There’s a number of things to keep in mind before committing to Renting out a house, apartment, or something similar. When people check out rental properties, they tend to focus on the location too much. Of course, the nearby amenities and the neighborhood are important, but they’re not everything. You also need to take into consideration the Property itself before deciding to live in it. To this end, we put together a list of 7 things to check before renting a property.

1. Check the floors and walls for stains and other damage

One of the first things you should check before renting a property is the floors and walls. It’s normal to see a hole or two in the walls from previous tenants’ pictures. Assuming, of course, the landlord didn’t do a fresh paint job since the previous tenant left. However, if you spot large cracks along the wall or stains on the floors and walls, you might want to look elsewhere. These are clear signs of neglecting maintenance on the landlord’s part. And if the landlord doesn’t want to fix something as important as this before a new tenant moves in, chances are they won’t be too responsive to your concerns. And if you’re planning to rent out a home, take into consideration renting to own. This could be a very smart choice in the long run, after all.

2. Check the thermostat and HVAC system

When doing a walkthrough of the property, check if the thermostat is showing the correct temperature. Although you can’t exactly be sure, if the thermostat is showing room temperature, and the property is much colder, you might want to check with the landlord if the HVAC system is functional. Needless to say, HVAC systems are very important, and you shouldn’t settle for a property that doesn’t have one. However, remember to be polite in the way you ask the question, as you should try to have a good relationship with your potential landlord. After all, maybe there isn’t a problem, and first impressions matter quite a bit. So, be polite and don’t aggravate the potential landlord needlessly.

3. Check if all of the safety equipment is working

Before renting a property, you should make sure all of the Safety Equipment is in working order. This includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and so on. You can never guarantee that nothing will happen while you’re living at the property. And in case something does happen, you need to be absolutely certain the safety equipment is working. Being alerted that a danger is present on time is vital to staying safe and containing the issue. If you notice the safety equipment isn’t functional, make sure to request a replacement. Additionally, sit down and consider whether buying or renting is the better choice for you. This can be very situational, and you should be certain you’re making the right choice before committing one way or the other.

4. Check the windows for damage

Another vital part of any property is the windows, for obvious reasons. So, before deciding to commit to a property, make sure to check if the windows are functional and undamaged. This means checking the glass for cracks and making sure every window can be properly (and fully) opened. If they’re not, either ask for a replacement before renting or look for a different property. However, if the landlord hasn’t bothered to fix something like this, you’re probably better off looking elsewhere. And when you do find a suitable property, experts from Mod Movers Monterey CA note that you should pack your things properly. It’s easy to misplace or damage belongings, especially when moving into a rental property. So, make sure all of your belongings are safe before moving in.

5. Keep an eye out for pests

The last thing you want to find in a rental property right after moving in is pests. Dealing with a pest infestation takes time, and often leaves the property unusable for a few days while the fumes clear out. So, while checking out a property before making a choice, keep your eyes peeled for any signs of pests. If you see any sort of traps or unusual stains around the property, you’re probably best off looking for a different property. Additionally, when it comes to renting, you should consider whether a short-term rental is right for your situation. After all, short-term rentals are often the better choice, so take the time to decide whether this is the case for you or not.

6. Check the lights and light switches

Most commonly, walkthroughs of properties are done during the day, so you might not think to check the lights. But, take the time to flip on the light switches and see whether or not they work. While you’re at it, it could be a good idea to ask the landlord if you’d be responsible for changing them. Also, if you find that one of the light switches is damaged, for example, if it’s blackened, then the problem might be more serious. Malfunctioning electrical systems are very dangerous, so keep an eye on the light switches and outlets, just in case.

7. Check the faucets and toilet

One of the worst situations you can find yourself in is when either you don’t have access to water or the toilet. As such, it’s vital to check if the toilet and faucets are properly functional. Also, remember to check for leaks; leaks can easily evolve into something more serious, so they’re generally a pretty bad sign in rental properties.

• Things to check before renting a property – wrap up

While the location of a property is important, it’s absolutely not the only important thing. Before you rent out a place, you need to make sure you can actually live in it. So, take your time and check if everything is working properly before deciding to commit. We hope that this list of 7 things to check before renting a property helps you out, and we wish you luck with finding a property to rent.

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