The ad made it sound like the perfect condo for rent. You are desperate to land this place and know it’s the home you’ve been looking for. Your instincts, however, tell you that your dream home isn’t as perfect as it seems. But what are the hidden problems and how will you uncover them before signing the lease? The next twelve months are way too long to live with squeaky plumbing, a ferocious dog next dog and a dishwasher that leaks all over the floor during every single cycle. Here are some things to keep in mind as you conduct your rental search.
Before you tour the condo/house you want to rent . . .
Confirm all the claims made in the ad and clarify any sketchy statements. ‘Cozy outdoor space’ could mean a cute little deck or a fire escape running down seven floors. Ask for detailed description information.
Ask for the total square footage of the home as well as the footage of each room, if available.
Make sure the rent is exactly what was listed and that the availability date works your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting time viewing an apartment that isn’t going to be ready for three months if you’re ready to move next week.
If you have any special needs, such as a dog that will be moving in with you or an allergy to a certain type of carpet, be sure your requirements can be met.
Be sure that you know the rules and restrictions of the Condo Association of the property that you want to live in. These days many of them disallow pets or limit the size of the pet to 20 lbs or below. Some complexes restrict the type of vehicles that you can have at the facility, etc.. Make sure that you are willing to agree to the concessions that they will ask of you
In Florida, all new owners and renters must first be approved by the Condo Association. Make sure that you allow at least 10 business days to obtain this approval.
Confirm up-front the total cash move-in costs — specifically, the up-front prorated rent, security deposits and escrow deposits required in order to rent the unit. If this does not fit your needs then move on immeditately to something else.
During the walk-through . . .
Do all the appliances work? Check all the appliances and sinks to be sure they are working properly before you take possession
How old is the wiring? If there are very few outlets or if you see two-pronged switches, it probably is older wiring. This may be a convenience, repairs and safety issue.
How much closet/storage space is there? Don’t underestimate how much space your belongings will take up.
Are there enough windows to provide ample light for your taste and do they open and close properly?
Are the rooms big enough to fit your furniture?
How do guests obtain entry and what type of security is in place?
How many parking spaces are included in the monthly rental amount? If additional spaces are needed, how much is the rental for that space?
Make sure that the condo will be cleaned and have the paint touched up before you move in.
How is the condo heated and cooled? Check the units to see what shape they are in. Also ask what utilities are included in the rent and which ones are your responsibility as a renter.
What is the maintenance policy? What fixes are included in the rent and which ones are not.
Before you sign the lease . . . .
If anything was wrong during the walkthrough or not up to standards, try to negotiate a lower price to make up for these problems.
When is the rent due and what is the policy on late rent?
What types of provisions are in the lease for excessive noise or overnight guests? Read every line and be sure you understand what your part of the deal is.
When can you move in your belongings? Check the move in/move out dates printed on the lease. If the 1st of the month falls on a Wednesday, can you move in the previous weekend or will you have to do a weekday move?
If you might want to stay longer than 12 months, try to negotiate an option for another 12 to 24 months at the same rental rate. This will prevent the owner from raising your rent the first opportunity they get.
Ask if the owner is trying the sell the unit you are renting and if they will have any expectations of your showing the unit for them or making the unit available for showings. Write anything agreed to into the lease agreement.
Get a copy of the lease and keep it in a safe place.
