Online House Hunting

House hunting tomorrow, any tips to help me out?

I'm a college student moving into a house with a friend next year. Do you have any advice to give when looking for a rental house? What kinds of questions should I ask? Is it impolite to negotiate the rent with the landlord? Are there any traps we might get sucked into and taken advantage of? Any good advice would be much appreciated!!!

Public Comments

1. Make sure you ask if there are any things that need to be fixed? And if there is, make sure there is a time frame for them to fix it in your rental agreement. Yes, you can negotiate with the rent. Try to only do a 6 months max lease agreement. This way if you don't like the area or lose you job or whatever, you won't be stuck
2. It's not impolite to negotiate. You can do it, but normally if it's a large apartment complex, their prices are set. Still you can try. If it's an individual, who is renting out a condo, of course you can negotiate. Lets say this individual wants $1000 a month, you say: "We like your place, but we can afford $900." What to ask? Before talking to a landlord, talk to neighbors in the same complex. Ask them if they like it there, if there are some rules and regulations they do not like. If they have the same landlord, ask if the landlord responds and fixes problems, etc. Keep in mind that if you are renting in an apartment or a condo complex, or even a house, but there's an association in place, there will be A LOT of rules and restrictions. You need to know them before you sign.
3. Big question! First is to make sure you can trust your friend to "share" responsibly. Too many "shares" go haywire when friendships go bad and one person is often left to face the rent man and the consequencies! Second, make a list of what you absolutely need before viewing any rental. Make sure this list is a "must have"and not a "wish list". And Thirdly, stick to that list and don't pick "I Wants" above " I Needs" . It is not bad manners to ask any questions before signing a rental lease and price is sometimes negociable but not often is this hot market. I would suggest asking: 1. What exactly does the landlord supply. 2. What utilities are included ( power, gas, phone etc.) 3. What date is the rent due each month and if it is late is there a penalty? 4. Can you have a pet in the house. 5. What notice do you need to give before giving up your rental. 6. Is there a "damage deposit" needed? Good luck to you and your friend.
4. Make sure that you BOTH sign the lease agreement. If only your name is on it, You and YOU ALONE will be legally responsible for paying the rent. Your friend could decide not to pay their portion of the rent, or move out, and you would have no recourse. Make sure the agreement specifically states under what conditions the landlord can keep your security deposit when you move out. If it is too vague, you'll probably never see that money again. Ask what expenses are included in the rent. Who is responsible for lawn maintainance, trash removal, etc. Look at the house as if you were buying it. Does it have older windows/furnace/air conditioning? You may find yourself paying incredibly high utility bills. Be sure to check with your insurance agent. Your car/renter's insurance rates will vary depending on the neighborhood you are in.