by Erika Mehlhaff
Renting House First Time Texas. Have you been living in an apartment or some other accommodations and are now considering renting a house? Do you know what is involved in living in a rental home as a tenant? Here are a few tips for renting a house for the first time.
HOUSE HUNTING
Your journey to becoming a tenant in your new home begins with the search. Finding the right property to rent can seem like a daunting task. But if you know how to start, the rest comes easy. There are a lot of factors to consider when renting a house. The first consideration is your financial picture.
- YOUR BUDGET
Before you start house hunting, you need to know how much rent you can afford every month, as well as the amount you can set for utilities and other possible expenses. Having an idea of how far your money will go is the first step toward focusing your search.
- LENGTH OF STAY
Also, think about how long you would like to live in your new home. Determining ahead of time the rental period you prefer is important when considering rental terms. Whether you’re interested in a short-term or long-term lease can help narrow your options as well.
- LIST NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS
It’s important to know what you’re looking for in a property so that it meets your needs. Listing those needs and requirements–from the amount of living space and storage space to outdoor maintenance and recycling options–is key; your search will be more efficient if you are able to cross properties off your list based on your list.
| Thinking about becoming a landlord?
READ THIS!➔ “How to Rent Out a House in Texas” |
BEING A RESPONSIBLE TENANT
As a first-time tenant in a rental home, there are some things you should understand about your responsibilities to the landlord. The terms of your rental agreement should be in the contract you sign, but having a direct conversation with your landlord is the best way to clarify anything that isn’t specific or clear. Ask pertinent questions such as the following:
- Will you please confirm when the rent is due and the time at which a late fee will be assessed?
- Is renter’s insurance required as a stipulation of the lease?
- What maintenance tasks are my responsibility as a tenant (e.g., basic cleaning, correct appliance use/maintenance, etc.), and which ones are the responsibility of the property owner (e.g., yard maintenance, pest control, etc.)?
- How do I make maintenance requests, in general and in times of emergency?
- What permissions do I have for making changes (e.g., paint)?
| Learn more about the legalities of renting a home in Texas via the
legal research guide, online at the Texas State Law Library website. |
These are just a few tips for renting a house for the first time. If you have more questions about finding and moving into a rental home, schedule an appointment to speak to a real estate professional.
If you are interested in houses for rent in Corpus Christi or anywhere in the Texas Gulf Coast region, consult with the experienced professionals at WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses. The reputable group of real estate experts at this Corpus Christi, Texas-based real estate brokerage will help you navigate the current property market. The property experts at WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses offer outstanding real estate guidance and support to every client, including tips for tenants renting a property. Contact WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses to find out more about their professional services and resources.
