According to Harvard University 40% to 50% of all households in the United States are renters. Renters may not live in the same building as the landlord. Renters may not even live in the same town as the owner. Many property owner’s use a property management agency to take care of all the work in being a landlord for a flat fee or a small percentage of income from the rentals.
No matter if you are renting or because of one situation or the other, there are a few things you must consider. The whole process of moving into a rental is like entering a relationship with the owner of that rental. If you find yourself renting an apartment, townhouse or even a house through a property management agency you are entering into a relationship with the owner through the property management agency.
Like any relationship all parties need to enter into that relationship with their eyes open knowing all the facts. If you don’t enter a rental agreement without knowing all the facts, it can cost you more than money. The emotional stress of moving in, getting settled, then moving out with hard feeling can follow with you for all your life.
In my younger days, I was looking to rent a studio apartment. A friend suggest that I rent a room from some friends of his. When I went over to look at the room that was for rent. I was nice in a nice Victorian house, at a great price and in a great location. I moved in the next day. The following day, I was looking to move out, even through I had paid them a month’s rent. Why?
Everybody in the house worked in nights. I worked 8 am to 5 pm. They did not believe in eating meat. I have to have some kind of meat in everyone of my meals. Then there was the constant stream of people coming over to visit. I like quite peaceful surrounding.
The people were well meaning, but living there was just to stressful for me. I got most of my rent money back, and moved into a motel on the third day. I lived in that motel room until I could find a suitable apartment to rent.
On HouseandLand.com I found an article title “ 9 Things Every Renter Should Know“. Jonathan listed nine things that will help you find that perfect place to rent. It will give you a good start for a long and happy relationship with your landlord.
