Rental red flags
Signing on the dotted line and committing to a rental agreement is a big decision, but the reality is most renters only spend a short time in a property before deciding whether to go ahead and apply.
So how can you tell if it’s the right decision or whether there’s something wrong with the property that’s likely to affect your time living there?
Here are some handy tips on how to spot rental red flags when it comes to selecting the right property for you.
High turnover
You know how some rental properties just keep coming up for rent every six or 12 months? That repeated turnover might be a sign.
Are there ongoing maintenance issues? Maybe there is a noisy construction site nearby that you didn’t notice? Maybe there is a flooding issue on or nearby the property?
On the flipside, if the previous renter was there for five years and only left because of positive circumstances, it’s a good sign that this is a trouble-free property.
Lack of maintenance
Is the property clean and in full functional order? When you attend the open home, look to see whether regular maintenance issues have been tended to, things like clean gutters, trimmed gardens, working windows and doors.
If everything appears to be in good working order, it’s a positive sign. Periodic maintenance ensures the property looks tended to and cared for.
And some properties will require more maintenance than others, for example a classic wooden Queenslander is going to require a lot more general upkeep than a single-storey brick on slab home.
Untidy neighbours
Neighbours can have a big impact on how it feels to live in a property, and how well the neighbours look after their residence can also be an indicator of the experience you’re likely to have living next door.
When you visit or inspect the rental, don’t forget to assess the neighbourhood as well, including the condition of nearby properties and yards.
Investment or home?
Sometimes renting a property can be an emotional process and if it’s not a new dwelling, the property has also been someone else’s home at some point.
Yet despite having previous occupants, a good rental property should be clean and vacant. It shouldn’t come with excessive clutter or complications.
These good rental properties are largely due to owners who treat the property as an investment, rather than their prized future or previous family home.
As a result, they then tend to have more success attracting high quality renters, who look after the property and stay for the longer term.
