Are you looking to rent a house or apartment in the near future in Chicago? Renting your first place can be a daunting experience. But, like anything in life, if you make a plan and do your due diligence, it will be much easier.
If you want to get the best rental deal, here are some tips you should follow.
4 Important Tips for First Time Renters in Chicago
1. Check Crime Rates
If you are renting for the first time, you need to get to know the neighborhood that you plan to move into. You don’t want to get into a rental lease without being familiar with the area and its community members. If you move into a bad neighborhood, you might want to get out of the lease before the end of the term. This could cause you to have to pay additional fees. In addition, your previous landlord might give you a bad reference if you try to move somewhere else.
Check the local newspaper’s crime sections or visit the local police department to get a feel for the area’s crime rates.
2. Find Out About the Utilities Ahead of Time
One of the things you need to know before signing a lease is whether utilities are paid by you or the landlord. If you need to pay utilities, this should be figured into your monthly budget in addition to the rent cost. Also, keep in mind the age of the house can affect the utility bills. For instance, an older house may have higher heating and cooling bills due to aging insulation.
Ask the landlord if they have recent utility bills so you can estimate the added cost.
3. Compare Houses in Different Areas
When looking into rental houses, it’s a good idea to compare different properties to see which one will give you the best bang for your buck. Everything from the condition of the house, whether utilities are paid or not, and the location should all be factored into what you are willing to pay for the rental.
Use a real estate website like Zillow to check out rents nearby and Google Maps to see where it is located in reference to stores, schools and public transportation.
4. Consult with a Local Real Estate Agent
It can be confusing when you start looking for rental houses so you may want to get the help of a local real estate agent. They know the area better than you do, in general, and they can also make sure you get a house that won’t be sold out from under you. Some rental properties are up for sale and the owners could sell the property after you’ve moved in, making you have to move out sooner than you planned. A real estate agent in Chicago can tell you whether the house you are considering is up for sale. It is advisable to find a rental that is not on the market to sell.
Give us a call at 773.233.2301 today. We’d be glad to help out!
Taking the Initiative
These 4 tips for first-time renters should help give you some basic guidelines on what to look for when looking for a rental house. The most important thing to remember when seeking a rental property in Chicago, is to seek out the best real estate agent. Real estate agents can advise you on all of the aspects of buying or renting a home.
Doing some homework upfront and getting advice from the experts will save you a lot of money and time in the future. Finding a house to rent can be fun if you know the basics. We hope these tips for first-time renters will enable you to get the best deal. Happy house hunting!