5 Tips You Should Remember When Renting an Apartment in the Philippines

Are you ready to rent your new home?

Whether you’re an independent urbanite, a yuppie, or a family person, when it comes to renting your new place, you must consider several things before you clinch the deal and settle down.

Here are five things you need to keep in mind to enjoy your next home.

1. Find the best location.

“Location. Location. Location.” You’ve heard it all before, and you’re still going to hear it in the future. This popular adage has been a defining factor in choosing a real estate property.

Let’s face it; location ultimately plays a BIG role in letting you close that deal because it will determine whether the neighborhood you’ll choose will give the security and convenience you and your family needs.

You want to have easy access to your workplace, recreational facilities, medical institutions, and even favorite urban hangouts. For many, it helps to live in a home near their work and everything else, or at least travel to and fro without too much hassle. This way, they get to fully enjoy city living.

Similarly, you want to live in (almost!) flood-free areas, wherein you don’t have to fret and think of where to put up your things when rain comes.

2. Consider your budget

Another important factor to consider when you’re going to rent is BUDGET.

Who’s footing the bill? Will it be your parents or yourself? Are you single, newly married, or starting a family? All these things should be taken in consideration to gauge your capability to pay your house rental.

It is necessary that you get a house that is within your allotted budget so that you won’t have difficulty paying your rent. There are many accommodations in Makati and Bonifacio Global City that offer comfortable residence at a good value.

3. Inspect the property

And so you’ve found the perfect location and it’s within your budget. Before you go ahead…

Get a general feel of the house. Is it cozy, bright, and welcoming?

Look for faulty plumbing, worn-out walls, clogged pipes, and any other issues that may later cause a bigger damage or problem if not addressed on the onset. Ensure that you’ve informed the owner about the condition of the house pre-tenancy so that they can make repairs before you move in.

Must do when viewing your prospective home:

• Check out if your things including bed frames will fit especially when it needs topass doors.
• Switch on and off lights off to know which bulbs need replacements or if the light is adequate.
• Turn on faucets and check out flush.
• Check security locks.
• Inspect for other personal concerns.

Make sure you create a list of the urgent matters that need to be address and show them to the owners. This will ensure that they are aware of issues in the house. Taking pictures will also serve as good evidence on the condition of the house before you occupied it.

4. Read the contract

Now that you’re satisfied with the condition of the property you’re planning to rent, here’s the most important thing you need to do before you close the deal.

Check the FINE PRINTS. It’s called that for a reason. Be sure you haven’t overlooked a single clause or provision that may cause you difficulty.

Having read and understood the contract firsthand will save you a lot of trouble in the future. Review the content and cross check with the property owners to ensure you’re on the same page.

By ensuring you have read carefully through the contract, you will know your rights as well as responsibilities as tenants.

5. Check those little extras that matter

Cell phone signal
Living in the texting, and most recently, selfie capital of the world, it sure comes as no surprise that you have to consider cell phone signal when choosing your next home. Everyone wants to stay connected all the time, and it helps that even when you’re in the bathroom, you can find a good signal.

Furnishings
There are three types of furnishings and depending on your needs; you can either choose a rental that is fully furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished.

For those you want to secure a fully furnished rental. Create a list of the furniture, decors, equipment, and anything else that goes with the property. It will protect you in case something becomes lost that isn’t your fault.

If it’s unfurnished, get the owner’s permission before you redecorate the place. Sit down with him/her, and discuss the changes you plan to make.

Renting can be a daunting task, but it’s never too late to score the perfect home for the perfect price if you follow these tips.