It's a good deal only if you need it - Rules about renting

When you want to rent, it is very important to keep in mind some key #RentingRules and to inform yourself about the rights and obligations that you have. When you go to see the house for the first time, try to have a personal and relaxed conversation with the person presenting the house. Be prepared to ask some key questions about the home you see.

Clarity is power

First of all, ask how much the rent costs and when and how should it be paid? It is a trivial information, but it's necessary to avoid misunderstandings later. Also, clarify what is the duration of the rental contract and what will happen at the end of the rental period.

Know your obligations

The main responsibility you have as a tenant is to pay rent on time as well as to pay the utility bills. You have to keep the house safe, lock the doors, start the alarm, clean it and not cause damage to the home. In order to ensure the fulfillment of these obligations, a certain amount is usually required as a guarantee. There are also services such as HomeLet which provide cover for you if you accidentally damage your landlord's property.

Stay safe

When you go about analyzing the apartment or house, it's important to be relaxed and polite, but also cautious. Find out what is the average rental price in the area. If someone proposes to rent a luxury home at a low price, you should do extra checks, because there were situations in the past when someone with bad intentions asked the tenant to pay the advance deposit for the apartment and, after receiving the advance, they disappeared. The real homeowner usually doesn't know anything about the alleged rented house for which the guarantee is paid in such circumstances. Before renting a home, you should ask the landlord to show the following documents: the act attesting ownership of the home and the identity document.

If the house is gas-fired, an annual gas safety check is required, thus a copy of the certificate must be made available to the tenants upon asking.

Sign a contract

The rental agreement concluded in written form is indispensable. In most cases, landlords and real estate agencies have standard contracts that you should carefully read before signing.

As a rule, owners are responsible for their own property and some equipment repairs. It is helpful to agree from the beginning on how long will it take for your owner to start and complete repairs if you report defects. Although not mandatory, an inventory can be useful for both parties to avoid additional disputes over furniture and other items in the home.

Know your rights

Tenants have not only obligations but also rights. Be conscientious that you have the right to live in a rented home as in your home and the owner doesn't have the right to come whenever he pleases. Prior to the visit, he must notify the tenant and establish the right time for the visit.

The owner cannot increase the rental price without prior notice. The tenant must be given a minimum period of one month to decide whether he wants to remain and to agree to pay more.

Collaboration renting

Above all, you have to have a cordial relationship with the owner who rents you the apartment. If both parties are trustworthy and the collaboration is amicable, you can always find a correct solution to any situation that occurs along the way. Therefore, when looking for an apartment for rent, you should keep in mind that you rent not only an apartment but also a collaboration with another person. You should always put your safety and peace of mind first.