Shifting bases from one city to another is always stressful. Finding accommodation is one of the most challenging tasks when you move to a new place.
Most people find house hunting to be difficult because they have to deal with issues such as online scams and shady landlords.
There are many reasons why finding a place to live is so hard. Right from finding the right neighborhood to arranging the deposit money, there are many roadblocks one has to encounter while renting a house to live in.
Why is finding a place to live so hard?
1. High Rental Prices
Finding decent accommodation within your budget is one of the biggest obstacles in the house-hunting process.
The rental prices of houses and apartments are increasing as the demand for rental properties is going up due to increased migration and shortfall of properties.
2. Shortlisting a neighborhood
Choosing a safe and friendly community that is close to your work, school or friends is tough and time-consuming.
You may have to research several areas and shortlist the ones that suit your preferences and lifestyle.
3. Finding the right Amenities
Most of us are keen to rent a house that has amenities that suit our lifestyle. For example, gym and fitness centers, swimming pools, etc.
Finding houses with your preferred amenities can be difficult as not all houses or apartment complexes have all amenities.
4. Navigating online ads
Online platforms are very convenient to find rental listings. However, sifting through the numerous ads and shortlisting the genuine ones is a tiring job.
As there is no way to assess whether a listing is genuine or fraudulent, you have to be very careful not to fall prey to online fraud.
5. Misleading pictures
Most renters complain that the pictures they see online are different from the actual condition of the property.
It is crucial to physically check the property before you sign the rental agreement or else you may have to live in a shady property that does not fit your requirements.
6. Background, credit and reference checks
A majority of landlords insist on background, credit, and reference checks to ensure that they get good tenants.
Some landlords also collect fees for credit checks. These checks are not only inconvenient but also can add up to your expenses, especially when you are on a tight budget.
Though there are some problems to finding your dream home in your preferred location, you can overcome them with some research and expert guidance.
Knowing how to find a rental home is half the job done. Here are some hacks to help you overcome the struggles of house hunting.
Struggling to find a house or apartment to rent? Use these hacks:
Determine your budget
The first step in the house-hunting process is to determine how much you can pay.
Experts recommend that the rent should not be over 30% of your income.
It is significant to consider other expenses such as utilities, and other potential expenses such as parking, laundry, etc. apart from the rental price of the property to estimate the total expenditure.
Shortlist Your preferred Amenities
Before you start looking out for vacant properties, shortlist the amenities that are necessary to suit your lifestyle.
Determine what features are non-negotiable for you and which ones are desirable but can be done without. For example, do you need a private garden or can you adjust for a house that has a public garden nearby?
Choose the Property Type
The next step is to choose the size and type of property you wish to rent. There are different varieties of properties such as apartments, single-family homes, townhouses, condos, etc.
Choose a property type based on the size of your family, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Determine the location
Have a close look at your lifestyle, work, school, etc., and determine where you want to live.
Do you want to live close to your work or school? Or do you want to stay in a quiet neighborhood that is well connected with all the other areas of the city?
Do you want to stay in a locality that is close to conveniences like a supermarket or hospital or do you want to live closer to the party district of the city?
It is crucial to remember that the rental prices depend on the area so it is important to determine which location is most suitable for your pocket as well as lifestyle.
Search for a rental property
Searching for a property is the most challenging job in the house-hunting process. However, you can try these methods to find your dream home in a short time.
1. Ask for references
The best way to find good rental properties is to enquire people in your social circles. There are high chances, you will find a friend of a friend who is looking for a roommate or a family looking to sublease their house.
Asking your friends, family, and colleagues for references will also help you to save money and find good rental accommodation.
2. Use rental listing sites with good ratings
You can register on rental listing sites with verified listings to safeguard yourself from online fraud and scams.
These sites only list properties from genuine landlords or agents. You can easily search for houses in your preferred location using the filters for location and amenities.
3. Hire a reputed real estate agent
A real estate agent is knowledgeable and a good source to find rental properties. Real estate agents have a list of properties they manage and can help you choose the right one that matches your preferences and budget.
Go through the ratings of the agent and choose an agent with good connections to find your dream property in a short time.
4. Drive or walk through your desired neighborhood
A great way to find rental houses in your desired locality is to drive or walk through the area.
You may find houses with “house for rent” signs, which you can make a note of, and contact the landlords for further information. This way you can not only find vacant houses but also get a feel about the area.
5. Make use of Social media
Social media is not only for posting pictures and sharing updates about your life, you can also use it for house hunting.
You can join the local rental groups of the city you are moving into or your chosen location to meet prospective landlords and find out about vacant houses.
6. Search local bulletin boards
You can check the bulletin boards in the local post offices, community centers, libraries, or grocery stores. Landlords often post their vacant properties on these bulletin boards.
Get ready for the application and approval process
Once you have found an affordable home in your desired location, the next step is to complete the application process and wait for approval from the landlord.
The landlord might conduct background, credit, and reference checks to determine your qualification to be a tenant.
Negotiate and finalize
The last step before you finally move into the new house is to negotiate with the landlord and sign the rental agreement.
Apart from the rental price, you can negotiate other aspects such as the lease term, deposit amount, concessions and perks, and any renovations that you might require.
Once the negotiations are finalized, you can sign the rental agreement and move into your new home.
Is it hard to rent a house?
Most renters complain that it is hard to find a house or apartment to rent. However, it is mainly due to a lack of knowledge on house hunting.
Hiring professional help or doing some research can make the process hassle-free and aid in finding your dream home at your desired location and within your budget.
