As the demographics of the country change with the passing of time, home ownership, while still quite high in comparison to other countries, is not the Holy Grail it once was. Many people are making a conscious decision, for all kinds of reasons, to rent permanently or at least for an extended period of time. The market is meeting this growing demand by supplying high quality homes and units in desirable locations, and the spectre of renting is not the onerous situation it once was. However, there are a few things to take into account if you are moving into a rental situation for the first time.
The most important issue to check first is how the property is managed. For tenants and lessors alike, the most seamless and hassle-free arrangement is to rent through a property management services agency in Macquarie Fields. These are property management professionals who take all the steps required by law to protect both the tenant and the lessor, have sound business systems in place so that your bond and rental payments are secure, and attend promptly to any maintenance or nuisance issue you may have.
The location of the property is also important. It should be handy to transport if you need to commute, and be situated in an area that suits your lifestyle. For example, young professionals without families usually like near to inner city living close to entertainment and dining facilities. However, many inner city rentals have restricted access to parking facilities and this could be an issue if you have a couple of vehicles. If you need public transport, check first how available and reliable it is.
If you have a young family, your preference may be for a property with some yard space with a park close by. Schools, sporting and recreational facilities, proximity to shopping centres, whether there are other families living around you, medical and hospital facilities all need to taken into account during the search for the ideal rental property. These are questions you can ask of the property management agency.
It is also wise to inspect a number of properties so that objective comparisons can be made. Often, for around the same price you may get a much superior property. During the inspection, look carefully at all features, taking as much time as you need to get a solid feel for the place. Be upfront if you have pets. Discuss the issue rather than sneaking the pet in and hiding it during inspections. You may be able to negotiate to pay a higher rental and for professional cleaning when you vacate.
Getting the right property in a rental is just as important as if you were buying the property. A tenant who is happy with where they are living will take care to look after the property and create a true home environment. Take your time, look carefully at your needs and what the property has to offer before you sign anything.
