If you don’t have enough money to buy a house or want greater flexibility in your living conditions, renting a house is your best bet. You can also decide to rent a house if you don’t plan to stay in a place for long. However, the process can become complicated if you don’t know what you should do and plan properly. As such, it is advised you map out a plan before starting the process. Here’s a guide for you.

Why You Should Rent A House Instead Of An Apartment

When choosing a property to rent, many prefer renting an apartment because it costs less than renting a house. Besides, the process involved in renting a house might be more complicated than that of renting an apartment. However, there are so many benefits to renting a house.

• More space: This is necessary, especially for a big family. There is room for everyone, and you all can move around without feeling cramped.

• A high chance of keeping pets: If you have checked out many apartments to rent, then the words ‘no pets allowed’ might not be strange to you. Most apartment buildings do not allow for the keeping of pets. However, if you rent a house where you live alone or with your loved ones, with no tight control and rules over your head, you can keep a pet.

• Privacy: In an apartment, your neighbors next door can easily hear what is happening in your apartment or peep through a hole to see what is going on. This wouldn’t happen in a house, as the only people who would be breaching your privacy are your family members or pets.

• Your parking spot: In a rented house, you can either park in your driveway or a separate garage from your home. You don’t have to fight over limited parking space with your neighbor as you would if you rented an apartment.

• You have your outdoor space: When thinking of a place to call home, it has probably crossed your mind to sit in your backyard or front porch as you relax. This would only be possible if you rented a house. With your own back and front yard, you can have all the quiet outdoor time you want. 

Steps to Follow When Renting a House

If you have decided to rent a house, here are a few tips to make renting a house as easy as possible.

Getting Your Documents and ID Cards Ready

First of all, you must ensure that identification and other essential documents are available and ready. This is because your landlord will want to see these documents before renting his house out to you. The required documents may differ depending on the landlord, but some general documents you can prepare, are the following:

• Your passport
• The proof of your employment
• Your financial information
• Your Social Security Number, if you have one
• Contact information of your previous landlord, if you have one

Planning Your Budget 

Finding the right rental property is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. When planning your budget, it is important to take into account various factors, including rent prices and expenses.

One of the most important things to consider when renting a home is your monthly payments. Once you have calculated your total costs per month, divide this figure by 12 to get an estimate of how much money you will need each month for rent. According to Ofirio you’ll have a rough estimate of monthly payments, but make sure to include all relevant expenses in this calculation, so that you know exactly how much money you are spending on rental housing every year. 

Mapping Out Housing Essentials

You likely have preferences of what you want in your house. Before you go house hunting, draw up a list of the essentials your dream house should have, the type of lights, what you want the walls to be made of, etc. Deciding what you want in your house beforehand narrows and quickens your search.

Take Tours of the Houses You Picked

Once you know what you are looking for, the next thing to do is look for houses that fit your criteria. As you make your findings, you’re likely to take an interest in more than one house. Whether it is one or ten, you must check out the houses. Contact the agent or the landlord to set up an appointment to tour the house. This helps you ensure that the house meets your taste and that the descriptions online are not misleading.

Discuss Your Terms 

Remember that you are only renting the house, and it will not become your own entirely. The landlord still has rights to the house, and he can determine the terms and conditions. If you are not comfortable with something stated, you can try to negotiate with the landlord or the person standing in for them so you can come to a mutual agreement.

Pay the Application Fee and Fill Out the Application Form

The application form contains various questions about yourself. You can also be required to attach some or all of the documents you have gotten ready from your first step. The application fee differs depending on the location of your house, the landlord, etc.

Sign Lease Agreement

After you have filled out the form and decided to rent the house, you will be given a lease agreement to sign to grant you legal access to the house. Make sure you read this thoroughly for your legal safety. Ensure that the terms you both agreed on are what is written in the lease agreement and there is nothing contrary to what you would prefer.

Conclusion

If you want to rent a house in the US, you have to do it right. You can’t afford to cut corners or not seek the right information, as this might land you in trouble with the law or lead to regrets in the long run. If you follow the fail-proof process above, you will not only get your dream house but also have a higher chance of living in a good neighborhood.

Jane