Searching for and finding the ideal home is not as complicated a task as it seems, however, it can be a challenge for those who do not have experience or do not know where to start the process. Fortunately, there are ways to make this task easier without having to spend large sums of money or use many resources.

 

 

In this guide we present simple steps to rent an apartment for the first time, whether because you are starting to become independent, you need to change residence for work or economic reasons, or you simply want a change of scenery at least once in your life.

 

Organize Your Budget

One of the first steps when renting an apartment for the first time is to consider your available budget. Since this is a recurring expense that you will have to bear monthly for the duration of your lease, you should make sure that the amount does not exceed your payment possibilities or represent the majority of your income.

It is recommended that the monthly rent does not exceed 30% of your income, since you should also consider other expenses, such as utilities and incidentals. It is also advisable to have a separate fund to cover deposits, moving costs or the purchase of furniture for your new apartment.

 

Search in Residential Areas

Residential areas are great places to start your search, as they offer a wide variety of options in terms of rental spaces and prices. They also tend to have good accessibility to public transportation and offer adequate public services and security. Even though rents in residential areas tend to be more expensive, it is always possible to negotiate or find an option that fits your needs and budget. These days, there is a huge supply of these types of areas, so do not worry if you do not find a suitable option right away.

 

Ask About Requirements

Knowing each landlord's requirements will help you effectively narrow down your rental options. As you continue your search, you will find that some landlords are more flexible than others when it comes to requirements for renting an apartment.

For the most part, you will need to present a valid government-issued ID, proof of income, a pre-arranged down payment, and a lease. Some landlords may require additional deposits, appraisals, and notarized contracts, or impose restrictions, such as banning pets or large parties on-site. If a property's requirements seem excessive, you can always look elsewhere.

 

Review the Lease Agreement

Before signing any lease, it is critical to carefully review all of the clauses. A typical lease will include information about the names and contact information of the parties involved, specifications about the property, the amount of rent, warranties, the length of the contract, and early termination conditions. Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions before you commit.

 

Contact a Real Estate Specialist

If you find the steps above too complicated or do not have the time to complete them, consider contacting a real estate specialist. These professionals can help you find options that fit your needs and budget. While it is important to visit properties in person, a real estate specialist can simplify the process by narrowing down your options based on your preferences.

 

Find Out About the Apartment's Background

Did you know that stigmatized properties usually have a lower price than average? Stigmatized apartments are those where a tragic accident or an act of violence may have occurred and that is why it is more difficult for their owners to find someone to rent it. If you find an apartment like that but you really want to rent it, do not worry! If you hire Boston crime clean up, they will take care of leaving it as good as new and in excellent condition so that you can move in and live comfortably and without problems.

 

Study Carefully What the Contract Says

Before signing the contract, you should read it carefully and, if possible, negotiate its conditions with the landlord or, at least, state the discrepancies you have with him (preferably in writing). The conditions include the monthly rent, the duration of the contract, the person (landlord or tenant) who must assume the different expenses (community, taxes, insurance, etc.), or the payment of repairs in case of breakdowns.

Generally, the contract must include the address of the home, the cadastral reference of the same, the certificate of habitability and the energy efficiency certificate. If the home is rented with furniture, it is advisable that the contract includes an annex with an inventory.

 

Check That the Person Renting the Property Is Actually the Owner

This is normal, but it is worth making sure to avoid unpleasant surprises (such as, for example, realizing afterward that the apartment you rented and for which you paid the deposit does not belong to the person who claims to be its owner). It is easy to check: if there is a real estate agent, you can ask them to confirm it; if the contract is between private individuals, a note from the property register is enough.

 

The Length of the Rental Contract

The length of a rental contract can vary. The most common contracts are for one year, two years, or three years, with the option to extend them. According to the law, for the rental of a habitual residence, the length of time you can rent will be agreed between you and the landlord. If you decide to rent for less than five years (or less than seven years if the landlord is a company), the contract will be automatically renewed each year until it reaches at least five years (or seven years if the landlord is a company), unless you notify the landlord at least thirty days in advance that you do not wish to renew.

 

Conclusion

You can ask all the questions you want before you decide to rent an apartment - it is the best thing you can do! Make sure you find out about the apartment's background, whether it is okay to do renovations or have pets. Once you know everything and are sure of your decision, you will not regret renting the right apartment.