Rental Hunting: The Showing

Rental Hunting: The Showing

Finding a rental home or apartment that suits your needs is a daunting task, particularly when disability, children, pets, credit issues, or any combination of the above create additional complexity. I'm seeking a new rental right now. Learn from my mistakes and successes with this series of short articles on the process of finding a rental. This is the fifth in a series.

With your list of questions prepared, it's time to head off to attend showings. You should allow at least 45 minutes in your schedule for each. Showings generally last 30 minutes or less, but budget extra time anyway. This is your chance to make a great first impression, which is especially important if you've found a great deal and the owner will be going over multiple applications to select a tenant.

Dress professionally, even if you're not working that day. Nice slacks and a polo shirt, with minimal jewelry, are appropriate for both men and women. Always bring your list of questions, pen and paper to take notes, and take your checkbook along in case you love the property enough to immediately put in an application. There's likely to be a non-refundable application fee.

When you arrive, shake hands with the owner or rental agent. Wait for them to give any spiel or tour they've prepared, and then poke around the rental on your own. Don't forget to open the closets, look closely at plumbing fixtures, and ask if the appliances currently installed are included. Use your pen and paper to note any problems, like a poorly caulked shower or peeling wallpaper, and ask before the end of the showing if these things will be repaired before the new tenant moves in. If there's a fenced yard, walk the fence line and look for damage or holes, particularly if you have a dog. Look to see what kind of windows are installed; double pane energy-saving windows will save you money on your heating bill in the winter. Look up and down, to note damaged lighting fixtures or floorboards.

When you're finished inspecting, meet back up with the person showing the property to ask any questions and discuss applications and the lease, or to thank them for their time and leave. Be honest; if you've decided this property is not an option, say so. But if you're interested, it's time to get down to details, and to make sure you're not falling into a psychological trap set by a smart salesperson.

Professional landlords or landladies and rental agents have several tricks in their bag to push you to make a hasty decision to rent their property. The first, and most common, is to schedule multiple showings at the same time. If someone else is there looking at the same property, resist the impulse to compete. Greet them, make friendly conversation, and then look around exactly the same way you would as if you were the only person in attendance.

Watch out for this trick's verbal cousins as well, including statements like, "I've had an application already," and, "There have been a lot of people interested in this property." Both may or may not be true, but neither should affect your decision. Another sneaky technique to watch for is an overly friendly rental agent or owner who says things like, "I'd love to see you get this place." Making a connection with a potential landlord/lady is great, but you should avoid applying for a property just because your new "friend" wants you to live there. If you've done your homework before the showing, you know what else is available in the same price range and area, and where this property ranks on your list.

Whether you'll be submitting an application or not, always look the owner or agent in the eye, smile, shake hands again, and thank them for showing the property to you. Take care neither to rave about how wonderful the property is nor to disparage it. One or two compliments like, "I really liked the new cabinets in the kitchen," are fine, but don't go overboard. Leave promptly when you're done looking and discussing, and write down your impressions of the property while they're still fresh in your mind.

Read Part Six: Once You Find It