One thing that most people pay attention to before renting a property is the location, but there are other things that one should check for before paying for a rental property. Having confirmed that the location is good for you, you should also inspect the interior of the property and the facilities in it such as the air conditioning systems, electrical fittings, and others.
It is advisable to put the following into consideration:
1. Check Who Lived There Before and Why They Left
This background check can help you discover a hidden problem that is not easily spotted and include them in the inspection report. Be sure they are moving for one of the usual reasons people move and not because there is a problem with the property.
2. Check the Walls, Floors, and Roofs That May Suggest Dilapidation
Cracks to walls and roofs may mean that a building is due for renovation; hence it is not a good sign for your prospective rental home. While a few holes to the wall from pictures may be pardonable, large holes or cracks is a red flag and should be duly recorded in the inspection register. It is important that you record them and take pictures of them if possible in order to be able to exonerate yourself of any damages that may be claimed in the nearest future.
3. Check The Air Conditioning, Heating and Ventilation System
One way to spot a well-functioning thermostat is to check the temperature on it and compare it with what the temperature should likely be. If the noticed reading seems to be too far from what you think it should be, you could verify the status of your HVAC from your landlord.
4. Be Sure There Are No Hidden Charges
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While inspecting your prospective rental property, find out from your landlord if there are hidden charges. You might want to find out the following from him.
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Is there any other side cost that I might incur from repairs?
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Are there any other costs to be expected further into the tenancy? Things like renewal or exit fee.
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Before paying for that property, it is important that you carry-out the move-in rental inspection and fill out the move-in rental inspection report with your landlord. You may download a house rental agreement sample or a simple rental agreement form online from our website.