What to Know When Looking for an Out-Of-State Condo Rental

Whether you’re moving outside for love, work, or a change of scenery, finding the perfect rental condo makes the experience even better.

Finding a rental condo is no easy task when you don’t know what to look for. It’s even more difficult with 1000 miles between you and the desired destination. Nonetheless, careful planning and knowledge of the important issues to consider will increase the likelihood of finding a beautiful property faster and without hassle.

How to find out-of-state condo rentals

Hire a rental agent

Find a qualified real estate agent is your best option when looking for a condo in a new city. Not only will they advise you on the best neighborhoods, but they will also streamline the process. As they know the area well, rental agents can advise you on the best part of town to live in based on the experience you want and your budget.

These professionals will be of great help to you if you wish to rent a condo out of state. Rental agents do all the legwork like checking out landlords and checking out condos before they even set foot in the state. Plus, they negotiate your rental terms and rent based on your needs and preferences. In some cities, the landlord pays the agent’s fees, which means you have no reason not to hire a rental agent.

Search online ads

You can find anything on the Internet these days, and a rental condo is no exception. Searching for ads online is very convenient because you can do it anytime and anywhere. Find a regularly updated Internet SEO service that offers verified rentals, to avoid rental scams. Make sure to use the filter options to easily find what you want. It doesn’t cost a dime, so it’s the best option for those on a tight budget.

How to control out-of-state condo rentals

You shouldn’t rent a condo just because it looks fabulous in the pictures online. You should check the list before signing the contract. Some of the things you need to keep in mind in this case are:

1. Costs of utilities

Sometimes utilities are included in the monthly rent, but that’s not always the case. You should check the lease to determine which utilities you have to pay for separately. Usually you have to pay for sewer, water, gas, electricity and internet services. These costs depend more or less on the state and neighborhood you are in, as well as consumption and general habits. If possible, ask neighbors about utilities, to get a clearer idea of ​​what the costs will be.

2. The neighborhood

It can be tempting to choose the first decent condo you find, especially if you have other demanding tasks to complete. However, it will only bring regrets later. You should check out the neighborhood and understand the community better before signing the lease. You should also confirm that it is a safe neighborhood. Some areas have specific rules and expectations that you should familiarize yourself with beforehand. Other things you should know about the neighborhood before renting include pet policies, parking regulations, or specific traffic rules.

3. The lease

Read the lease carefully before signing it and confirm that it covers everything you need and the points already discussed with the landlord. Some of the things that you need to confirm, regarding the lease, include the due date of the rent, the length of the lease, the rules for subletting, whether you can have roommates, and the parking rules. In addition, it must indicate if your deposit is refundable at the end of the lease and who will be responsible for the maintenance of the condo. Landlords can adjust the terms of the lease to suit your needs if you ask, but this can only happen before you sign it.

How to impress your landlord

Condos located in rent-controlled areas or trendy neighborhoods are quite competitive. Therefore, expect the owners here to come up with dozens of requests at any given time. Knowing how to impress a future owner can earn you ownership. Some of the things you can do to earn points include:

1. Be prepared

If you need to complete a rental application, you must do so and submit it as soon as possible. Include at least 3 references and previous rental / residence information. In addition, you may need to show proof of ability to pay rent. Your financial information may be needed for credit checks or to verify your deposits. If you set a date to meet with the landlord, you should have liquid funds ready to pay the deposit and handling fees. Good preparation will impress the owner and increase your chances of getting the condo.

2. Prove that you are a good tenant

Landlords prefer to have an empty property rather than renting to unruly tenants. Therefore, you have to be on your best behavior. Get to the meeting early and be presentable. You want to pass yourself off as a nice and responsible person. Complaining about trivial things tells the landlord that you are picky and overly demanding, and it could cost you the condo. If you need any modifications or repairs, you should make suggestions in a friendly manner and justify your requests.

3. Have something unique to offer

You need to stand out from other applicants by going the extra mile to get noticed. Things like putting down a larger security deposit, prepaying your rent, or purchasing tenant insurance will make you stand out. However, be careful as you don’t want to set the stage for the owner to step on you in the future. The goal is to impress without appearing desperate.

How to prepare for the move

Once you’ve secured the condo, you need to prepare to move in. Have the condo cleaned by a professional before moving in. In addition, any repairs or renovations that should be done must be done before the move. Make sure the timeline is on the lease to avoid issues with the landlord, and make sure they know and approve any changes you want to make, like a paint job.

Make sure you go through a decluttering process before you move, to get rid of any unnecessary items that you would otherwise have carried in another condition and get rid of afterwards. Pack all of your items in sturdy boxes and be sure to note which boxes need to be handled with care. Pack by room, not by item, so when you’re in your new home, you can easily unpack everything and get everything sorted out on moving day.

Finding an out-of-state condo rental can be overwhelming in some cases, but you shouldn’t give up. Even if you don’t get the first rental, you can still find another one. If your request is denied, ask the owner why. Constructive feedback will help you adjust your next rental request to increase your chances of being selected.