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Re: Questions to ask when looking to rent a house
Wow! It's really unusual for a whole house rental to have all utilities included. Typically, ALL of the utilities are the tenants responsibility.
I agree with the previous recommendations. A few others:
I would confirm the terms of the lease (1 year, 2 year, month to month), and when the house is available for occupancy. Also, I would confirm how much the security deposit is (for some whole house rentals, landlords want 2 months).
FYI - Sometimes houses are offered out for below market value rent when they are on the market, or when the owner plans to put them on the market soon, so it is a short-term rental situation or a month-to-month.
I would find out where the landlord lives -- is he/she local, or a true absentee landlord. If the landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs, then having him or her be local and available is good. But I know some tenants would never want to live on the same street or too close to their landlord. I'd also try to find out if the landlord is an experienced landlord and has rented out the house before, or if this is the first time.
Ask to make sure that everything you see stays with the house (e.g. washer/dryer, air conditioning units, etc.). If you want to bring something of your own in, then ask if that is permissible. For example, if there is no washer/dryer included, but there is a hook-up, will the landlord allow you to bring your own in? When utilites are all inclusive, they may not let you bring in appliances.
Don't assume the landlord will be making changes or that you can make changes without asking. If the house is currently occupied by tenants, ask whether the landlord will be painting, replacing carpets, etc. If you want to paint, or make other cosmetic changes, ask if that's allowed.
Also, I'd confirm that you have full access to any storage areas of the home. Even with a whole house rental, the landlords sometimes leave things in the attic or basement, or don't allow tenants use of the garage or sheds.
Find out what the landlord will require in terms of a rental application, if you are interested, and make sure you are comfortable with providing that information. I don't know if a realtor is involved, but sometimes it's better to have a realtor as a go-between to run credit, verify income, etc. so that you don't need to give over sensitive information (e.g., social security #) to the landlord, who is pretty much a stranger.
Also ask if there are any other requirements for renting. For example, some landlords require that tenants carry renter's insurance; others don't care.
Good luck!
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