As we continue to make our way through the spring and into summer, the busy moving season continues to ramp up as more homes get listed to buy or rent.
Many rental property leases expire in the spring or summer months which can be an exciting time as you look for a new place, but it does come with a unique set of challenges and things to remember.
You aren’t dealing with mortgages and home repairs, but you are dealing with landlords, renter’s insurance, deposits, and leasing agreements.
Thankfully for you, we’re experts in rental property moving and have been moving people in and out of them for more than three decades. We‘ve put some of our best tips together to help you prepare for your next rental property move!
Do your research
Regardless of where you plan to move, the first step should always be determining what you want in your next living quarters and how long you’d like to live in your next rental..
Be sure you’re comfortable with the area you’re choosing to move to, the price of your rental property, and the amenities that do or don’t come with it. Generally, it’s a good idea to tour a rental property and ask all of your questions prior to signing a lease, too.
What are you paying for?
You want to know where your money is going, right? With leases, there are usually a list of fees required at signing, including security deposits, a month’s rent in advance, or paying for additional appliances you’ve requested. Sit down with the leasing office and ensure you have a clear understanding of what you need to pay for before signing anything.
Ask questions
On that same note, don’t be afraid to ask the leasing office questions about anything that comes up as you prepare to sign your lease. Have them review your entire leasewith you and explain anything that stands out clearly so you have a solid understanding of what you’re locked into.
Set up utilities before moving in
After you have signed a lease and determined your moving date, be sure to contact the utility companies you’ll need to pay for to get setup in advance of your moving date so everything is ready when you move in.
Purchase renter’s insurance
This is an absolute must when renting. Whether there’s a break in, a flood, or a fire, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered should anything happen.
Once move in day arrives and you start moving belongings into your new home, the landlord will provide you with some type of move in checklist to assess the current state of your rental property. Be sure to go around and examine everything to check for any damages or things missing and write them down so you aren’t charge for it at a later date.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.