Choosing the right apartment to rent is not an easy task. Taking into consideration the limited time that you have and with many others who show the same interest in that particular rental property can be quite strenuous too. Even though the leading real estate website like PropertyGuru might come to your rescue, yet it is vital to plan ahead on what you want and what needs to be done before renting a place.
So here’s a simple guide to determine which rental property suits you best.
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Decide on your budget
You need to ensure that a certain percentage of your income is allocated for your rental budget. Determine your monthly commitments accurately from your take home pay, so you can work on your rental budget allocation.
When working on your budget, always take other utility costs such as electricity, water, Internet and telephone line into consideration.
The rental price usually varies based on the areas and type of properties you choose. Commonly, the rental rate is decided by the landlords when the renter fails to bargain. Hence, the typical two-month deposit and a one-month advance payment will be set.
Bargain with the landlord on the rental rate and find-out about the utility fees involved, so that you can determine if the rental is within your allocated budget.
Safety first!
You need to make sure that the property you choose to rent is safe and free from all health hazards. It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that the property is safe to be tenanted and yours to double-check for any such indications.
Though there are many areas to consider, here are the top ones you would want to pay attention to.
First, check the electrical points and gas leakage
Most importantly, make sure that all the electrical systems such as lights, plug points, including all electrical appliances are checked properly and are safe to use.
Check for exposed wires and blown-out bulbs and request the landlord to fix it immediately if there are such repairs. Also, check on the water heaters, as the pipes may be rusty or old. It is a good idea to request the landlord to rectify the faulty before you move in.
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Secondly, determine the repair works needed
Ensure that the sanitation in the property such as sinks, basins, baths, pipes are in a good working condition. Watch out for chipped wall paint or mouldy areas, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Ensure that the walls and ceilings are damp-free and leak-free.
Thirdly, know where to escape during a fire
In case you rented an apartment or condominium, bear in mind that there are fire exits in all the high-rise buildings. Make sure these fire escapes are shown to you just in case a fire breaks out. Also, do a quick check on the fire extinguishers to ensure that they are in a working condition.
Rental hike agreement
Renting in the city can be quite expensive, hence, it is important to pay attention to this clause in your rental agreement. Rental can only be increased once a year with prior notice and with certain conditions being met. If tenants do not agree to it, then landlords must wait and increase it the following year upon renewing the tenancy agreement.
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Ideal location to rent
A location is the number one factor that helps tenants to decide on their rental properties. The tenants should consider several key points such as his/her workplace, school, groceries, entertainment outlets, public transportations, shopping malls, post office, pharmacies and healthcare centres, and choose a highly convenient place for them based on their preference.
A finding a worthy rental place can be quite a tough job. So make sure to follow the above-mentioned tips when considering a rental property. Happy hunting!
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