Renting a house is an easy and convenient way for you to experience different neighborhoods and metropolitan areas, but it also means that you have less control over the upkeep of the property. To ensure that your rental stays in good shape, here are some quick tips that will help keep your home both clean and comfortable.”
1) Have a detailed inventory
Before you move in, request a detailed inventory of the belongings the landlord is leaving in the house. Does the house already have paint on its walls? Are there any broken appliances? Find out as much as possible, so you can be better prepared for what to expect and have a good sense of what’s there for you to use versus what you may have to pay for.
2) Plan ahead
Check that everything included in your lease or rental agreement is fully functional. Have a professional check all major appliances, including stoves, refrigerators, heaters, and air conditioners. Additionally, be sure you have all the essential household items, such as water heaters, washing machines and dryers, and television sets. It is also important to protect yourself from unexpected costs by getting adequate tenants’ insurance from KBD Insurance.
3) Keep the yard in good shape
The landlord is not responsible for the upkeep of the exterior yard. As a tenant, you are responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of the yard, including lawns, weeding, and garbage removal.
4) Get to know your neighbors
When you live in a rental house, your neighbors become almost like family – if you get along with them, that is! Asking about their children or pets can help break the ice and ensure everyone has an emergency contact number. Even just having one other neighbor who can be a backup or intermediary with the landlord after hours can save a lot of potential grief.
5) Make maintenance requests as needed
If you notice any problems with your house, report them immediately before they worsen and cause costly damage. Remember that small issues, such as a crack in the ceiling or a window leaking water, are still considered problems, even if they don’t bother you at the moment. In these cases, try to find ways around them until they can be repaired or replaced.
6) Communicate with your landlord
The most important part of being a good tenant is open and honest communication with the landlord. Report all potential problems immediately so they can be dealt with promptly and professionally. If you don’t feel comfortable addressing an issue directly with your landlord, perhaps you can reach out to an intermediary or message them through e-mail.
7) Check your lease
If you have a lease for one year or more, it’s crucial to determine when each month’s rent payment is due. By looking at the lease with your landlord, you can determine if there are options for extending the agreement and give you equal footing to argue against rent increases or other issues that may apply.
Renting a house is an easy and convenient way for you to experience different neighborhoods and metropolitan areas. Still, it also means that you have less control over the upkeep of the property. To ensure that your rental stays in good shape, here are some quick tips that will help keep your home both clean and comfortable.
