A new house means a new living space... Looking for a house to rent is exciting for most people. In this exciting process, some details may be overlooked and this excitement may quickly turn into disappointment. So, what should we pay attention to when looking for a rental house? What are the 'red flags' when renting a house? Check out the guide we have prepared for you before renting a house!
There are warnings, or 'red flags', that indicate some potential problems that you should pay attention to when looking for a house to rent. Recognizing these signs in advance can save you from both material and spiritual troubles.
Here are some critical points you should not ignore when looking for a house and a small but effective guide on how to act in this situation!
1. Bad Smell: Your Nose May Be Warning You
If a strange smell greets you when you step into the house, be careful! Odors caused by mold, moisture, dampness or old plumbing may indicate serious problems.
What to Do?
- If the smell is combined with traces of mold on ceilings or corner walls, you may have a moisture problem in the house.
- Take a look at hidden areas such as under carpets and under kitchen cabinets.
- Be sure to ask the landlord or real estate agent about the source of the smell. Don't be fooled by glosses such as "staying out of carpet washing".
- Such odors are especially common in basements, so be sure to check whether air circulation is provided and, if so, by what method.
2. Flooding and Plumbing Traces
Yellowed stains on the ceiling, peeling on the walls, swollen parquet... These may be signs of an old water leak. And if the problem is not solved radically, unfortunately, there is a very high chance that it will affect you too.
What to Do?
- If there is a ring-shaped stain on the ceiling, there may be a problem with the roof or upstairs.
- Take a look at the pipe connections under the boiler or sink.
- If there is a feeling of moisture on the floor of the house, be sure to check whether there is swelling on the parquet.
- If possible, make a detailed inspection in daylight.
3. Try Doors and Windows: Security and Heat Problems
Doors with deadbolts, windows that do not close properly, windows that leak cold air... These are not only annoying details, but also problems that are not friendly to your security, comfort and family budget.
What to Do?
- Open and close windows. Is the slide working properly?
- Do the doors fit perfectly into the frame, is there any gap?
- Double or single glass? This will be an important question, especially in terms of heating in winter.
- Balcony doors that do not close can be a threat to security. Locks must be checked.
4. Electrical Installation: An Inconsiderable but Dangerous Item
Open cables on the wall, shaky sockets, interruptions in the lights that are on... Although these often seem like minor problems, they should not be ignored.
What to Do?
- Look at the number and placement of outlets in the house. Is it useful?
- If there is an old type fuse box, ask if it has been switched to a modern system.
- Make sure the lights are working in all rooms.
If you do not know much about electrical work, ask for an estimate from a familiar electrician, if possible.
5. Environmental Factors: Noise, Security, Neighborhood…
The outside of the house is as important as the inside. If you are someone who is disturbed by noise, the construction noise next door, the cheerful laughter of the neighbors or the bad smell of the restaurant downstairs can be quite annoying. So, what can be done about these invisible factors?
What to Do?
- Go to see the house at different times of the day: morning, evening, and especially on the weekend for a sound check.
- Check if there is enough lighting on the street.
- If possible, have a few words with the neighbors, they will give you an idea of the environment.
- If there are factors such as schools, hospitals, highways nearby, weigh whether they are advantages or disadvantages for you.
There are so many fine details to pay attention to, right? Unfortunately, it is not enough to evaluate a house only with its features such as a beautiful kitchen or spacious living room. Paying attention to these red flags, which may seem small but can have big consequences, is worth gold to live peacefully and joyfully in your new home!
