Moving out for the first time? Ready to get up on your own two feet, and finally have a place to really call your own? Then you’re (probably) about to enter the world of renting! It’s a great place to be as an independent adult, with your own job, pension, and plans for the future.
And while a lot of people think of it as a stepping stone towards buying a house, for some, it’s the best place to be for the foreseeable.
However, seeing as this is your first time dipping your toes into renting, you should be on the lookout for a few things. If you spot them, make sure you ask some questions – and maybe even reconsider your choice to take up a tenancy.
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What the Location Really Means
Location really is everything! And when you’re renting for the first time, it’s easy to fall into the trap of not looking at a location from both sides.
Looking into downtown apartments is a fantastic choice for both young adults and young professionals. The chance to be in the center of the action, where you can network with other professionals or make lots of new friends.
Every amenity you might need is likely to be nearby too, with jobs, medical centers, and 24/7 convenience stores on every corner. But you also need to think about the trade off, especially if you have plans more along ‘settle down and have a family’ line.
Say you do find yourself a partner – how will your budget change? And is there space to expand? Think about these kinds of things now so they don’t surprise you later on.
Tricks in the Tenancy Agreement
Not every landlord will pop them into a tenancy agreement, but more landlords might try to than you first think. It’s why you should always read a tenancy agreement through in full, and then read it again for good measure.
If anything in the agreement makes you pause or just feels a bit confusing, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification either. And if anything isn’t mentioned in the agreement (such as pets or how you should contact them about repairs), make sure you question this as well.
Signs That the Property Will Cost You More Than Advertised!
Never take on a place without seeing it first. That’s a hard rule of renting. You need to know what you’re renting, in terms of the condition the space is in and how that may affect you.
Because there’s a chance both your long term bills, and even any damage fees required after the tenancy ends, will be higher than you were first told.
After all, some properties aren’t as structurally sound as they first appear, or there may not be enough insulation, or the appliances may be only a month away from breaking down. Check on all these things while you’ve got the chance!
Renting for the first time? Always double check the spots above!
