What to Know About Renting a Home

Landlord

Most people rent a property either through an agency or direct from a landlord. Dealing direct with a landlord sometimes means slightly lower rent. However, advice on the Aurora University website suggests checking the registered address of the landlord or agency. A P.O. Box address suggests that the landlord might be hard to contact or even a little shady. Many landlords will also want to run a credit check on you before they accept you as a tenant.

Lease agreements may contain a whole range of responsibilities and rules. Details to check include the duration of the lease and the notice required for either you or the landlord to cease the agreement. Some landlords will perform an inventory when you first move into the house. Even if this isn't scheduled, it's worth going around the place with a notebook and camera to document the condition when you move in. This prevents any unfair claims made against you when you move out.

Of course one of the main things to know about renting a home is how much the rent is going to be. That also includes when the landlord expects payment, and whether you pay rent monthly or weekly. Some rental agreements cover all of your electricity, gas or water bills as part of the fee. If the rent doesn't cover those areas, you'll need to account for those in your budget. Before you move in almost all landlords will require a deposit -- often a month's rent. This deposit is used to protect the landlord in case you damage the property or disappear. The deposit is refunded at the end of the tenancy period.

As a prospective renter you have the right not to be discriminated against based on your sex, religion, race or any disability. Your landlord has to provide reasonable notice for any property inspections, usually around 24 hours. The landlord is also responsible for keeping the house in good working order -- for example, with safe heating and plumbing. If repairs are needed and not carried out within reasonable time, many states permit you to withhold rent until the repairs are complete. Legal rights may vary slightly depending on your state.