7 Things To Look For When Choosing A Short-Term Rental

furnished short term housing

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7 Things To Look For When Choosing A Short-Term Rental
By: Coral ~ 3/15/2018

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7 Things To Look For When Choosing A Short-Term Rental

7 Things To Look For When Choosing A Short-Term Rental

Are you relocating to a city for a new job or relationship? Here are 7 things you should look for when choosing a short-term rental to ease your transition.

Keyword(s): short-term housing

Are you relocating? If you're moving to a new place and thinking about the idea of short-term housing? Then, this article is for you!

It might be tough to know what is the best place to live.

We'll walk you through some tips to consider before you settle for a short-term apartment. Read on and get started.

1. The Golden Rule: Location, Location, Location

If you're moving to another city and you need short-term housing, you need to focus on the location of the apartment you want to rent.

Even if you've been to the city before, hotels might not show you what neighborhood life is like.

When you start to look for a short-term apartment consider what type of neighborhood you want to live at. Make a list of things that are important to you such as restaurants, shopping, nightlife, outdoor activities, or tranquility.

Since you'll be new to the area, you might want to start in a popular neighboorhood so you can get the best look at the city. After your term is up, you might choose to venture elsewhere.

Also, keep in mind your distance from work. You don't want to live in a hip neighboorhood if that means you'll face a long commute.

2. The Amenities

What types of amenities are you looking for?

Some people wish to have more amenities, while others prefer something simple if it means it's in their budget. It all depends on how you want to spend your money.

Having an in-unit washer and dryer is an amenity most people look for even if they're on a budget.

Other amenities not considered luxuries are things such as a dishwasher and a parking spot.

Some people want more luxurious amenities such as a fitness center, pool, hot tub, balcony, or terrace. And if you're renting a short-term house you might look for a nice back-yard, or driveway.

This might not be as important for those who aren't gourmet cooks, but some folks prefer a fully equipped kitchen.

3. Look for Flexibility

The reason why you've searched for short-term housing is due to the flexibility of not having to make a long-term commitment.

Ensure the short-term apartment you're searching for reflects this flexibility. With this lease agreement, you won't be at risk of ever breaking a lease and having it reflecting poorly on your history.

If possible look for a month to month lease. This way, if you find a permanent home within a few weeks to a month you can let your landlord know.

You could also look for a short-term lease for only a few months. If you prefer a little bit more stability without the commitment, talk to your landlord about the possibility of a 3 or 6-month lease.

However, be aware that if you jump from one short-term lease to the next it might reflect poorly on your credit report.

Landlords might not want to rent to you if they see you don't stay in a place long enough.

4. Utilities You're Responsible For

Although it's a short-term lease, you might want to figure out if you'll be responsible for any utilities.

While it doesn't make sense for you to call the utility company if you're only going to be there for a month or two, always clarify this with your landlord.

Is the price of utilities included in the rent, or will it be extra?

Some of the common utilities are gas, water, electricity, heat or A/C unit, and garbage. Clear it with the landlord so there's no confusion on who will pay for the utilities.

5. Furnished Vs Unfurnished

If you made an across the country move, chances are you brought very little furniture with you. In that case, you might need a short-term furnished apartment.

Of course, renting a furnished apartment has its pros.

Even if it's a short-term apartment, if it's furnished, it might feel a bit homier. Plus you won't have to move any heavy furniture or worry about the expenses associated with hiring movers.

Also, you will save some money from having to rent furniture such as a bed, dining table, and couch.

Renting a furnished apartment also has its cons. For example, you will be liable if you damage the furniture and might have to pay a higher deposit for it. You might have fewer options if you make a decision based on the furniture.

6. Check Credentials

The last thing you want is to make the move and discover your short-term housing was a scam and you have no place to live.

In order to avoid having this happen, you should always check their credentials and watch out for some of the warning signs.

Does the landlord seem eager to lease you the apartment without checking to see if you're a worthy candidate?

If they don't send you an official application or you're told there will not be a lease, you might consider this a warning sign. It's a bad sign if they ask you to pay higher fees than usual if they tell you there will not be a lease involved.

Go with your gut, especially if you feel immense pressure to sign the lease.

7. Find Out the Details

The last thing you need to do is read the fine print and figure out all the other details.

For example, are you allowed to bring your pet? If so, are there any additional feed you should pay?

In case the move falls through, do they have a cancelation policy? Some people may not even think of this, but you should also ask if you're allowed to have visitors.

Ask them if you can move in a few days earlier in case you make it to the location a few days sooner. Any other questions you might have, it's good to clarify beforehand.

Find the Perfect Short-Term Housing

Short-term housing might be a great idea when you're relocating to a new place and are not ready for a full-term lease.

Always consider these tips before deciding on an apartment.

Are you moving to Seattle and need tips for making this great city your new home? Then visit our blog for tips.