As a prospective renter, a key first step is having a clear understanding of the kind of property you want and keeping a checklist of the things that ideally should be included.
After considering general factors like:
- location (inner city or quiet suburban area)
- size (house or apartment) and
- monthly rental
you can develop a more specific wish-list of features that, on a personal level, would make a property truly ideal for you and your family.
Being close to a beach, having a home office, being in the catchment for a top school or having a choice of restaurants and cafes within walking distance might be a few of the things on your rental wish-list. It could be something as simple as having a garage or storage space for important possessions.
Openly communicating with partners and family members is an important part of deciding on your list of must-haves. It will ultimately make for a more harmonious home life when everyone’s needs are taken into account.
Creating a list of non-negotiables
The first thing to do when creating a list of non-negotiable items for your rental property search is to ask yourself the following questions:
- Which locations and suburbs are you willing to live in?
- What size house or apartment (and how many bedrooms) do you need?
- Is a garage important or would you settle for on-street parking?
- What lifestyle considerations come into play (do you need entertainment space, a spare/guest room, a home office or an outdoor area for kids)?
- Are you looking for a pet-friendly property?
- How important is it for you to be close to public transport, schools, shopping centres, restaurants and other amenities?
- Is there something special you need or want (storage for sporting equipment, a ground floor unit with a courtyard or an ocean view)?
You should decide what’s absolutely essential, and where you’re willing to be flexible. You might be prepared to compromise on the size of bedrooms or go without an outdoor space but have your heart set on a particular location or suburb. Or you’re happy to have a single rather than double garage but insist on having space to work-from-home.
Once you’re clear on the must-haves, you can also compile a list of “nice-to-haves”. Things like a pool or visitor parking might not be deal-breakers, but there’s no harm in adding them as a consideration.
Once you’ve established your list, making a physical copy is a great idea so you can take it with you to inspections and be ready to apply when you come across a house that ticks all your boxes.
How a renter’s agent can help
Choosing a place to rent can be overwhelming, with so many options and so much to consider.
Even if you have significant past experience as a tenant, standing firm on your priorities during the rental search and application process is tough, especially in a competitive market. A renter’s agent has the experience to help you sort through your list of priorities and find you a property that most closely matches your needs.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how Urban Renter’s Agent can help you find your ideal rental property – complete with your list of non-negotiables. And download our free Ultimate Renter’s Guide and Checklist to get started with tips on what to look for when searching for a rental property.
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