A lot of people nowadays opt to just lease houses instead of owning one.
The trying economic times make most people think twice before they invest in property. Whether you are an experienced tenant, a foreign student faced with leasing for the very first time or just seeking a short-term house to rent, leasing a property in the city of Bangkok or anywhere else is never an easy thing to do. Leasing a home is a lot like purchasing.
It might seem like you do not need to be as concerned when renting, but you do. In this article, we will list 5 things to look out for when choosing a property to rent in Bangkok.
Location of the house
The location of your preferred house is as important as its looks. This is because you need it to work for you and your family.
The house that you are looking to lease should be close enough to work, a school and the bus stop. If you have kids, consider renting a complex in a neighborhood that has other kids. Also, talk to the neighbors as they have lots of information about the complex.
If there are hidden charges that you need to pay, they will tell you what they are as well as how much they amount to every month.
Security of the unit
Contact the local police regarding crime rate around the house you are looking to lease. This will go a long way in ensuring that the neighborhood is secure for your family.
If you ask the agents at the unit they won’t be honest with you as they are only interested in your money. Some units have steel gates that are closed at night and open in the morning, so it is difficult for anyone to sneak in at night.
This factor is mostly disregarded by a majority of renters. However, it doesn’t take a great deal of time or effort to do.
Condition of the house
While the house might look good, you still need to check the plumbing system by running water as well as flushing the toilets. Also, check whether the windows are single or dual pane, plus whether any air oozes through the sides or the bottom. The living room, bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchen should all be in the size that your family is comfortable with.
Make sure that everything is in order since you can’t make any structural changes once you move in without the owner’s consent.
Your budget
Determine the amount of cash you are willing to pay for the home’s rental. Set a budget and stick to it. Try not to be persuaded into leasing a property that is outside your budget range. Some ads will specify the rental price you will have to pay. Contact the owner and negotiate with him. While the internet is crammed with adverts, beware since some of them are scam ads.
If in any case they ask you to give your personal details while enquiring, don’t bother replying back.
The amenities in the house
Another thing to consider when renting a property is the types of amenities you need in an apartment. Bear in mind that amenities vary between properties.
Therefore, it is wise to contact the landlord to inquire about the types of amenities that the property has. You might want to have a fridge and washer inside the house or even a balcony. Also, ask if the unit pays for electricity, trash, water, or sewage.
These are a few tips to prevent you from wasting cash on overpriced properties, or living in unacceptable conditions. Remember, there are other properties that you can lease if the one you are looking to lease isn’t right for you.