As you prepare to move into a new rental, you are certainly thinking about the decoration, fittings and other details that will make your future home your new cozy nest. This perspective sometimes even enchants you to the point of forgetting to take into consideration a certain number of essential points. Between preliminary measures, legal procedures and usual checks, there is however no shortage of potential pitfalls. To put all the chances on your side in the search for your perfect accommodation and avoid falling from a height once the lease is signed, we have noted for you 14 important things to know before renting an apartment or house.
1. Calculate your rental budget carefully
The first thing to do if you want to transform a “favorite” accommodation into your future home is to have the means to rent it! It will therefore be essential to calculate your rental budget beforehand in order to only visit the properties that you can take advantage of. The ideal is not to aim for a rent greater than 30% of your monthly income.
2. Create a file before any visit
Before even starting your research, don’t forget to put together a “concrete file” to be able to apply as soon as necessary for the rental that will meet your expectations. To do this, start by find a solvent relative who will act as guarantor solidarity when signing the lease. A certain number of documents will also be requested from you when you apply: your personal references, proof of your monthly income or your last tax form, as well as the contact details of your last owner and possibly a letter of recommendation from them.
3. Know the upfront costs
We often forget that a new move has a cost! You will, of course, have to pay the possible agency fees and the first month’s rent, but also the deposit which will generally correspond to 2 or 3 months’ rent.
4. Ensure that housing meets your needs
To avoid becoming disillusioned after moving in, it will be important that you ensure that it meets all your expectations. Some particular points will need to be considered depending on your needs: telephone sockets, elevator, parking space, thermal and sound insulation, etc.
5. Check the condition of the accommodation before signing the lease
An inventory prior to any signature will be essential. So, take good care of check the correct functioning of electrical outlets and installations, water pressure and hot water, but also the good condition of paintings, cupboards, kitchen, bathroom, toilets and openings (doors, windows). Once done, have the owner or real estate agent note (in writing on the lease contract) any problem so as not to be accused later of these deteriorations.
6. Inspect the surroundings
After carrying out a thorough inspection of the accommodation, make sure the neighborhood and neighborhood is safe and pleasant day and night, weekdays and weekends. It is common for the defect in a home not to be found inside the living space but rather outside, that is to say in the neighborhood and the environment where the home is located. apartment or house.
7. Know the conditions for refunding the bond
You should know that all or part of the amount of your deposit will be withheld when you leave the premises. in the event of deterioration or damage within the accommodation. Classically, this involves returning the property to the state in which it was at the time of entry inventory. A little tip: before you settle in, take photos of the existing rooms and imperfections, then send the photos to your email address so that you can justify the date you took them. During the exit inventory, your photos will serve as proof that you are not the cause of the damage, if you are ever accused.
8. Know who is responsible for housing maintenance and repair costs
The law stipulates that the tenant is responsible for “routine maintenance” of the accommodation, as well as “minor repairs”. This will mainly involve small things, such as sweeping the chimney or replacing the wallpaper. The owner will have to pay for repairs to walls, openings and roofs, as well as a certain number of routine repairs (faucets, heating, electricity).
9. Find out about the rent and its terms
The tenant must keep himself informed of the charges included in the rent price. In general, this will be the case for water and, sometimes, gas. Likewise, he will need to know the conditions of a possible increase in the price of the rent and its frequency. The charges will normally be likely to increase every year and the rent itself, when the lease is renewed.
10. Learn the terms of the lease
It is essential that you are familiar with the conditions of the lease before signing. The duration of this will legally be 3 years, but the law provides that the tenant can leave the premises at any time by taking leave by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt and giving 3 months’ notice. The notice period may be reduced to 1 month in the following cases: certain cities with high demand, first job, loss of job or transfer.
11. Are there any restrictions on occupation of the premises?
The landlord will normally not be able to prohibit you from having guests or having a pet. The tenant must, however, respect “l. The owner may, however, prohibit any animal classified as a “dangerous animal”.
12. Know your housing rights
The law authorizes the tenant to carry out small improvements as well as small decoration work (painting, wallpapering, flooring), without the owner being able to demand the return of the accommodation to its original condition. However, he will have to fill in the holes he made in the walls.
Concerning the rights of the owner or the real estate agent on entry into the accommodation, these are limited by law to visits for a future rental or sale (of no more than 2 hours per day and not on weekends ), to the need for work and only with the express authorization of the tenant.
13. The obligation to take out insurance for your accommodation
Housing insurance is imposed by law on the tenant. However, it will be the responsibility of the owner for seasonal rentals.
14. Don’t forget to negotiate!
You will sometimes be able to obtain a small discount on the price of the monthly rent (between 10 and 50 euros), but which, over the year, could represent a significant amount. So, don’t hesitate to bargain!