Renting a property is an adventure!

Topeka Homes For Rent has made a list of a few things for you to keep in mind as you shop for your new place, and after you locate the perfect home.

*Shop around!
You won't know if the property you rent is a good deal if you take the first one you look at. Make a point to look at AT LEAST 2-3 properties (even if you LOVE the first home you look at). Impulsive buying-or renting in this matter-is never a good decision.

*Don't forget any expenses!
When deciding what you can afford for rent it's sometimes easy to forget how many extra bills you'll have. Most homes that you rent will NOT have utilities paid. Be sure to ask if any are paid. Standard utilities are gas, electric, water/trash-and possibly cable, phone and internet!

*Insurance
A landlord's property insurance more than likely will NOT cover your personal items (furniture, clothes, stereos, etc) It's wise to have a Renter's Insurance policy to cover YOUR assets in case there is a loss. These policies are very cheap, and probably worth looking into.

*Move In Damage Check
Take the time to inspect your new home! With your landlord present, do a quick inspection of the home. Notate any damages (even minor ones), and keep a copy for yourself. This will eliminate any exisitng damages being deducted from your deposit.

*Deposits/Rent Payments, etc.
If you pay a cash deposit, or rent. Always get a receipt.

*Rent might be LATE!!!
If your rent payment is going to be a few days late, and you KNOW ahead of time. It's usually best to tell your landlord before the due date. Lack of communication between tenant/landlord on late rent can be a sticky situation. However that one phone call--even though it is a dreaded one you don't want to make will make your tenant/landlord relationship better. Who knows, you might get a late fee waived if you're only going to be a day or two late and you give the proper heads up!

*Property up keep
Be sure to ask about property up keep. Will you be responsible for mowing and snow removal? Most single family homes will require that the tenant do these tasks.

*Lease length, and notice
Most leases turn into month to month contracts and continue on past the actual "lease period". When signing your lease, ask what notice will need to be given when the lease is up. If you try to move out on the actual "lease ending date" and give no notice to the landlord that you are in fact moving--you may be responsible for another 30 days of rent.

Help Around the House!
Got Ant Problems?
Spraying inside may not get rid of your ant problem! When the ants enter your home to bring food back to the colony--and don't return, they send more in! So killing just the ones who make it "inside" may not fix the problem! When using ant spray, be sure to also spray around your foundation OUTSIDE! And put a few of the ant bait traps outside as well. They take the bait back to the colony, killing the problem.

AC run too much and doesn't seem to cool the house?
Check the condensing unit outside! If there is cotton, dirt, lint stuck in the mesh on the condensing unit, it will prevent the AC from cooling properly. It's a good idea to spray it down with a hose at the beginning of spring. Also change the interior filters regularly!

Please remember that there is many more things to consider when renting a home. Hopefully the few things we've listed will be of help to you.