What are the steps in renting an apartment, condo, or house?
1. In the beginning stages, fill out the Perfect Pad finder form. This specialized form will allow U Realty Group to target properties that are best for you. Also, browse the U Realty Group website to see if there are any properties that stand out to you as examples of what you are looking for.
2. Contact U Realty Group approximately 45 days before you are looking to relocate and an associate will help you narrow down your criteria. We can help you narrow down your needs vs. your wants while realistically helping you make the best financial decision.
3. Make sure to disclose important factors such as a whether you are looking for a pet friendly rental, have certain allergies to flooring, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, price range, how many tenants, location, amount of time you are willing to commute, parking, and rental term.
4. Start gathering financial statements for individuals on the lease such as a credit report, background checks, proof of employment, and references. Many landlords will require you to present these documents or will require authorization to obtain this information. U Realty Group can better assist you if you disclose any past issues or special requests such as a need for a co-signor or letter of hardship.
5. Tour properties that you and your agent have selected to see.
6. Once you find the perfect rental, our associates will help you draft a contract to lease. A contract to lease is a formal offer that highlights the price and terms of your offer. It is required that a check accompanies your offer to lease, usually in the amount of one month’s rent. The funds will be held in an escrow account until the Lease is finalized.
7. Our associate will present your offer together with any other application documents, at which time the listing agent will present the offer to the owner. They can accept, counter, or reject the offer.
8. Once both parties agree to the terms in the Contract to Lease, a formal Lease is drafted highlighting these basic terms.
9. If the unit is located in a building or community with an Association, the lease will often be contingent upon Association approval. If so, you will fill out an application and pay a fee to the Association. Approval generally takes 1-2 weeks. Some associations may require the tenants to provide additional move-in fees or deposit. Be sure to find out everything that is required prior to entering into the Lease.
10. As the lease start date approaches, you will need to get a cashier’s check for the balance of the move in fee.
11. On the actual Lease start-date, your agent will assist you with the walk thru. They will exchange the owners banking and contact information, exchange funds, and disburse all access devices.
Contact U Realty Group with any questions you have during your leasehold.
