Whether you’re upgrading from an apartment, moving out of your parent’s house, or getting your own place after college, moving into a rental home is an exciting new milestone. However, you should be thorough with your research so you end up in a place that matches your preferences and lifestyle. To help you navigate the rental home hunt, the guide below explains four common pitfalls to avoid.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Looking At Rental Properties

1. Renting Without Touring

While the photos for a rental home might seem ideal, you should never sign a lease without touring first. Pictures can never capture the full reality of a place, and if you tour with an eye for detail, you can get a sense of whether the house has been well-maintained. Do you notice any unusual odors, or are there any sources of irritating noise? Ideally, you should tour the rental home twice, both at different times of the day.

2. Not Saving for a Deposit

To protect their investment, landlords will often ask for a month or more of rent as a deposit. If you aren’t prepared, you might miss out on the rental home of your dreams. As you’re touring apartments, make sure you understand how much money you’ll need to present upfront. If you’re anticipating a move, start saving in advance so you’ll be ready for the deposit.

3. Not Getting Written Details

A detailed lease is the start of a strong owner-tenant relationship and offers you legal protection if your landlord ever tries to change the terms of the agreement. While verbal agreements might feel friendlier, they won’t hold up in a courtroom situation. Make sure the lease you’re being offered for a rental home is thoroughly detailed, and if any changes need to be made over time, have your landlord document them in writing and keep a copy.

Follow these tips and you’ll find it much easier to find a rental home that works for you. If you’re house hunting in Hinesville, GA, and the surrounding areas, David McDonald Rentals has a high-quality property for you. For nearly 30 years, they’ve offered rental homes, duplexes, and trailers to accommodate everyone from single adults to growing families. They also offer commercial space and billboards for advertising. Learn more about their properties on their website, or call (912) 368-9218 with any questions.