Are you starting a new tenancy? It’s a big step, but there are many benefits to renting. You can trade up for better locations, change your environment, and have more flexibility in your lifestyle. However, before you sign on the dotted line and commit yourself, make sure you know these helpful tips!
1. Get tenant’s insurance
If you’re planning to move into your new home, it’s important to protect your belongings from damage and theft. Search tenant insurance Montreal to get quotes in the Montreal area.
2. Meet your landlord
Familiarize yourself with your landlord or property manager before you sign a lease, so you can ask questions and get answers to any issues you may have before moving in.
If you have any concerns with the property, such as safety concerns, be sure to address them with your landlord as soon as possible. Reviewing a rental unit ahead of time also allows both parties time to clean or repair anything that may need work.
3. Protect yourself from hidden costs
Review the lease to find out if you are responsible for paying any utilities, such as water and electricity. Make sure you know what your rights and obligations are regarding utility payments.
For example, some landlords arrange with a utility company to collect payment on the landlord’s behalf. Never send a payment to anyone other than the utility company without first getting approval from your landlord or property manager.
4. Know your deposit rights
Your security deposit is yours to keep if you follow the law. It should not be used to pay for damages beyond normal wear and tear or to compensate your landlord for time spent cleaning a rental unit between tenants.
5. Protect yourself from scams
Scams can, these days, come in the form of a con artist posing as a landlord and asking you to pay money for an opportunity to rent a property that does not exist, such as an apartment, house, or condo; fake advertisements promising rent-free housing, or solicitations asking you to purchase discounted rent vouchers.
6. Get repairs done correctly
If you have problems with your rental unit, the first step is to talk to your landlord. For example, if the furnace breaks, let your landlord know immediately so they can fix it before the cold weather sets in. If you live in a complex with an on-site manager or supervising agent, ask them for help — or their contact information so that you can get in touch with them if necessary.
7. Be your advocate
Be proactive and keep your landlord informed when a problem occurs. If the landlord cannot repair or replace an item, contact them as soon as possible to remind them of the problem and let them know what needs to happen next.
8. Have a renter’s checklist handy
It’s good practice to have a checklist on hand when moving into an apartment or house to ensure everything is correctly set up before you say goodbye to the old place. Document all furnishings and appliances, along with any damage or issues that may have occurred during your tenancy, such as water damage.
If you’re ready to take the next step and start living in your own home, it’s a wise decision. Opening your door to one of the most significant investments in life will change how you live, work, and play. Be sure you are prepared for this lifestyle change by learning about rental requirements, the responsibilities of tenants and landlords, and potential scams that can harm your finances.
Author
