If you are interested in renting a condominium but are unsure of how to begin the process, this article will offer up a few tips to get you through.
The reasons for renting condominiums are plenty. They offer large spaces,
a variety of living layouts, laundry and kitchen facilities and are generally more affordable than hotels and resorts per day. People choose to rent these properties for vacation, business trips, permanent residences or summer homes. If you are interested in renting a condominium but are unsure of how to begin the process, this article will offer up a few tips to get you through.
Step 1 – Figure out the amount of time and purpose of the rental. If you are looking into a short-term stay, the minor details will not be so important, aside from basic amenities and the overall price.
Step 2 – Check for amenities you are interested in, including pools, clubhouses, garage usage, beach front views, or gyms. Try to be realistic regarding how often these services will be used as there may be added costs associated with them. Most of these services are not necessary for vacation rentals. Take a look at your current living situation and figure out which services you already use on a daily basis. For instance, if you only hit the gym once or twice a week, you can probably go a week or two without one.
Step 3 – Take a look at the local newspaper in the rental section or take a drive throughout the area you are looking to rent in if you are searching for a permanent residence. In many cases, property owners will be distressed and unable to sell, but will be happy to rent out the property at a less expensive rate than ownership would entail.
Step 4 – Look into various internet rental agencies in hopes of obtaining more information regarding your available options. Craigslist and neighborhood publications are also wonderful resources worth checking out. Many online sites offer photographs, descriptions and even user submitted ratings to help people in the decision making process. Here, you can compare and contrast different properties, taking into account aspects such as price, amenities, location and anything else that will contribute to your decision.
Step 5 – Get in touch with the local chamber of commerce to find additional listings in your area.
Step 6 – Once you’ve found a property that you’re interested in, ask to schedule a tour of the condo in order to make sure it is the appropriate layout and style you are comfortable with. During your meeting, you can also find out information about available dates. Keep your eyes and ears open for any noise issues or signs of trouble. If you are looking into a permanent residence, consider stopping by a few different times of the day in order to gain a feel for the neighborhood. Check to make sure the property is well maintained.
Step 7 – When signing the lease, make certain that the terms and conditions are to your liking. Take the time to read all the fine print, making sure that the rates and security deposit is spelled out correctly.
