What to look for in a rental property

Choosing a home to rent can be difficult. The two main things you need to consider is does the property fit your budget and lifestyle. Typically rent inspections are quite quick, especially if the property is currently tenanted. You wait with all the other prospective tenants for the agent to open the property, where you will all rush through, trying to get the best mental image you can of the property and all its features, and before you know it time is up and all you’ve got is the mental images you took, which can leave you pondering on a hundred different things you might not remember about the house. So don’t leave it to chance next time, take a notepad and have a checklist ready to tick off what matters to you most in a home. Read below on some things you should look for:

Assess the security:
The most important thing that I’m sure most people can agree with is that being in a home should bring you peace, comfort, and a sense of security. On the 1^st of July 2013, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (the Act) and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989 commenced. These changes included a list of the locks and devices that must be installed on the premises to make them reasonably secure. All properties must ensure they either have a deadlock, or a key lockable security screen door that complies with AS 5039-2008. In addition to this Windows are to be fitted with a lock, whether or not a key lock, that prevents the window from being opened from outside the premises. If you find a rental property is not compliant with these regulations, then you should address it to the property manager to ensure the issues get resolved before you move in.

Does it fit your space needs?
All renters want a property that suits their spacial needs, whether this is a larger sized kitchen, a certain number of bedrooms, extra bathrooms, or is the lawn going to be big enough for your furry friend to run around and play on. Furniture is also another thing to consider when choosing a rental as you wouldn’t want to have to give away your grandmas' antique wooden table because it doesn’t fit in the dining space or have to downsize your luxurious king-sized bed because it doesn’t fit through the door. So, don’t be afraid to whip out the tape measure next time you are at an inspection!

Is there enough storage?

When you are walking around a rental property consider elements of space and where you will put all your things…

-Will all your cars fit in the driveway/garage?
- Is there space for the kids’ bikes, scooters, and skateboards?
- Is the linen cupboard big enough for all your towels and sheets?
- Is there a shed or garage space to fit the mowers and larger equipment?
Also think about whether there is enough pantry space, if you have a large family of mouths to feed, or where you will store large cleaning items such as brooms and vacuum cleaners.

How’s the cleanliness?
If a property is not tenanted when you inspect it, then it will likely be leased out in the same condition that you inspected it. Typically, though, if there are tenants before you, they will need to ensure that the condition of the property is up to the standard of what it was when they moved in when they move out. So, if there’s lots of junk in the shed, and the garden needs weeding, ask the agent if these issues will be addressed before the move-in date. If a property has stained carpets or dirty showers or walls, this could be a bad sign and a move you might potentially regret. Always ask the property managers if the condition of the property will be addressed if you are not happy with it while inspecting.

Is the location right for you?
One of the reasons why location is so important in real estate is that tenants often want and need close access to amenities and transportation options. This means relatively close proximity to restaurants, grocery stores,  shopping, and especially schools if they have children. Another thing to take into consideration would be to know if the property is situated in a noisy area? This could be a cause for concern if you have young children who need to keep their sleep routine or if anyone works from home and needs peace and quiet to work.

Is the air conditioning/ heating?
Ask the agent what heating and cooling systems the property has. If the property lacks one of them, then the summer or winter months could prove very uncomfortable. Should you detect any issues when inspecting the property, approach the property managers and enquire, as these are the types of issues that should be addressed before moving in.

Don’t forget the gardens.
Unless the tenancy agreement states otherwise you as a tenant are responsible for keeping up with the maintenance of the gardens. This includes mowing and edging the lawns, watering, weeding, pruning, and fertilizing if necessary. Before you decide to apply ask the agent if the property comes with a gardener because if it doesn’t you need to look at the maintenance the gardens will require and consider whether you will have enough time to keep up with it.

Making the move into your own rental property can be an exciting time, but you should not let the excitement cloud your judgment on what’s going to be in your best interest down the track. When inspecting properties ensure you are thoroughly checking the property for all your needs all the while considering your lifestyle wants.