the consequent losing of a deposit. A tip : ask questions and never sign a form that’s blank!
7. Having experienced rental estate agents on your side when you make the legal commitment can be a big advantage. They’ll have the benefit of experience to cross all the ‘i’s and dot the ‘t’s – such as if there’s an obligation for the landlord to do an annual safety check on the gas and electrical system
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to aspects involved in renting. Going online is probably your best bet for uncovering information as well as for locating reputable rental agents – simply key in the relevant words and the suburb you’re looking in – such as rent Victoria Park or rental properties Bentley – and the most popular websites (of the better agents) will appear at the top.
A final thought – getting up close and personal with people is a reality when it comes to sharing rental accommodation. Sharing with a celebrity chef may not be an option, but celebrating good times with good people in your rental property is….. but only if you’ve chosen them carefully!
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