5 Mistakes Renters Make

Looking for an apartment, house or condo to rent can be exhausting. From choosing the neighborhood to finding the right house that fits your requirement, apartment hunting can take a toll on you. Being tired and exhausted makes you vulnerable to mistakes. It is easier to overlook small yet important details because you just want to get done. What you don't know is that that one thing you overlooked could cause you big  problems in the future.

Here are 5 mistakes that you should avoid when looking for a place to rent.
1. Not reading the lease or contract.
We understand that going through several pages of legalese is time consuming and exhausting  to the brain. But you have to read each and every word written on it because that piece of paper will be your protection. Don't skip the fine prints. If you have to, consult a lawyer to make sure you do not misunderstand anything. You’ll also need to study the renewal terms, subletting rules, utility agreements, lease terms, property rules, and late fees.
2. Thinking your landlord will fix everything.
In most cases, the landlord's responsibility is to fix major problems, unless the lease contract states otherwise. If you have a broken fridge or a busted TV set, you can  ask your landlord to repair it for you.  but it  may not be part of his lease agreement.
3. Not documenting the original look of the place.
Most renters don’t take the extra step of documenting what the place looked like before they moved in. Photographic, time-stamped evidence of previous property damage can be the best way to get back your deposit from a bad landlord.
4. Going only with an oral contract. If your landlord says he’s going to do something, say, repair the air conditioner after you move in, don’t just take his word for it. Get it in writing—your landlord will be much less likely to forget about it.The same is true for anything else your landlord says, such as renewing the lease at the end of the year or not raising the rent. You’ll have a hard time proving an oral contract in court if a resulting problem ever goes that far.
5. Not touring the neighborhood. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the neighborhood looks the same all the time. Unless you know your city or town in and out, you should tour the neighborhood during the day and at night.

If you research carefully and pay attention to details, your rental hunting would be a success. Don't take any shortcuts because you might miss something important. Most of all, be thorough.