How to identify a great rental

Finding the perfect home to rent often comes with many challenges, more so than purchasing a property in some cases. Committing to a rental lease can also leave you with a sense of 'buyers remorse' if you do not do your homework on the property, location, or the people you will be living around. Finding the perfect rental now will save you money in the long run.

Here's how to identify a great rental:

The location
Referred to as the "golden rule" of property, the location of your rental is vital. When choosing an area, be realistic and consider factors that have an impact on your daily life. Take into account your morning and afternoon commute time to work and dropping off the kids at school. There is no point in living in a fancy area when you are late for work every day.

Familiarize yourself with the area
When choosing a location try to get as much info on the area as possible. Evaluate crime stats, look up news articles, and observe what people are saying on social media about the area and nearby zones. Visiting coffee shops, the gym, or even the Sunday market will allow you to interact with the locals and get a first-hand experience of the type of people that the neighborhood attracts.

Finding the perfect property
By now you know about the area you want to live in. Now, you can create a list of what you expect from a rental. It would be helpful to separate your list by must-haves (for example, a big yard) and desires (such as a balcony). Having a good idea of what you want from a rental will help you eliminate the unnecessary listings and swift out the perfect spot.

Seek advice from a rental agent
A property agent can assist you in finding a great rental based on your desired location, budget, wish list, and expected move-in date. They generally have more insight into the property market in certain areas. This will help you narrow down your search and a step closer to finding the rental that is the most suitable for you. Bear in mind, fees are paid by the landlord or property managers of the home you end up leasing.

Prepare yourself
Plan ahead and organize the important information you will need when you have found the property that you love the most. Agents and landlords generally require:

• Identity document - including your spouse's
• Proof of residence
• Three months salary slips
• Three months bank statement
• Copy of marriage certificate if married in community of property

Having your documents in order will help speed up the process of renting out the property.

The landlord
Having a good landlord is equally important as finding your humble abode. Ideally, you want a landlord that will be accommodating and on the ball when it comes to issues regarding the home. Imagine if there are electrical faults in the home and your landlord refuses to have them repaired. You are now living in a hazardous environment in which you are bound by a lease. Once you have gathered enough information on the landlord you can decide whether the new relationship is a good fit. You can then sign your lease with absolute comfort and not have to worry that you have chosen the wrong rental for you and your family.

Finding the perfect rental requires dedicated time and tons of research. Once this is done you can rest assured knowing that you will end up with a great place to call home. The key is to stay positive and stay focused. If you need assistance in finding your next home, contact Knight Frank Properties today for expert advice.