Renting is a time-honored tradition that doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Just because you can’t afford to buy a place at the moment, doesn’t mean you can’t still live in it. Ordinarily, all problems relating to a rented apartment or house are left to the landlord, but that doesn’t mean they always handle it. Once you rent a place, all the problems seemingly become yours, and you are left to either fix them or live that way. It is, therefore, best to point out any damages or repairs that need to be done before renting a place. To help ease this process, we have put together some of the things you need to check out before you rent a place in the long term.

Appliances and equipment included

In most cases, appliances are already included when you are renting a home. Sometimes, these appliances will be in bad condition and will need to be replaced. Most landlords may not be aware of this, so you will need to draw their attention to this. HVAC equipment is among the most commonly included equipment in properties when you are renting. With the weather constantly changing, you will need them in perfect working condition. You will therefore need to check the HVAC equipment before renting a place. If it needs to be replaced, then you need someone you can trust for HVAC supplies. It is better to opt for HVAC supplies from a trusted manufacturer than to risk faulty equipment.

The neighborhood

What are the people in the neighborhood like? How close is the neighborhood to a hospital or to a convenience store? These are some of the factors that influence the price of an apartment in certain areas. Nobody wants to live in a place where the neighbors aren’t friendly or are simply rude. Where most of the necessities are located at a comfortable distance from the place, then there tends to be a spike in price. The convenience that comes with it, however, is priceless. As long as the place is affordable, then you should take one that has the things you are looking for, neighborhood-wise especially if you will be there for a long time. If you’re working remotely check if there is a coworking space nearby that you can continue working from.

Overall condition

It goes without saying that the place you are thinking of renting for the long-term, then the house will need to be in good condition. Imagine having to deal with major repairs every few months, or being at risk of pests and diseases. There is also the added risk of structural collapse and harm to you when the house is in bad condition. The longer you stay in such a place, the more it will cost to repair and treat any injuries that may be incurred. For your safety, it is best to only move into a place when the overall condition is excellent. 

Security

Security may be the most important factor to consider when renting a new place, especially when you will be staying there for a while. Some buildings are secure enough that no one can enter without being let in by at least one member of the building, or if they already have a key. You may also want to check out the crime statistics of the area as well. Crime, especially violent ones tends to repeat itself in certain areas and you will need to avoid such areas. While it isn’t always the case, it is at the very least, a powerful indicator and you should consider it strongly.  

Parking

If you have a car, then parking is something you should look into especially if you will be renting in the long term. Without adequate or accessible parking options, your car will likely have to be in the street, which isn’t advisable. If you have to pay to park, then you will likely have to account for money from your income in addition to rent and other essentials. This will likely cause your rent to seem significantly higher. Buildings that have dedicated and secured parking may cost more, but they are worth the extra money in the long term.

Conclusion

When it comes to long-term renting, you need to consider it like you would consider a personal house. Security, accessibility, and proximity to important services locations like schools and hospitals are also essential as they may be needed at some point.