Nearly 30,000 people move to Charlotte every year and it isn't hard to see why. This bustling city offers amazing culture, business opportunities, and won't cost you the earth. So if you are moving to Charlotte, NC, you've made a great choice.
Of course, where you live can have a huge impact on how much you enjoy a city. Because of this, you want to find a property that makes you feel at home.
So what should you look for in homes for rent in Charlotte, NC? Well, there are a lot of things you need to consider. Read on to find out our top tips to keep in mind when inspecting rental homes in Charlotte.
Identify What You Are Looking For in a Rental Home
Before renting a home it is important to identify exactly what you are looking for. This will ensure you find a property that meets all of your requirements.
For example, you should decide:
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms you want
- The amount of square footage and storage space you need
- Whether or not you want a garden
- If you need a home that will accept pets
- If you need a home that is wheelchair accessible
- If you want to live in a property that is child-friendly
It is also worth thinking about some of the things you want to avoid. For example, gardens can look stunning but require a lot of maintenance, which you will be responsible for. Alternatively, if you are a young professional, you might not want to live in a building that allows babies and young children.
This is really about finding a property that works for you. Once you know what you are looking for, let your property management company know this. That way, they can show you homes that meet your criteria.
Inspect the Property Carefully When Moving to Charlotte, NC
Before renting a property, you should always inspect it carefully. Ideally, you want to have all of the prospective tenants present for a home viewing.
This will ensure that everyone is happy with the property. It also means that you'll have extra eyes to look out for signs of any issues.
So what should you look out for when inspecting a rental property? Let's take a closer look.
Keep an Eye Out For Any Repair Issues
Repair issues in a rental property will quickly become your issues. While the landlord has to sort these out for you, you have to live with them until this happens.
Because of this, during a home inspection, you should look out for:
- Signs of dampness, mold, or poor ventilation
- Signs of leaks
- Poorly maintained fittings
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (and whether or not they appear to be working)
- Problems with the roof (especially if you are renting a top-floor property)
- Damaged sealing around the windows and door frames
The condition of a home can also tell you how well it has been looked after.
For example, old carpets, marked walls, and messy gardens aren't the end of the world. But they can tell you how much love and care a landlord has put into their property.
Take Photos of the Property
During a home inspection, there is a lot of information to take in.
You can help yourself by taking photos of a property while you are looking around it. This will give you something to refer back to when deciding whether or not you want to live there.
Before taking photos, make sure you ask the property manager. Any above-board manager won't have an issue with you taking photos. Just try to avoid taking photos of the current tenants or their belongings.
Ask About What Belongs to the Tenants
Some homes in Charlotte come furnished with everything you need while other will be unfurnished. Choosing one depends on how much you want to bring to the home with you.
When looking around, make sure you ask about what comes with the property. If there are still tenants in it then some of the appliances and furniture may belong to them.
Finding out what is included will give you an accurate picture of what the property will look like when you move in.
Check the Service History of the Appliances
Built-in appliances can be a huge perk for a rental property. Most homes come with a fridge, freezer, and washing machine.
However, there may be other built-in appliances, like coffee machines, microwave ovens, and dishwashers. These will all make your life easier.
That said, it is important to check that they have been maintained properly. Old appliances will be more expensive to run and can cause issues if they break.
Your property manager should have a record of each appliance's service history and when it was installed. This includes a service record of the boiler or heating system in the property.
Checking this before you move in will ensure that you don't run into any issues while living in the property. If an appliance is due for servicing then the management company can also take care of this before you move in. So everything is up and running for you!
Ask About the Heating and Electricity Bills
Some landlords include their heating and electricity bills in their rent, while others expect you to take care of these yourself.
On average, heating and energy bills in America cost over $2,200 per year. However, this depends a lot on the number of people living in your home, how well-insulated it is, and the system it uses.
Your property manager and the current tenants will be able to provide a rough estimate of how much you can expect to pay in bills each year. So make sure you ask about this. It will ensure you find a property within your budget.
Speak to the Tenants
If the current tenants are in when you are looking around the property then they can provide amazing insights as well.
This is a great opportunity to ask them about the home and any problems they have had while living there. If they don't have any issues to report then this is a very good sign!
Think About the Neighborhood As Well As the Home Itself
A lot of prospective tenants focus on the inside of a property before renting it. However, it is also important to think about where the property is located.
This will have an impact on your commute and which local amenities you get to enjoy. However, it will also affect how safe you feel inside your home.
After your inspection, have a wander around the local area. This will give you a feel for the neighborhood and the people who live there.
Calculate Your Budget and Stick to It
Wouldn't it be great if money weren't an object when it comes to finding the perfect home? Unfortunately, a lot of landlords rely on their rental income for financial stability. So rents in Charlotte can be very competitive.
Because of this, you should think about your budget carefully before renting a home. After all, if you cannot stay on top of your rent then you could find yourself in financial difficulty or without a home.
To do this, look carefully at your guaranteed income and subtract your necessary living costs. From this, you will be able to see how much monthly income you have to work with.
If you are looking to save money while renting you can also:
- Look for properties at an off-peak time of year (during the fall and winter months)
- Try to negotiate your monthly rent
- Look for properties in cheaper neighborhoods
If you want to negotiate your monthly rent, try to do this fairly. Offers way below the asking price will quickly be rejected.
You can sweeten the deal by offering something in return. For example, you could offer to pay three months' rent up-front or sign a longer lease. This guarantees the landlord more financial stability, which can tempt them to accept a lower offer.
Finding Amazing Homes For Rent in Charlotte, NC Today
As you can see, there are a lot of things you should keep in mind when looking for homes for rent in Charlotte, NC.
If you are moving to Charlotte, NC, inspecting a home carefully will ensure that you find a home that you'll be happy in. So keep these top tips in mind, and you won't go wrong!
Are you ready to find your next brilliant home? Then get in touch with Bottom Line Property Management today. We're happy to help!
