- Don't just go by square footage - the number of rooms and their size is important.
- The more baths a household has, the better - especially for large families.
- You could be held liable for replacing damaged or stained floors after you move in, so look for durability and neutral colors.
- Make sure that some form of ventilation exists unless you live in a very moderate climate. Ask if a specialist has inspected any central units recently.
- Will you be responsible for upkeep, or will the landlord?
- Is any existing in good condition? If you will need to enclose a pet or have a safe place for children to play, make sure the fence is sturdy.
- If you would be responsible for lawn landscaping upkeep, is there an installed sprinkler system to streamline the job?
- Has the pool been properly maintained, and is it safe? Again, find out who is responsible for upkeep, you or the owner.
- Is a security system installed and active? If not, ask about options.
- Check to see if the school district is ranked highly if you have children. If you are attending university, you may want to live near campus.
- It's always good to live close to quality medical care facilities.
- The rental should be clearly marked with the house number, so it can be found by emergency services in a crisis.
- You may want easy access to a church, mosque, synagogue, temple or other place of worship.
- Don't forget the need to be able to go shopping, eat out or order in, have dry cleaning done, haircuts received, and banking accomplished.
- You will need to know the rules concerning parking and ensure there is room for your vehicle(s).
- Is there a bus stop nearby? Can you catch a cab or take the subway? If you don't have a car, these are prime considerations.
- If you want a short trip to work and back, you have to take into account the length of your commute plus traffic conditions.
- If you have a pet, you will need to ensure you are in compliance not only with the terms of your lease but with local ordinances as well.
- Can you afford it? You may also be asked for a deposit and first month in advance.
- Connection fees, new service, and even physical visits may be necessary to get your electric, gas, water, phone, cable or internet hooked up.
- Can you move yourself, or do you need to hire a moving company? These costs will need to be factored in.
- Note everything that you find amiss and write it down.
- Note anything broken, work or needing replacement.
- Get at least a week to report additional problems after move in - a walk through is often rushed and won't catch everything.
- Your list of possible problems should be signed and dated by both you and your landlord.
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Do a little research on the area you are considering moving into, and get a big picture of the kind of prices that are average for rentals, and what kind of homes are available. The nice thing about renting a house is that you will generally not be responsible for normal wear and tear or emergency home repairs. You'll want to find a landlord with a good reputation for upkeep. Nonetheless, still check on the state of the home as far as you are able - it would be huge disruption in your life to have to be relocated temporarily while a major problem is being fixed.
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