Almost 1M people are currently living in Charlotte, NC and there's a good reason this city is so popular! This city is home to brilliant schools, great weather, and a diverse community. On top of all this, the cost of living is extremely low.
If you are thinking of moving to Charlotte, NC then it might be worth renting before you buy. That way you can figure out which neighborhood you would like to live in. Or you may be among the 48 million Americans who prefer to rent rather than buy!
Whatever your reasons for looking for homes for rent in Charlotte, NC, your contract will legally tie you to the property that you choose. Because of this, it is important to choose your rental home carefully.
So, what should you look out for when assessing your options for homes to rent in Charlotte? Read on to find out our top ten factors to keep in mind.
1. Decide on How Much Space You Need
Wherever you plan to rent, you need a property that accommodates everything you need. So before you start searching, make sure to have a list of rooms that you're looking for.
Obviously, you need the right number of bedrooms for yourself or your family. Multiple bedrooms will obviously cost more. So if you have children and are looking to save some money, you might consider having them share a larger bedroom.
Bathrooms are another important consideration. If you're living alone or with one other person then one shared bathroom might be enough. Otherwise, it's worth looking for a property with multiple bathrooms to accommodate everyone living there.
2. Make a List of Amenities You Want
The basic rooms and space that you need aren't the only things you should keep in mind when looking for properties. You might also want to look out for:
- Garden space
- Built-in appliances
- Space for parking
- Furnished or unfurnished properties
These can increase the price of rental property so it's important to think carefully about which features matter the most to you.
3. Look Out for Maintenance Records and Issues
While you are looking around the property, it can be tempting to just focus on the aesthetics. After all, the look and feel of a place are what makes you fall in love with it.
However, a shiny veneer can hide a multitude of serious maintenance issues. When you are looking around, make sure to keep an eye out for:
- Lightbulbs that are burnt out
- Poor air quality
- Strange smells
- Appliances that don't worry properly
- Stained carpets
- Damp patches and discolored ceilings
- Smoke detectors that don't work
- Peeling paint
- Mold
- Evidence of pests, such as traps or poison
All of these can indicate a serious issue with a property. While looking around, you should also ask about any recent maintenance work done on the property. If major work has been completed, find out why this was necessary and if the issue has been resolved.
4. Pick a Neighborhood Carefully
The inside of your rental property isn't the only thing you need to keep in mind. Your neighborhood will have a big impact on how much you enjoy your property.
This determines what type of shops, workplaces, and schools are available. Some neighborhoods are also considered to be safer than others.
Out of the 200 neighborhoods in the city, some of the best Charlotte neighborhoods include:
- Uptown
- Myers Park
- Southpark
- Belmont
- Davidson
The best neighborhood for you may depend on who you are moving to Charlotte with. Fortunately, each neighborhood has something unique to offer you, so you are sure to find the perfect location!
5. Keep Transport Links in Mind
The Charlotte Area Transit System (or CATS) offers brilliant solutions for traveling around the city. This system includes light rail trains, streetcars, bus routes, and bike-sharing services. So if you don't have a car then there's no need to worry!
However, some areas of the city are much better connected than others. If you are planning to work in a particular area and live elsewhere, then it's important to pick a neighborhood that offers good transport links. This will have a big impact on your daily life and commute, so don't overlook it.
6. Remember Your Budget
When looking for rental properties it is important to know the budget that you're working with from the start. This ensures that you only look at properties that you have a realistic prospect of renting.
A lot of things can affect the price of your property, including:
- Its size
- The location
- The type of amenities it offers
- Local transport links
- How much outdoor space it offers
- How well-maintained it is
- How up-to-date a property is
- Factors that affect the running price of a property, such as the type of energy it uses and its insulation
If you are looking to save some money on a property then you may have to compromise in certain areas. For example, if you want to live in your favorite neighborhood then you can save money by looking for a smaller property. Alternatively, you could get more space by choosing a location that is slightly further out.
7. Looking Into the Property Management Team
The majority of rental properties across the United States are now looked after by property management teams. These are companies that a landlord hires to manage a property on their behalf. They organize rental of properties and maintenance on them.
Because of this, the property management team can have a big impact on your time living in a rental property. You want to work with a company that:
- Communicates quickly and efficiently
- Knows each of their properties in-depth
- Offers 24-hour support
Looking online at independent reviews of a property management company can tell you a lot about the quality of service that they deliver.
8. Ask About Pets
Renting a property can come with some strict rules and one of the big ones relates to pets. The usually depends on what the landlord is comfortable with. Some will be very happy to have pets staying on their property while others will be against it.
It is important to check this policy whether or not you are moving with a pet. If you have a pet yourself then you obviously need to move somewhere that it is welcome.
However, if you don't, you might want to think twice about living in a property that is open to pets. For example, if you have allergies then you might want to avoid properties that have been home to pets in the past.
9. Think Carefully About a Property's Layout
We've already talked about the space you need in a property but it's also important to think carefully about how this is organized. Smaller, well-organized properties can actually be easier to live in than larger properties that use their space inefficiently.
For example, if you have a family then an open plan living space might work well for keeping an eye on your kids. In comparison, if you work from home then it's important to find a property with enough room for you to do this privately.
You may also want to consider the position of the bedrooms and bathrooms. Bedrooms at the front of a building on a busy road, for example, will get much more disruption from noise and light pollution. This might not be obvious when viewing the property during the day but it is worth bearing in mind.
10. Compare Properties to One Another
If you have been shopping around for homes to rent for a while, you will probably be familiar with roughly how much you can get for your budget. Being able to compare property prices in this way can help you figure out when you are getting a good deal or if the landlord is asking for way too much.
Comparing home costs can also alert you to potential issues with a property. Let's say you come across a three-bed property that is on the market at a much cheaper monthly rate than other similar properties. In that case, it is worth asking yourself why this is.
A low property price could indicate that there are serious issues with the property maintenance or neighborhood. You can ask your agent about the reason for the low property price but it's worth doing your own research into this as well.
Find Homes for Rent in Charlotte, NC
If you are looking for homes for rent in Charlotte, NC it is important to keep these tips in mind. They will ensure that you find a property to suit you in the best possible area for your budget.
Ready to start home hunting? Then check out our rental properties in Charlotte today and get in touch to organize a viewing!
