1. Use a Realtor when leasing. If you are moving into an Apartment it may make more sense to use an apartment location, but either way it is important to have representation. It does not matter how many times you have moved, if you are not a licensed professional you should hire one. You should not expect the agent leasing you the house to represent you. They represent the property owner and there best interest. You need representation too.
2. Pay your rent on time. It sounds like a no brainier right? Well even one day late can have consequences other than the late fee. It is important that you pay rent on time because of items built into the lease agreement that allows property owners to do many things that you will not like. Each state has different landlord/tenant laws, you should talk to an Realtor in your area.
3. Always have Renters Insurance. It is not the responsibility of the property owner to replace or repair any of your items if something happens. Property owners do not carry insurance on personal property items in a residence. A fire could destroy the property and you will be left with nothing. Renters insurance is cheep. Really Cheep! Make sure you have it.
4. Renovating the property is a bad idea. If you, the tenant, want to make some changes to the property ask permission first. This is not one of those times where it is better to ask forgiveness than permission. Always ask first. Anything you do to the property with out written and signed permission from the owner or the property manager will be billed to you at move out. If you paint a room, the property manager can bill you to pain it back. If you remodel and upgrade the kitchen, don’t expect to get reimbursed.
5. Train your dogs. Everyone loves dogs, I have two myself. Nothing will do more damage to a house than a untrained dog. Train your dogs not to pee in the house. It is not hard. You will loose your deposit if the carpet has pee stains all over it.
6. READ THE LEASE! This is one of the most important things you can do. Most tenants do not read the lease they are signing. In Texas our residential lease agreement is actually longer than our sales contract. There is a lot of landlord/tenant law on the books. It protects both sides. But the best way to protect yourself is to read the lease agreement. I can guarantee you the property manager has.
About Ed Neuhaus
Broker and founder of Neuhaus Realty Group. I started working in real estate as soon as I could push a lawnmower and help clean up investment properties for my parents. Investing in real estate has always been a passion and now I have turned that passion into a way to help others. Buying and selling homes for others is just one way I think I can make the world better. No sales pressure, no gimmicks, just an honest work ethic gets the job done. Let me know how I can help you. Give me a call today at 512.366.3720
