PROPERTY NEWS - Renting your first place can be intimidating. These tips for first-time renters will help you go out there and flat hunt with confidence.
Moving into a home is a major life event, regardless of whether you are buying or renting - so it’s important to devote enough time and research into finding the perfect one.
Embracing the digital age can be useful and you are almost always guaranteed to find whatever it is you are looking for online. The internet has a variety of property search portals that offer easy access to all available property listings on the market.
You also have the option to sign up for instant alerts to keep track of all new listings on the rental market.
Private Property is one such portal which instantly notifies users via email or SMS of all new available listings that match the user’s specified location and requirements.
Be mindful of rental scams
The downside to the digital age and its easy access to information is the opportunity it offers to bogus agents and fraudsters in generating rental scams that many renters fall victim to.
Keeping your guard up is essential in ensuring you aren’t the next target of a rental scam.
The following are common signs to look out for:
You also have the option to sign up for instant alerts to keep track of all new listings on the rental market.
Private Property is one such portal which instantly notifies users via email or SMS of all new available listings that match the user’s specified location and requirements.
Be mindful of rental scams
The downside to the digital age and its easy access to information is the opportunity it offers to bogus agents and fraudsters in generating rental scams that many renters fall victim to.
Keeping your guard up is essential in ensuring you aren’t the next target of a rental scam.
The following are common signs to look out for:
- Not being able to view the place of interest
- Agents or landlords that avoid meeting in person
- A forced emphasis on transferring money without signing proper documents
- Holding back pertinent information from you
Always be wary and investigate as much as possible to avoid this type of situation from occurring. If you are dealing with a rental agent, ensure that they work for a reputable estate agency to confirm you aren’t liaising with a fraudster. It’s important to also have all relevant documents checked by a legal advisor to ensure all paperwork is legitimate.
Find out more on how you can avoid becoming a victim of a rental scam.
Find out more on how you can avoid becoming a victim of a rental scam.
Don’t live beyond your means
Renting a more expensive dwelling than you can afford is a common pitfall amongst many first-time renters.
Moving into a new apartment can often involve a lot of hidden costs that we sometimes forget to consider, so keeping some wiggle room in your budget is essential to avoid unforeseen bills and ensuring you aren’t living beyond your means.
First-time renters are advised to stick with a unit that is well within your price range in order to accommodate expenses you haven’t anticipated, like a huge utility bill or a broken appliance that needs to be fixed.
Renting a more expensive dwelling than you can afford is a common pitfall amongst many first-time renters.
Moving into a new apartment can often involve a lot of hidden costs that we sometimes forget to consider, so keeping some wiggle room in your budget is essential to avoid unforeseen bills and ensuring you aren’t living beyond your means.
First-time renters are advised to stick with a unit that is well within your price range in order to accommodate expenses you haven’t anticipated, like a huge utility bill or a broken appliance that needs to be fixed.
