7 Tips For Renting A House In The US

1. Determine Your Budget

Determining your budget is crucial before searching for rental homes. Renting a house is often more expensive than renting an apartment. The rent cost varies based on factors like the house size, whether it's a five-bedroom or smaller property. Establish how much you're willing to spend on rent beforehand. The rule of thumb is not to exceed 30% of your gross income on rent.

Also, don't forget to consider additional costs like pet fees, renters insurance, utilities, deposits, and moving expenses. Before renting, discuss with the landlord to clarify if services like pest control or trash pick-up are included in the rent.

2. Make A List Of Must-Haves For The House

Certain things shouldn't be missing from anyone's house. Therefore, you need to make a list of things you want in a house and figure out if there are certain features that you will not negotiate on no matter what. For example, you may need a house with more than two bedrooms if you have children, so you cannot settle for less.

3. Take Tours

Once you discover a suitable house, consider scheduling a tour to assess its suitability. Contact the property management company or landlord to arrange a visit, ensuring the property aligns with your expectations. This step is crucial for verifying the actual condition of the house compared to the images. Additionally, taking notes or photographs during the tour can help you recall important details and facilitate comparisons with other potential houses.

4. Negotiate The Rental Terms

It's important for you to initiate negotiations to tailor the terms to your preferences. Whether it involves discussing the duration of the lease or negotiating parking costs, addressing these aspects early on is crucial. This proactive approach ensures clarity for both you and the landlord moving forward.

5. Complete The Rental Application

Once negotiations are complete and you have decided to proceed with renting the house, it's time to complete an application. The application will require details such as your name, email address, phone number, current and previous addresses, emergency contacts, and information regarding any pets you have. Additionally, you may be asked to present a valid photo ID along with recent pay stubs.

6. Pay The Application Fee

When paying the application fee when renting a house, first confirm the accepted payment methods with the landlord. Understand the fee amount and any additional charges. Submit payment using the specified method, ensuring accuracy. Keep a record of the payment confirmation. Follow up if needed to ensure your application is being processed.

7. Sign The Lease Agreement

To complete the last step of the whole procedure of your renting, you need to carefully review the terms with the landlord. Arrange a meeting to sign the document in person or electronically. Ensure all parties understand and agree to the terms. Keep a copy of the signed agreement for reference. Consider seeking legal advice if needed before signing.