20/11/2014
Vital tips on renting a house:
1. Research
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the area you plan to live in. Its proximity to your work place, health facility, shopping centre, main road etc. It is also important to view as many houses as possible before making your final decision.
2. Ask for a written lease and review it.
Carefully review all of the conditions of the tenancy before you sign on the dotted line. Your lease or rental agreement may contain a provision that you find unacceptable -- for example, restrictions on guests, pets, design alterations, or running a home business.
To avoid disputes or misunderstandings with your landlord, get everything in writing. Keep copies of any correspondence and follow up an oral agreement with a letter, setting out your understandings. For example, if you ask your landlord to make repairs, put your request in writing and keep a copy for yourself. If the landlord agrees orally, send a letter confirming this.
3. Demand repairs.
Know your rights to live in a habitable rental unit -- and don't give them up. The vast majority of landlords are required to offer their tenants livable premises. Keep communication open with your landlord. If there's a problem -- for example, if the landlord is slow to make repairs -- talk it over.
4. Protect your security deposit.
To protect yourself and avoid any misunderstandings, make sure your lease or rental agreement is clear on the use and refund of security deposits, including allowable deductions. When you move in, do a walk-through with the landlord to record existing damage to the premises on a move-in statement or checklist.
5. Maintain a good relationship with your landlord.
All those who maintain a good relationship with their landlord tend to benefit in the long run. You must ensure that the home is maintained well and everything is in good condition. Rent should also be paid on time. You must treat it as your own home. It gives you a much better bargaining power.
Therefore, before renting a home it is advisable to take all these factors into consideration. You must always try and be in the good books of your landlord to avoid problems in the future.