subject: What To Consider When Choosing A Home Rental [print this page] Looking for a home rental? While you are not buying a home (you are opting to rent instead), choosing a home rental is still an important decision. What factors should you take into consideration when making that all-important decision?
Rental Costs: Obviously, you are going to look at home rentals you can afford. With that said, you will usually pay more to rent a home than an apartment. This increased cost is often due to more space and privacy. When it comes to estimating your home rental budget, be sure to leave some wiggle room. This is important because you do have other monthly expenses. Dont end up living paycheck to paycheck because you allotted more for rent than you should have.
Utility Costs: If relocating from one home rental to another home rental, the utility costs should be pretty similar to what you are used to. However, if relocating from an apartment to a larger home rental, keep the increase in utility costs in mind. This is especially important with heating, cooling, and electricity. If you ask, you may get this information from the previous renters (how much on average they paid for air conditioning, heating, and electricity). Don't find out too late that the utilities are more than you can afford.
Rental Repairs: Usually, home rentals are just like apartment rentals. Usually, the only difference is that you are renting a house instead of a unit. That means the landlord should be responsible for all repairs and maintenance. With that said, verify this information beforehand. As for seasonal care; that is usually another story. It is usually your responsibility because you are occupying the home rental and the property that comes along with it. For that reason, you will likely be responsible for lawn mowing and snow removal.
Kids and Pets: As with most apartment rentals, it is common to find restrictions on both children and animals with home rentals. Many times, the only restriction with kids is that the landlord wants to make sure there is enough space for everyone to safely live on the property. For that reason, you should be okay with children. Pets might be a different story. To protect their investment, most landlords prohibit pets or require tenants to pay extra fees (monthly or an additional security deposit). Returning back to the children, it is also a wise decision to examine your entire familys wants and needs. Want a home rental that comes with a yard for your children? What about the school district; is it good? Is the area crime rate high or low?
