Helpful Articles, Tenants

7 Things To Expect When Renting A House

Houses are much nicer than living in an apartment.  You have more privacy, more space, possibly a garage or two, but with a house comes more responsibility.  When you rent a house from a private owner, more than likely there will be certain things you’ll have to take care of on your own that never even crossed your mind when you lived in an apartment.  Now while I won’t be able to cover them all because house rental agreements vary, I can give you a list of 7 standard things to be prepared for.  Remember, my motto is be prepared, and if you are prepared, these items won’t come as a surprise to your budget.

1. Budget for trash pickup.  When you live in an apartment, trash drop-off service is located on the premises, and included in your rent. Not so with a house.  When you rent a house and sign up for trash service the trash company will provide you with a trash can so there’s no need to buy one.  As long as you have the service, you’ll have the can.  If you need additional cans, then you’ll have to pay for those.  Trash service prices vary, but they are usually between $50 – $70 and normally paid on a quarterly basis.  If you can, pay for the year to eliminate one more annoying bill to remember.
2. Budget for water.  Tons of apartment complexes include water in the rent.  Renting a house from a private owner most likely will not.  This will be a new bill for many first time house renters.
3. Budget for lawn maintenance.  Some owners will maintain the lawn  while others will not.  If an owner does not, then cutting, fertilizing and maintaining the lawn will be your responsibility.  If you live in a subdivision, and you don’t maintain the lawn or control the weeds, the Home owner’s Association will send a notification or fine to the homeowner, which will be passed on to the tenant.  Why would you want to maintain a lawn and keep weeds down on a property you don’t own? Because weeds grown faster than grass.  If you have a weed free lawn you can cut it every 2 weeks in the summer, every 3 -4  weeks in the winter when it’s dormant.  With weeds, you’ll be cutting much more regular to keep the lawn low.  Save yourself the headache and do it right.
4. Association Fees.  Some owners may pass this annual fee on to you if you require the use of the pool, clubhouse and tennis court.  This fee usually occurs at the beginning of the year and is paid annually.  Normal costs range from $200 on up, depending on the community.
5. Budget for home maintenance.  Renting a house will usually require a much larger deposit than an apartment.  Which means that if and when you move out, and, for example your carpet was not maintained and it needs shampooing, the Owner will deduct cleaning or replacement costs from your deposit.  You can protect your deposit by making sure your walls are painted and all holes are patched, sanded and painted; shampoo your carpets at least quarterly, and try to leave the home free of debris when you move. 
6. Budget for a larger electric/gas bill.  Your rental house will probably be bigger than your apartment unless you’re downsizing.  If you’re used to paying $100 per month for electric in an 800 square foot apartment, your bill will go up right along with your square footage as it will cost more to heat and cool a larger space.
7. Realize it will take more to keep it clean.  That gorgeous house with the 2 story family room and hardwood floors that is twice as large as your last rental is going to require a little extra elbow grease to keep clean.  I can’t tell you how many customers I have that ask for more space and then complain that the home is harder to keep clean.  Be careful what you wish for…

If you have budgeted and prepared for at least these 7 items, along with your rent and utilities, you’re on the path to a stress free rental.  What could be better than that?

Related Articles:

How To Turn Renting Into Owning

Finding A Rental-With Or Without An Agent

Why Rental Applications Cost Money

Rental Security Deposits-Getting Back As Much As Possible

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Andrea Davis is a real estate broker with 15 years experience working in the Atlanta real estate market, specializing in residential rentals and property management, residential sales and short sales.  Andrea is passionate about educating buyers, sellers and renters throughout their home acquisition process and maintains blogs at Georgia Homes For Rent, $100 Down Foreclosure, Bank Owned Foreclosure Homes and her company site CHRAtlanta.  Andrea firmly believes in the power of education and lives by the motto "knowledge is power".

Andrea's goal with this blog is to help Landlords and Tenants alike navigate through the rental home process to get the best from your rental home.