Renting a home for the first time can be overwhelming: application documents, deposits and fees, lease terms, repairs, and more.
There’s a lot to know when you’re renting a property and signing a legally binding contract.
Our wide network of beautiful properties, decades of experience, and a team of experts can help you navigate any questions you might have with your new landlord.
Helping our clients get the property of their dreams has always been our goal.
That’s why we created this quick guide for first-time tenants to help them handle the move-in process with confidence and ease.
1. BE PREPARED
With the rental market as competitive as it is right now, it’s especially important to be prepared and ready when you have the chance to apply for a new rental property. In fact, our most important piece of advice is simply to have your paperwork in order before you apply.
When you’re ready to meet with a representative for a rental property, it’s wise to have the following documents handy:
- Completed rental application
- Proof of income (i.e. current pay stub, copy of your tax return, etc.)
- Recent credit report
- Written references (i.e. employer, landlord, etc.)
- Identification (i.e. driver’s license, social security card, etc.)
2. REVIEW YOUR LEASE
Not all contracts are created equal. No matter what type of property you’re renting, it’s crucial to have a lawyer review your lease before you sign it.
Why is this step so important, even for a standard rental contract? There are elements in your contract you could overlook or misunderstand. For example, you could be liable for a specific utility or cost you didn’t realize, or you might be required to maintain renter’s insurance, which is an additional cost to consider. We want to create the best possible situation for both our landlords and our tenants, and that means providing clear legal services and support whenever a contract is signed.
3. KNOW YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
There is a specific section of the lease that you should look out for when reviewing it with a professional, and that’s your privacy rights.
In your lease, it should be clearly stated when and why a landlord has the right to enter your rental property. For example, a landlord does have the right to enter in certain situations, but they must give you 24-hour advance written notice before entering, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. The notice should state a specific time of entry, which must be during normal business hours.
Knowing your rights – and your landlord’s rights – in these situations will help you protect your privacy once you settle into your new rental home.
4. COMPLETE REPAIRS BEFORE MOVE-IN
By law, a landlord is required to meet certain criteria, such as providing a ceiling that doesn’t leak and a foundation that’s structurally sound. That means repairs to those aspects of the property are the responsibility of the landlord, too. In fact, any essential repairs should be handled by your landlord before moving in.
If the landlord does not complete their required repairs by move in, the tenant has the following options: withhold a portion of the rent; pay for the repairs and deduct the cost from your rent; call a building inspector who can order the landlord to make repairs, or move out without liability for your future rent.
But before you explore any of these alternatives, it’s incredibly important to check with a real estate attorney first.
5. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING
With an expenditure as large as your rent, you can’t afford to just take someone’s word for it. Whether you’re putting down your deposit or negotiating repairs, it needs to be documented – or you could have a much more difficult time proving your side of a dispute in court. For example, if a landlord makes a verbal commitment to you, send an email confirming the commitment at the very least. It’s critical that every agreement is written down.
Moving into a new rental can seem like a chore, but it can really be a fun and rewarding experience. Use these tips to move efficiently and save some money in the process. Contact us here.