Achievers Move Out and Rent

Here are just a few things to look out for when scouting around:

• Signs of mould, mildew and insect infestation.
• That all the doors, windows and locks function properly.
• That the toilet flushes and the pressure and temperature in all sinks and showers is suitable.
• Obvious damage like broken fixtures, holes in walls, broken tiles, etc.
• Wear and tear on the carpets.

Ask the landlord any questions you might have that will help in your decision, such as:

• Are any utilities included with the rent?
• What’s the make-up of the other tenants?
• Have you had any break-ins in the past year? Are car break-ins a problem?
• What’s the parking situation like? Do you pay for a parking spot?
• Does the landlord you take care of small maintenance issues or will you responsible for some of the repairs in the apartment?
• Are you allowed to re-paint the walls or make other modifications?

Rental application

At this step, the landlord will offer you a rental application which they’ll use to screen you. You’ll have to provide information on your employment and monthly income as well as your rental history. You’ll also be asked to sign a consent form giving the landlord permission to run a background and credit check which may incur a fee. Make sure they don’t overcharge you and try to get your credit report yourself.

This way you can save time and money rather than constantly running credit checks. Make copies and be sure to get them officially verified. You’ll be asked to provide a list of personal and professional references. Have those ready and make sure to tell your references they should expect a call from a landlord.

 Rental or lease contract

After your rental application has been approved, you’ll be asked to sign a contract. This is where you can bring up any concerns you had about the property, as well as negotiate for better terms. When you sign your contract, the landlord will usually ask that you pay a security deposit as well as the first month’s rent.

Be sure to ask about the terms of the security deposit.

Rental agreements typically go from month-to-month, while leases last for a longer period of time, usually a year. Landlords are free to raise the rent at the end of each month when a rental agreement expires whereas leases lock in the rate of rent for an entire year. Read the agreement line for line before signing it. You want to know exactly what you’re getting into when you agree to a contract. Make note of anything you find disagreeable, and ask questions about what you don’t understand.

Now that you’ve found the right place for you, move in, have fun and enjoy your independence. It’s a lot of responsibility and the pathway to learning a whole lot of new skills. It can be the greatest and most fulfilling step you take as a young adult as nothing brings as much purpose to oneself as responsibility.