What to Look for in Rental Housing
There are a few things you need to check to make sure that the short term rental is right for you. This is just a guideline; you may have specific needs that are not included in the following list:
- Children: If you have children, make sure you search for rentals that will accommodate them. This is especially important if you have very young children or infants. Make sure that the rental is appropriate for young children and that safety precautions are in place, including windows that cannot be easily opened, secure electrical plugs and that beds and cribs are safe. It's not enough for a rental agency to state that the rental units are children-friendly. Make sure you check out the spaces in person, making a list of what you need and ensuring that everything is in place before you sign the lease agreement. For instance, are there kid-friendly dishes in the kitchen? Try to think of all the things you use on a daily basis and ask that those items be supplied. Also ask that any items that are extremely fragile - vases, crystal glasses, nick-knacks - be removed.
- Pets: If you have pets, make sure you ask upfront if the building or rental unit allows pets. Be specific about what kind of pet since some places will allow cats but not dogs, small dogs but not large. If pets are allowed, ask if there are any additional fees for keeping pets on the property. Some companies will slip in an extra fee; be aware of this before you sign the rental agreement. If you have dogs, also consider the neighborhood where the rental unit is located: look for park areas and well-lit areas for those doggy walks.
- Parking: Find out if a parking space is included in the rental fee. If it's not, you'll need to check into the cost of parking your vehicle in the area. Take the additional parking fee into account when assessing and comparing short term housing units; some units may include a parking space, but may be slightly more expensive than one that doesn't - just keep this in mind when making your final decision.
- Insurance: Ask what kind of insurance is included in the rental fee. You want to make sure that if damage occurs to the unit, that insurance will cover the replacement costs. Some units may charge a damage fee: something you pay upfront and receive back after the unit has been inspected when moving out. Regardless, the short term housing unit should include insurance to cover damage due to fire, flood or other potential disaster that extends outside the limits of daily wear and tear. Find out exactly which damages are covered and what isn't.
- Utilities: Similar to insurance, it is important to find out who is responsible for paying utility charges. Some companies will include all utilities in the rental cost while others may charge an additional flat fee. If utilities are included, find out which ones; do they pay for long-distance charges, internet usage and cable fees? Make sure you know who pays for which services.
- Cleaning: If you've ever rented a vacation property, you may remember having to pay a cleaning fee. The same may apply to a short term rental. Some companies charge a flat rate, while others include cleaning in the overall rental fee. Similar to insurance and utilities, find out what is included in the cleaning fee or service: are you responsible for cleaning linens or ensuring that the dishes are cleaned and put away? Know before you sign the rental agreement or you could end up being charged for additional services after you leave.
