Do’s and Don’ts for Moving into a Rental

The following is a guest post from marketing specialist 

David Shapiro

Do’s and Don’ts for Moving into a Rental

It’s no secret that moving to a new home can be a challenge. There’s so much to consider – from finding the right place to packing, hiring a moving company, and so much more. Even though many might think renting is “easier” than buying, it comes with its own special considerations. Here is a list of a few do’s and don’ts when looking for and moving into a rental – whether it be an apartment, condo, or house.

DO’S

·         DO check whether pets are allowed before signing a lease. A lot of places charge a pet security deposit and an extra monthly fee, so be aware of those things beforehand. After all, pets are family and you have to take them with you!

·         DO ask for a walk-through inspection before you move in. This is your opportunity to note any damage you see so you can’t be blamed and charged for it upon leaving.

·         DO check your credit before beginning to look for rental properties. This way you know how good you’ll appear on paper – and be able to sort out any wrong information before potential landlords see it.

·         DO drive by the property and check the safety ratings of the area with local police before making an appointment to view.

DON’TS

·         DON’T paint or wallpaper unless you’re willing – and able – to put things back the way you found them. Otherwise, be prepared to forfeit your security deposit. Anytime you want to make improvements or changes to the property, get written permission from the landlord ahead of time.

·         DON’T sign a lease for longer than you know you’ll be in town. Of course, things can always happen – you could unexpectedly get a job out of state, for example – so be aware of what the landlord’s lease-breaking policies are, just in case. There’s often a fee for breaking your lease early. Some landlords will allow you to sublet your property, and some won’t. Find out ahead of time so you aren’t surprised.

·         DON’T rent an apartment or house online unless you use extreme caution. Even then, it’s risky. There are a lot of scammers out there looking to take advantage of those who want a great price, so be sure any rental agreements you sign are legitimate.

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David Shapiro is a marketing specialist for moving companies such as Allied Van Lines. He enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing baseball.


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