If you are looking for a home to rent you need to prepare just as well as if you are buying a property, as most of the items on both checklists are similar. Ideally, you need sufficient time to look at several options be it flats, townhouses or standalone houses you might like to rent. This will enable you to make comparisons, find out about the different neighborhoods and visit the most promising ones. Before starting your search for a new rental property, you should draw up a list of features you are looking for in a home and use it to help you decide which properties to view.

Essentials include:

1. Particular location

As with renting a property, location is usually the most important feature in choosing a rental home. A well-kept house with all the space you need may seem like a good choice but if it’s in a rundown area, you probably wouldn’t want to live there.

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2. Sufficient space for your needs

How much space would you need? It really depends on what you want, some people need a tone of space to feel sane while others can work with very little.

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3. Good security

For most tenants security is a top priority. In standalone houses you need to check whether there are burglar bars on windows, security gates on doors and working alarm systems. In a complex you need to check for electronic gates and garage doors, safe parking, good lighting and perimeter security measures such as electric fencing and access control. Also take note whether or not the existing residents are careful about maintaining security. Let’s face it, no one wants to live in a place where they don’t feel safe.

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4. Nearby public transport

Naturally, the convenience of public transport solves a number of problems. It eliminates commute frustrations; you wouldn’t want to find a place where you would have problems to get transport. Having nearby public transport also increases mobility, you are able to travel or run errands with ease.

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5. Features and condition

Lifts, storage rooms, laundry facilities, a pool, a gym and braai areas might also be on your list if you are looking at flats or townhouses. In sectional title complexes it is also important to check the rules and make sure they don’t conflict with your lifestyle. For example, if you are a dog owner and the rules of conduct don’t allow pets you can cross that particular property off your list.

In addition to the state of the rental unit, you need to check the overall condition of the complex. You should check the general appearance of the buildings, lobbies, hallways and gardens and the functioning of the lift, if there is one. A flat with a view may soon seem like a bad choice if you frequently have to carry groceries up several flights of stairs.

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Other top priorities

Heavy traffic volumes or noise levels might also be a consideration, especially if you are a person who does not like a noisy neighborhood. Overlooking a busy road may not be too much of an issue, but apartments close to nightclubs might not fit your need in this case.

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Attempt to look for homes that are clean and neat even if they don’t have brand new flooring, fittings or kitchen and bedrooms cupboards. Well-kept properties show that the landlord cares about upkeep and is likely to attend to any maintenance or repair issues without delay. For some tenants, optic fibre connectivity is important, especially if you work from home. They offer significant benefits in network speeds and communication and entertainment options.

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Once you have found the right property you must ensure that you sign a lease agreement that clearly spells out all the obligations of landlord and tenants. The lease should include details of the rental amount and when it is due, the duration of the contract, penalties for early cancellation and who is responsible for property maintenance.

You will almost certainly be required to pay a deposit upon signing the lease, on the minimum you should expect to pay one month rent as deposit. However other landlords require that you pay quarterly rent upon signing the agreement. Always ask the landlord’s requirements upfront if it’s not stated in the agreement and be sure to have these funds available before you sign the agreement.