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HOMEWORK YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE RENTING A HOUSE

Aug 21, 2019

5 IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD DO TO FIND YOUR DREAM RENTAL HOUSE

Do you know what you need to do before renting a house? Across the country, the rental market is booming. And while there’s usually no shortage of inventory of apartments, finding a house may be a bit trickier, unless you’re moving to Ventura County. That’s when RE/MAX Gold Coast can be an invaluable resource.

RE/MAX Gold Coast knows that the leasing process for renting a house is a bit different than an apartment. Dealing with a Property Management firm versus a complex can get messy. Especially if both parties don’t agree on expenses and expectations ahead of time. And then there’s the scary possibility of phantom rentals.

“We have even had consumers show up to look at a house for rent, only to find the real owners still living there, with no intentions of selling or renting their home,” says the Better Business Bureau about phantom listings, rentals that don’t truly exist.

Here are 5 things you should look out for before renting that dream house:
  • Make a must-have list
When searching for a rental home, the opportunities can both seem endless and very scarce. Due to demand, it’s important to have a list of must-haves, nice to have and items that aren’t deal-breakers. If a fenced-in backyard and top-of-the-line appliances are a priority, focus your search on that. This will help you narrow down homes and be more efficient. Renters should also ask the landlord about repair and landscaping costs.

  • Focus on your budget
Search your top neighborhoods for amenities, average monthly rent and square footage available. Set your filters and notifications to keep an eye on available properties in real-time — this will be helpful if you’re on a tight budget. This is also a good time to reach out to friends and ask if they’ve heard of any openings near them.

  • Finding the right home
After pouring over the listings, set up appointments for every property. During your visit, review your list of preferred amenities like a big kitchen, pet-friendly, fireplace, backyard and more. But also ask the property management firm about utilities, pet fees, parking, and other extra fees. Potential extra fees can be hiring a landscaper, covering trash fees, utility bills, HOA fees, and repairs. Once the amenities are a good fit, talk more about the monthly rent and security deposit, plus the length of the lease available. Are you thinking of subletting or renting a room in a home-sharing platform? Make sure to confirm this is allowed.

  • Signing the lease
Show that you’re serious about the house by coming to your appointment with your application, proof of income, a blank check and references. This way, all the property management firm has to do is run the credit check and if everything checks out, the house is all yours. Before signing the lease, make sure you read it carefully and agree with each section of the agreement. When in doubt, call a friend or colleague to go over it with you and compare it to local protection laws.

  • Move-in date
Soon, you’ll be all moved into your dream rental. But first, do a walk-through of the rental home and take photos of current damages and then share with the property management firm. This isn’t just wall damage or floor scratches. Be sure to check all appliances, water pressure, and toilets to make sure they’re in working order. Confirming these (and any other verbally agreed on terms) in writing will help you not be liable and get your security deposit back.

If renting a house brings you to West Ventura, the professionals at ReMax Gold Coast, the County’s premier full-service property management firm, are ready to help. We have several long-term rental houses, like the home pictured above, in Hollywood Beach, Silverstrand, Mandalay Shores, Port Hueneme, Oxnard Shores, Seabridge, Westport, Mandalay Bay, Oxnard homes and condos, Ventura Keys, Pier Pont, Faria, Solimar & Rincon BeachPark beaches and Camarillo. Just call us at +1 (805) 832-4075.

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By Kristina Brewer 25 Mar, 2020
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By Kristina Brewer 23 Mar, 2020
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By Kristina Brewer 19 Mar, 2020
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