| Renting out a home could be like treading through | | | | on-the-spot easy transfer to the landlord's |
| a minefield. It's either you get the right home, or | | | | application. |
| you think you got it, then you find out after that | | | | Also, be sure to let all your friends, family |
| the rooms get filled with water when it rains, the | | | | members, associates and co-workers know that |
| toilets suddenly conk out or the water pressure's | | | | you are looking for an affordable rental and what |
| poor, and you've already paid the rent in advance | | | | you want in a rental home. Check newspaper |
| and can't seem to get a refund from your tenant, | | | | classified ads, renter magazines, and the Internet |
| who has already fooled you into signing to a | | | | for listings. You could also post ads on bulletin |
| long-term contract. | | | | boards at public places. Check the latest listings |
| The greatest and best approach to your | | | | first every day, and call early. Do make sure to |
| rental-housing search should be done like a job | | | | respond quickly when a landlord calls you back. If |
| search. Be organized, serious, and professional in | | | | you have a mobile phone, leave that number and |
| both appearance and action, in order to avoid | | | | have it on while you are out looking at other |
| choosing the wrong house, or get ripped off by | | | | apartments or forward your land line to your cell |
| unscrupulous tenants. Contact your references | | | | phone when you are out. |
| ahead of time to be sure your information on | | | | Know what you really want, and what you don't |
| them is current and that you have their | | | | want in terms of total floor space, rooms, housing |
| permission to use them as a reference. Also, get | | | | type (single family home, apartment, duplex, etc.). |
| the following information on the home you wish | | | | Be flexible with the rest of your requirements |
| to rent from your landlord, and these are: | | | | (amenities, concessions, etc.). Be prepared to |
| Property Address and Owner's Home Address | | | | decide on the spot and be prepared to leave a |
| Check the- Owner's Passport/ Driver's License | | | | deposit and/or downpayment check. |
| and State License holder | | | | It is also imperative to keep yourself from being |
| Find out also if the tenant is a County License | | | | locked into a long-term contract if you know |
| holder. | | | | there's a chance you may be relocated or will |
| Be prepared with all the information you need to | | | | have to move after a short period. Any savings |
| complete your rental application, which includes | | | | you hope to enjoy from a long term contract |
| data like full, prior addresses, bank account and | | | | could be lost in the costs of breaking the contract. |
| credit card numbers, a list of references. | | | | Make sure that before signing on the dotted line, |
| Legitimate landlords will not respond to incomplete | | | | you fully understand the terms of the contract, |
| applications. A rental application form, which is | | | | the monthly rents, payment due dates, deposits, |
| available online from legal self-help, community, | | | | required home care, neighborhood or house rules |
| and social organizations, and are deemed | | | | and any other details. Please do get help from |
| acceptable. Even if the landlord rejects it, it is a | | | | qualified sources on any of the terms or details |
| good way to compile your information for | | | | you don't understand. |