Rental Hunting: Once You Find It

Rental Hunting: Once You Find It

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 sixth in a series.

You've now likely attended several showings, and it's time to make a choice. More than likely, a few of your prospects will have had obvious flaws and been crossed off your list at the showing. If you're still left with multiple properties to decide between, consider returning for a second visit with any family members who didn't attend the first showing. Try to make a decision within 48 hours of looking at a rental, but missing your chance is better than making a hasty decision. To paraphrase the old chestnut, "Lease in haste, repent at leisure." This is the home you'll have to live with for from six to twenty-four months, depending upon the lease. Write a list of pros and cons if it helps you. Make an educated decision, but don't make it before you've seen the lease agreement.

You've heard this a thousand times, from teachers, friends, parents, and perhaps even lawyers, but it bears repeating: "Never sign something you haven't read fully." While most rental agreements are similar, you still need to read every single word of the one you're signing. If your disability affects reading or reading comprehension, ask a friend to review it with you. This is also a good step to take to protect yourself if you know that you have trouble translating "legalese" or if you're so excited about the property that you'll miss red flags in the lease.

Common provisions include restrictions on pets, wall hangings and other home decoration, requirements to maintain an included yard or patio area appropriately, and a section describing exactly how your damage deposit will be refunded when you move and the conditions under which it would not be returned. You should be given the opportunity to walk the property with the landlord and note in writing any pre-existing damage to the unit or landscaping. Bring your most pedantic pal along for the walk. Even tiny thumbtack holes in the walls should be noted. Anything not written down can be blamed on you and used as an excuse to withhold reimbursement of your damage deposit in the future, or, for major damage, even used as grounds for eviction or charging repair fees.

Stating a discriminatory preference in a housing ad or lease is illegal. In most areas, children cannot be prohibited, and disability must be accommodated within reason. For example, a restriction on pets wouldn't apply to a service animal. If certain maintenance tasks required of the tenant are not within the limits of your ability level, you should be able to negotiate a compromise based on reasonable housing accommodation. However, if you find yourself locking horns with the landlord or landlady over your disability, it's best to involve a legal professional or just find another property to lease.

Keep your chin up! The paperwork is almost over, and you'll soon be able to move into your perfect rental!

Read Part Seven: The Move