Just because you are renting a home and not buying it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to pay attention to details. In some ways you should be even more careful because you are signing a lease that says you are responsible for damages to a home that you don’t even own. By using a walk through rental checklist when viewing a rental property, you can make sure that the home is in good condition and you won’t be paying for damages that the previous tenant left behind. It’s a good idea to bring a pad of paper and pen to make note of anything that looks damaged.
First of all, don’t be afraid to ask questions. That means talk to the landlord or building manager and if possible the neighbors as well. Hopefully you’ve done a little homework about the neighborhood before hand, but find out all you can from the source. Are there any neighbors who are difficult to get along with? Have there been any burglaries in the area or other crimes? If anyone nearby has pets are they properly taken care of and not a possible danger, such as an aggressive dog?
Next, you should assess the outside of the property. Ask if building or yard maintenance is taken care of regularly by someone or if you are expected to keep up the exterior. You actually should be able to tell a great deal just by looking. Is the green space maintained? The lawn cut? Bushes trimmed? Are the gutters cleaned out? Who, if anyone, takes care of snow removal in the winter? If there is a yard or common green space for residents, where are the boundaries and is it a safe place for children to play or can you walk your pet there?
Take a look at the roof. Does it look weathered or are shingles missing? Once inside you can check for any signs of water damage on the ceilings or walls. In the case of a single-family home with a basement, check the foundation for cracks or other signs of damage. Again, once you are inside you can tell more if there is a flooding problem in the basement. If the walls are stained by water or there is a musty smell anywhere in the home, you need to investigate further. Mold can grow inside walls as well as under the floor and above the ceiling and actually make you sick. Touching up paint isn’t uncommon between tenants, but if everything appears to have been repainted it might be a sign of problems.
Another stop on your rental check list should be doors and windows. Check to see if they are secure, both for safety reasons and for heating and cooling purposes. Do they raise and open easily? Do the locks work? Is there a security system installed? Are any broken or in need of replacement? Be sure to point out any damage to the person showing the house and ask if it will be repaired before you move in.
Once you are inside, check the windows and doors from that angle as well. Inspect each room and check to make sure that the light switches work. Whatever type of flooring is installed, is it clean and free of wear or damage? Make a note on your rental check list of any places that are noticeable so you won’t be blamed for them later. The same applies for the walls or window coverings if those are included with the property.
In both the kitchen and bathroom, make sure the plumbing works. It may seem silly, but flush the toilet, turn on the faucets and shower briefly. If kitchen appliances are included, pretend you are a kid in a toy store and push the buttons. Make sure the range works, the refrigerator is cold and the dishwasher cycles. Replacing a major appliance is costly, and you don’t want to end up being held liable for something that didn’t work before you even used it.
There should also be carbon monoxide detectors as well as smoke and fire detectors installed. Most have a test button, so go ahead and try them so you can mark that off your rental checklist.
If everything seems to be in good condition and you decide to go ahead with the lease, be sure to double check everything that is in writing before you sign anything. Make sure the amount is what you agreed upon, there are no unexpected rental fees for parking or things like that. Double check what conditions have to be met to get your deposit back and how long it takes to be refunded after you move out.
Are you allowed to have a roommate or sublease? What type of insurance does the owner have for the rental property? You may want to seriously consider getting renter’s insurance to cover the replacement cost of your personal items as the owner’s insurance may only cover damage to the building itself. Rental liability in case of an accident is also something you may want to discuss.
And even though you may never expect to be late paying your rent, ask if there is a grace period and make certain there are no unusually high fees charged if you are late. Find out if utilities like electricity or heating are included and what fees are charged for trash pick-up, phone, Internet or cable. If you have a pet, are they allowed and is there an extra deposit?
It’s a good idea to get the names and numbers of who to call if you do have a problem or something needs to be fixed. Also, be sure to get a copy of the lease after signing to keep for your own records. If there are several things that need repaired or aren’t in good shape before you move in, you may want to try and get the owner to sign a copy of your rental check list to verify that you aren’t responsible for the previous tenant’s damage. It’s also a good idea to take pictures before you move in to verify your claims.
With a thorough walk through rental check list you can make sure you don’t forget anything while viewing a home. By covering everything on your rental check list before you move in, you could be saving yourself a lot of problems and money in the future. Don’t be afraid to check everything out and ask questions. |
