Renting "Sight Unseen" in Cody, Wyoming
In Cody, Wyoming we see a lot of transitional renters. Folks move to the area for new jobs, to be close to family, or for retirement. Whatever the reason, many are unable to personally view properties in person before deciding which one to rent.
This puts my staff in a pickle. We want to help them find a rental. We want to help the owners find quality tenants and start producing income. But there is always the risk that a renter will show up and discover there is something about the rental home they don't like and then they want to break the lease and walk away.
To combat this, we always stress the dangers of renting a home without seeing it in person. We offer to provide additional pictures or even shoot live video and a virtual "walk-through" of the home. We also stress the consequences of agreeing to rent and then changing their mind. We make everyone sign the following disclaimer first:
RENTING SIGHT UNSEEN - All Parties agree that Applicants were given the opportunity to inspect the property prior to signing a lease. Applicants declined to do so at their own choosing and for their own convenience. Applicants understand American West Realty has, to the furthest extent possible, ensured the home is in a presentable and habitable condition. Parties agree maintenance shall be done as required by the lease agreement. Applicant agrees a cancellation of the rental agreement based on the neighborhood, floor plan, ordinary wear-and-tear, or other personal preferences shall be treated as a violation of the lease and grounds for complete forfeiture of the security deposit. Applicant acknowledges they were advised to seek appropriate counsel regarding the risks of renting a property “sight unseen”.
We provide multiple warnings, verbally and in writing, yet there are still renters that get to town and decide the rental is not right for them. We understand the stress of moving. We understand people make mistakes. We are very reasonable people! However, we cannot allow the Tenant's mistake to impact our client, the Landlord. If Tenants choose to ignore our warnings and rent without seeing the home first, they have to accept the consequences of that decision.
Please think carefully before deciding to rent a home "sight unseen" in Cody, Wyoming!
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