Here the team at Property Properly will go through things to consider before renting a home in Laois, and how an estate agent can help you.
Whether you’re a young person moving out of your home for the first time or have simply moved to a new area and want begin renting in order to get a feel of the location, the team here at Property Properly can help. We’re experts in the rental market, knowing what it takes make your move-in seamless. Unlike buying a property, renting is generally a less stressful and more streamlined process. Despite this, however, there are still a number of factors to consider before signing your lease agreement. Here we will go through some important things to be aware of before renting your first home or apartment.
Organise Your Paperwork
Before renting a property, whether through an estate agents service or a private landlord, you will need to organise paperwork to prove that you are a trustworthy tenant. Because of the costs and time involved in renting a property, landlords and agents usually want to prove that the person they will be renting to is trustworthy, honest, and will keep the property clean and well-maintained. While each owner’s paperwork requirements will be different, they usually consist of a few key elements; proof of income, a character reference/work reference/tenant reference, and proof of identification. This information will show your landlord or agency that you are the ideal candidate to rent the home, as it proves that you can afford the property and can be trusted to keep it in good shape. By having this paperwork ready to submit as soon as you view a home that you love, you can increase your chances of being picked to rent the space.
Consider Your Budget
Renting can be expensive, especially in the first few months when a security deposit is required on the property. Before renting your first house or apartment, it can be beneficial to have savings dedicated specifically to moving in. As well as the monthly rent of the property, it’s important to have a security deposit (usually equivalent to one month’s rent), and any other costs that may occur after moving in. These costs are different for everyone but can range from new crockery and bedlinen to WiFi installation and waste fees. While these amenities can sometimes be covered by the monthly rent you pay, it’s important to ask the landlord or letting agent exactly what utilities need to be organised so that you can have an estimate of the long-term and short-term costs of renting the space. While the monthly rent of the property may seem affordable, ensuring that you consider hidden costs such as utilities, parking spaces, transport to and from work etc, is vital to guarantee that you can afford the place comfortably.
Read the Lease Before Signing
Reading your rental lease before signing it may seem obvious, but unfortunately, is something that many people don’t do, landing themselves in unhappy or frustrating situations that can create conflict. While tenants have a number of legal rights in Irish law, including the right to peaceful and exclusive enjoyment of your home, the right to have 24 hours notice before a landlord visits the home, the right to minimum standards of accommodation etc, your landlord can insert certain clauses into the lease that may not suit your ideal living situation. If, for example, you have a pet, it’s important to discuss this with your landlord and ensure that pets are allowed in the property before signing the lease and moving in. Simliarly speaking, if you would like to redecorate the space or perform any décor upgrades, it’s important to ensure that your landlord agrees to this before signing the lease.
Review Your Options
Before renting, it can be beneficial to think about your options and choose whether you want to search for a home on your own or through a letting agent. Finding the perfect home to suit your needs can be difficult and time-consuming, especially when you’re not experienced in doing so yourself. Here at Property Properly, our Laois Estate Agents work with a number of landlords with fantastic properties available to suit all needs, offering a wide selection of properties for all tenants. Our team of experienced letting agents can help you find the perfect home, considering your budget, location preference, and design requirements to help you find your new home easily and in a stress-free manner. If you’re looking for professional help with finding the perfect rental property to suit you, get in touch with us today. We’d be happy to help.