Tips for Tenants and Renters
Renting can be challenging but it is fun if you are aware of what it entails. A lot of renters constantly find themselves in disputes with landlords, agents, or other tenants. To ensure that you lead a stress-free life during your tenancy, here are some of the best tips for tenants and renters.
1.) Understand Your Tenant Rights
Important advice for tenants and renters is that they should always remember their rights. Going through the rights handbook will help you to understand the services or options you have in case your situation while renting becomes challenging. Knowing your rights will help you to hold the property owner accountable, in case something isn’t right.
2.) Everything Should be in Writing
In order to live peacefully with other tenants and your landlord, ensure that everything is done in writing. This includes the general rules of tenancy, maintenance, and repairs. For instance, when you’re requesting a repair, make sure that it’s in writing. Additionally, ensure that you keep a copy for yourself. This helps to minimize the chances of misunderstandings in the future.
3.) Review the Lease
Before you sign the lease agreement, you need to review the lease. Make sure that you go through the provisions, especially about things relating to pets, guests, and entertainment, etc.
4.) Always Request for Repairs
Any tenant premise should be habitable. However, climatic conditions, as well as time, may lead to wear and tear. Therefore, landlords need to frequently offer repair services to ensure that tenants live in safe premises. However, this is not usually the case. As a renter, do not be afraid to demand repair services that are needed. In fact, if the landlord fails to repair your unit, you have a right to partially or fully withhold your rent. Some of the repair options you can ask for includes sanitary, water and heat system, and weatherproofing among others.
5.) Verify the Accuracy of the Inventory
During leasing, landlords usually give tenants an inventory list. This normally includes appliances, kitchenware, carpets, and furniture among others. As a tenant, make sure that you can verify all the contents in the inventory list. In case anything is worn out, broken, or damaged, make sure that you record its condition. If the inventory isn’t there, request or make one yourself.
6.) Get a Renter’s Insurance
Anything can happen during your tenancy. Things such as theft, fire, and natural disasters can lead to loss of valuable property. It should be noted that the landlord’s policy will definitely not cover all your losses. However, a renter’s insurance can help to protect you in case of mishaps.
7.) Pay Your Rent on Time
A good renter should make sure that they make payments on time. This depends on the lease of agreement. So, it could be monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually, etc. It’s always good to make payments before the due date to avoid cases of holdups.
Note: Sometimes circumstances may force you to delay paying rent on time. In case you are experiencing financial difficulties, make sure that you alert your landlord or the property agency as soon as possible. If you have a good track record, you will usually be granted a favorable time extension.