Renting your first property: 5 tips to avoid regrets

The process of renting an apartment doesn't have to be tiring when you efficiently apply some tips for renting a property for the first time . This is because, as it is a moment full of expectations, essential details can go unnoticed and result in future problems.

Although it is simple, those who are renting a property for the first time may find it difficult to deal with basic points, such as signing a contract, needing a guarantor or paying a deposit.

With that in mind, continue reading this article to find out the main tips for renting a property for the first time without making mistakes!

Know your budget and research the area you want to live in

Before renting a property, the first step is to know your budget to understand how much money you have available to spend monthly on paying expenses, which range from rent to property tax and basic bills.

Next, it's time to choose the best area to live in, taking into account your available budget. This is because more expensive places tend to have higher rental rates and, as a consequence, increase the value of property tax and even the market.

Define what the property should be like and look calmly

Once you have decided on the region, it is time to find out what the property's profile is. House, apartment, one bedroom, two bedrooms, garage, leisure areas. All of these points should be on your radar to make it easier to choose and filter the best options.

With the ideal place in mind, it's time to start searching on online real estate platforms, such as Citas. But don't rush and look calmly. Remember: your future home deserves dedication.

Visit the property and pay attention to all the details

The results of your research will point out some nice properties within the price range you can afford in the chosen area . So, the next step should be to visit the property in person. After all, even if it looks perfect in the photos, getting to know the neighborhood, the condominium and the property itself makes all the difference.

At this point, pay attention to all the details, such as possible cracks, broken floors, lighting problems, leaks, among others.

Likewise, check the neighborhood, including nearby shopping areas, gyms, and leisure options, as well as the ease of getting to and from the area on foot or by car. For those who like silence, it is essential to know if the area is noisy.

In condominiums, try to know the main rules

Typically, people rent their first apartment in a condominium. However, each condominium has rules regarding silence, renovations, internal traffic, visits, among others.

Therefore, find out what they are and see if they are in line with your lifestyle . Likewise, talk to the property owner or the real estate agent to find out how independent they are in making improvements to the apartment, installing paintings, curtains, etc.

Pay attention to the contract

After choosing the property, it is time to draw up the contract . At this point, avoid informalities and prefer to have all the clauses written down with information about the duration of the rental, date and amount of fees, possible penalties for breach of contract, among others.

To rent a property, a person must be 18 years of age or older, present an identification document, proof of current residence and have a monthly income compatible with the rent.

The rental agreement may also establish the famous guarantees in case of non-payment of fees by the tenant. The most common are the guarantor, the deposit or the surety insurance.

Currently, the security deposit is one of the most widely used guarantees, because it allows the tenant to receive the amount deposited, with the appropriate monetary correction, after the end of the contract. Typically, the deposit corresponds to the value of three months' rent.

Regarding the payment of fees, when renting apartments the tenant must pay the IPTU (property tax), garbage fee, electricity bills, water bills (if applicable) and condominium fees.

Finally, remember to maintain a frank and honest dialogue with the owner or real estate agency to settle all points and ensure a great rental.

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