Rental Rules: What to Consider When Renting an Apartment

Not everyone can afford to buy real estate and live in their own home. In such cases, long-term rent comes to the rescue. But this path is often fraught with numerous difficulties and unpleasant moments. To protect yourself from possible future problems, it is very important to approach the process of choosing a rented apartment and its owners very carefully.

As someone who has changed over a dozen rented apartments and has extensive experience in this area, I would like to highlight several key rules for smart renting. I hope my advice will save you from risks and help you find an apartment where living will leave you with only pleasant memories.

What to pay attention to when choosing an apartment:

• Location – proximity to public transport stops and your workplace.
• Availability of parking spaces in the yard – for car owners, this can become a serious issue.
• Reputation of the neighborhood – this will greatly affect the safety and comfortable living of your family.
• Social infrastructure – schools, hairdressers, and shops should be in close proximity.
• Neighbors – believe me, even one noisy neighbor can seriously spoil your life.
• Floor – it is better to prefer an apartment above the second floor, but make sure there is a good modern elevator.

All of the above is just the base. Everything else should relate directly to the apartment you plan to live in.

And here the most important point is adequate owners. If they refuse to sign a contract – run away immediately. If they initially set some unreasonable conditions (saving water or electricity, not bringing anyone over, sending them photos of the apartment every week) – also run away. Believe me, these people will burn through a lot of your nerves later. In general, dismiss any options where the owners seem strange to you.

Of course, it is best to rent empty housing, where all the furniture and appliances will be yours. In this case, there will be no worries about possible damage to property. If this is not possible – carefully check the condition of everything in the apartment right in front of the owners. And be sure to document this in the contract. The best option is to include attached photographs. The same applies to repairs. If it is made clear to you that in the event of something happening, you will have to re-wallpaper – say goodbye. Because any housing requires regular cosmetic repairs, and they should be carried out by the owners. Those same wallpapers will fade and become unusable in a couple of years regardless of how carefully you maintain cleanliness and order. You can undertake renovations on your own initiative, but not at the owners' behest.

And discuss possible visits from the owners in advance. Remember – normal owners will never show up at your doorstep unannounced. And, of course, they will not come into the apartment during your absence. If this happens – urgently change your housing.

You should operate under a simple and clear principle: as long as you are paying rent – this apartment is considered yours. Therefore, you need to look for an option where the owners agree with this rule.

Of course, you should also understand your responsibilities. And treat the rented apartment as you would care for your own property.

Have you ever rented an apartment? What rental problems have you faced? And how did you solve them?