Finding the right rental home
To find the right rental home you'll need to evaluate your lifestyle and how you want your home to fit into it.
Types of homes
Your budget and routine are driving factors in deciding what type of rental home is right for you. Consider the advantages and disadvantages that come with each property type and envision how your home will fit into your daily life and long-term plans.
Finding the right location
Think about what you like in a neighborhood and community. Do you care about schools? Is walkability a must? Make sure you’ve determined your priorities before looking at a property and consider ranking them in terms of importance. Key location features you should consider are:
Who will be involved?
In most cases, you’ll primarily work with a landlord on renting your home. But depending on who you plan to live with and where you’re looking to rent, there are a variety of people you may consult with during the rental process.
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Landlords will be either individual property owners or major property management companies. Sometimes an individual landlord will hire a property management company to handle the rental.
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Real estate agents or brokers can help you find a property for a fee. Sometimes the landlord pays the fee and sometimes the renter pays the fee.
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Neighbors are great resources to help you learn more about a neighborhood or a rental community. When touring homes don’t be afraid to chat with your potential neighbors.
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Roommates can help you cut down costs but may have their own set of “must-haves.” Be sure any roommates understand the responsibilities you agree to when signing a lease.
When deciding on a rental home, you’ll have to prioritize what’s right for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider how location will impact things like your commute, nearby amenities and the type of homes available.