If you're interested in renting a home, you want to take your time and compare all your options; even though you won't be purchasing the property, you still want to be comfortable while you stay in the house, and know that it will be worth the rental cost. Obviously you'll need to consider the location of the home and your budget for the rental, but note a few danger signs to consider when it comes to a home for rent, so you make the best decision for yourself and your family.
Signs of pest infestation
A rental home doesn't need to have roaches or mice running across the floor when you tour it to have a pest infestation, which is why it's good to know the signs of such an infestation. Look for holes in the baseboards along the floors, as mice tend to chew in these areas. Check inside kitchen cupboards and especially under the sink for insect droppings. You might also note if there are any odd smells coming from the walls, as this can mean rodents have nested in the home.
Mould and mildew
If a home has mould or mildew behind the walls, under the floorboards, or around the plumbing fixtures, this can be very dangerous to your health. You may be able to smell mould and mildew around the plumbing fixtures or even from the floor, but it's also good to note if you can smell bleach or other very strong cleansers. A landlord may have a home properly cleaned before showing it, but very strong cleansers are often used when someone is trying to get rid of mould or mildew that is showing through the walls or building materials. If you notice the smell of strong cleaning products, and especially of chemicals or solutions you don't recognize, this could signal a problem with mould or mildew in the home.
Exterior
Along with the interior, check the exterior of a home you might want to rent; look for chipped and cracked areas in the walkways or porch, patches of discoloration on the roof, and cracks in the foundation. These often signal that the home has been neglected and is in need of major repair work. Ensure the home's exterior is in good condition before renting, so you opt for the best and safest rental home available.
Contact local realtors and property management services to learn more about finding the right home to rent.
