One of the best things about renting a property is flexibility. If you do not like your rental home anymore it’s much easier to relocate as a tenant than as a house owner. On the other hand, choosing a home to rent is not an easy task especially if you have more options but little time to look at it.

Whatever it takes to make the most of your time to inspect the rental property you choose as this will be your and your family’s future shelter.

Here are some factors that you should look at while chasing a rental property.

Security of the place

• Lightning can be the simplest way to prevent crime. Hallways, stairways should have lights including the front and back part of the property. It’s better if the place has a motion sensor too to control the lightning.
• Make sure that all the entrance and exit doors from the property are properly secured. Doors with deadbolt locks and windows should be made of a solid, heavy-duty material such as wood or steel.
• Peepholes, intercom system, alarm system, and security guard should be considered too.

Area’s cleanliness

• The rooms should be dust free, mopped and vacuumed.
• Check the area if it’s free from waste. Ask the landlord where you can properly dump your rubbish and make sure it is not near your home as it may affect you and your family’s health.
• If there is junk in the garden shed or the lawn needs to be trimmed, verify to the landlord if it will be taken care of before you move in.
• Rodents, roaches and bedbugs presence is a hint that you should not consider the place and look for another option. 

Measure the space

• It is very convenient that your things are well-arranged in your home. During your sightseeing in the rental property, do not forget to consider where you’ll store your bike, surfboard, tools and equipment, kid’s toys and your book collection when not in use.
• Ensure all your electronic devices and furniture can be placed with a good layout.
• Think about if there is enough pantry space, linen space, and areas for you to store cleaning items like brooms and hoover(vacuum cleaners).

Other things to consider

Parking space

This is one thing to be considered if you own a car. Check how many parking spaces are available. If the area doesn’t have any parking lot have a look at local parking signage as you may require parking permits and pay relevant fees.

Garden maintenance

Have a look outside the window. What kind of maintenance does the garden need? Check with the landlord whether it is expected you maintain the garden or if there is a gardener that visits around. If you are one of the “Go Green” tenants and you want to set up a veggie garden, confirm if it would be okay to do so.

 Electricity and Gas supplier

You’re might be free from expensive mortgage payments but it doesn’t mean that you are excused from utility bills like water, phone and especially electricity. Make sure the energy supplier available in the rental property will charge you reasonable rates. To help you identify if it’s the best energy plan in your area visit Econnex.