Question
JayTee146
Posts: 218 Member
I've been searching for a starter rental property... and I think I've come across one that is very promising. The owner has given me until monday to think about what I wanted to do.
I viewed the house with a friend from work and the house is very beautiful... It has storm doors in the front and back and is secure. I did discover that I would have to purchase a fridge and ac units as the house doesn't come with central air or heat. The owner has painted the house, added a stove, new fixtures in the bathroom and has painted the out and inside of the home. I really like it and I see a ton of potential in the property.
I just want to know what list of questions I should ask prior to signing the lease and paying my deposit. I have a list of things I have so far so let me know if I should add or take away something.
I want to keep a level head and enter the situation with logic and a full understanding of the property.
I'm excited, nervous, scared, and comfort eatting, so I'll be excited when I can begin this process or continue on my search! I've never gotten this excited about any property like this :-)
1. How Long is the lease
2. When is payment do/ what forms do they accept/ and what is the grace period/ late fees
3. Who handles repairs? Am I solely responsible or do I pay half the cost
4. Is the owner willing to pay for an inspection of the property?
5.Is the deposit refundable?
6.are there any untilities included
7. does the owner feel do checks of the property
8. What are the fees and penalties if I decide to break my lease
Have I missed anything?
I viewed the house with a friend from work and the house is very beautiful... It has storm doors in the front and back and is secure. I did discover that I would have to purchase a fridge and ac units as the house doesn't come with central air or heat. The owner has painted the house, added a stove, new fixtures in the bathroom and has painted the out and inside of the home. I really like it and I see a ton of potential in the property.
I just want to know what list of questions I should ask prior to signing the lease and paying my deposit. I have a list of things I have so far so let me know if I should add or take away something.
I want to keep a level head and enter the situation with logic and a full understanding of the property.
I'm excited, nervous, scared, and comfort eatting, so I'll be excited when I can begin this process or continue on my search! I've never gotten this excited about any property like this :-)
1. How Long is the lease
2. When is payment do/ what forms do they accept/ and what is the grace period/ late fees
3. Who handles repairs? Am I solely responsible or do I pay half the cost
4. Is the owner willing to pay for an inspection of the property?
5.Is the deposit refundable?
6.are there any untilities included
7. does the owner feel do checks of the property
8. What are the fees and penalties if I decide to break my lease
Have I missed anything?
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Replies
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Make sure you set up a time to do a walk through with the person you will be renting through. Write out a list of anything you see that is not in proper condition and have the landlord sign and date that list with you. I rented a house a few years back and had a super nice landlady, she knew that I put work into the house and improved its condition while living there BUT she sold the property a couple of months before my lease was up and I was to move, the new owner was a real jerk about my deposit because he had know idea what the house looked like prior to my moving in. I'm sure there is more but, that is my personal experience. Good Luck!0
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Thanks Behl!
I ended up deciding to continue my search:sad: , as my family didn't seem to receptive of the particular area of the house. In this case the house was perfect! but the location was a bit rough.
Thanks okay though! I'm going to keep searching0 -
When your ready to sign a lease on a house (or apartment) I would amend question number three.
" 3. Who handles repairs? Am I solely responsible or do I pay half the cost"
That puts the idea in their head that they can charge you... (if they weren't planning on asking you to cover costs originally you've just given them the opportunity to do so). I would shorten it to just "Who is responsible for repairs?"
If (in the future) you rent a house and the owner has the intention of selling it be sure to ask (& have it in the lease) for at least 48 hours notice of a showing so that you have time to make the house presentable & so you can make plans to be out of the house.
If you rent an apartment be sure to ask what their policy is on repair men entering the home without notice/ permission. I lived in an apartment community (before kids when I was still married) that allowed their repair guys to enter your home without prior notice or permission (the apartment above me had a water leak) & the repair guy walked in & came into the bathroom while I was in the shower!!!!!! I was *very* upset & we immediatley broke our lease and moved out!
Ask if your deposit is refundable.
Ask about painting~ do you need landlord approval to paint it a nuetral color (or if its a bold color ask about painting it back to the original wall color before moving out).
This is something that you wont ask the landlord but as a single parent we have to make sure the area is safe for our kids so call the police station and ask what crime rates are like in the area. You can also check for sex offenders in the area (I believe its called Kelly's Law & there are websites that will tell you if one lives in the area and why they are on the registry).....
Thats all I've got. Sorry if I covered something you already knew about
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