What do You Need to Check When Renting an Apartment?

You should always schedule a walk-through with the landlord before signing the lease. Although some landlords leave electricity and water on to prevent unauthorized renters, it is still advisable to run a thorough inspection before signing the lease. Make sure to test all appliances, including refrigerator and freezer temperatures. You should also check the stove burners and oven, and check under sinks for crumbs. Check all these details to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Transparent platforms, such as Rentberry, make the process transparent, giving you a fully digital, long-term rental experience, which is more convenient, less time-consuming, and safer for all parties involved.

Inspection checklist

Before moving into one of the best apartment renting in Oakland, make sure to check every aspect of the apartment thoroughly. You can do this by walking around the apartment, testing door locks, and even touching the window panes to ensure that the glass is intact. The next step is to ask the property manager to replace any damaged or burned-out bulbs. Lastly, make sure that the thermostat is set properly and has a consistent temperature throughout the apartment. Checking for these issues is a great way to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your move-in.

Application fees

The first thing you should do before applying for an apartment rental is to ask if there are any application fees. These fees are usually non-refundable and can range from $25 to $100. The fees should never exceed the actual cost of background checks and credit checks. Make sure you have all the documents you will need on hand. Digital copies of these documents will make the process go much faster. If the landlord is unable to verify the information you provide, they may not rent the apartment to you.

Security deposit

Landlords usually require tenants to pay a security deposit as part of the rental agreement. This money must be paid before the tenant is given the keys to the apartment. The deposit can be paid in cash or certified funds (cashier’s check, money order, etc.). It’s important to know what to expect before signing the lease. Listed below are some important tips for tenants to remember:

Pets allowed in the apartment

It is possible to rent an apartment that allows pets. However, many apartment buildings have restrictions on the number of pets. Many apartment communities allow only cats, and others may limit the size of a dog to twenty pounds. In addition, many apartments charge a monthly fee for letting your pet live in the building. If you are considering a rental apartment with a pet policy, be sure to ask your landlord for specific information before signing the lease.

Cost of rent

Before signing a lease, tenants should understand the cost of utilities included in their rent. While these costs may vary from one apartment complex to another, most include at least one utility fee, which could include water, gas, electricity, or WiFi. Be sure to ask your prospective landlord about the cost of utilities before signing the lease, as these costs can quickly add up to a significant amount. Using an online calculator to estimate your rent can help you estimate your monthly expenses.

Income requirements

Often, landlords will require applicants to provide a W-2 form or other document proving their income. This document is a standard government form used for tax purposes and is reliable because it lists all income for the previous year. However, most renters do not have access to this document, which makes it difficult to verify their income. Even worse, the W-2 form does not take into account promotions, raises, or job changes.

Checking for smoke detectors

When renting an apartment, it is important to check for smoke detectors. Even if the property has one, you can still delay insurance claims by asking the landlord to change the batteries or test the detectors. It is also a good idea to keep routine records of smoke detector inspections. This can be especially helpful if the landlord has not kept track of the inspections. Checking for smoke detectors before renting an apartment will ensure that you don’t get stuck with an apartment that has none.