Things to Consider Before Signing a Lease On Your Rental Home
So you’re looking for a rental home!
If you’ve never rented before, or been out of the game for a while, here are a few things we’d suggest you look at when searching for a new home. We’ve been in the landlord business a long time and seen the good, bad and ugly when it comes to rental properties around Kansas City. We offer the best of the best, and want to make sure you find that in your new home. Here’s what we suggest you look for when searching for a rental house or apartment in the Kansas City area.
– Is the rental property clean?
You don’t have to settle for cleanliness to get an affordable rental property. Sure, there are some out there that are the cheapest on the list, but have not been cleaned nor well-maintained in years. There are others that are brand new, but cost just as much as a mortgage if not more. There are some great finds out there where you can find a rental home that has been cleaned and well-kept. It might not be the newest, fanciest apartment in town – but if it’s older and still clean, it will probably fit your budget and give you just what you need.
– Is the management responsive?
If you call on a rental property but do not receive a return call or prompt replies on your questions, that’s a good indication of how things might work once you’re a tenant. Look for a landlord who quickly responds to your calls or emails. This will indicate that once you’ve moved in, they’ll also respond to your service requests.
– What are some of the special policies?
We know there’s dog and cat lovers out there, but in our case, our no-pet policy allows us to keep our rental properties clean and in-tact. We also have a policy that does not allow for storage of large vehicles (like boats, ATVs) on the property or in the driveway. If you’re looking for someplace that will be nicely kept, ask about special policies like this.
– What are the neighbors like?
Drive by the rental property at different times of the night and day to see the neighborhood. If you have kids, you might want a hustling and bustling neighborhood with lots of activity. Or, if you are looking for peace and quiet, you want the opposite. You can never guarantee your neighbors (when you rent OR buy), but at least you can get an idea of what to expect when you move in.
– What are your plans for the year?
The nice thing about renting is that typically the rental agreement has a short-term (especially as opposed to say a 30-year mortgage). But, before you land on a single-bedroom apartment, consider your plans. Expanding family, hosting visitors – that kind of stuff will all come into play when you need to find a rental home to fit you and your lifestyle. You’ll be agreeing to stay there for at least a year, so make sure that fits your plans.