Whether you're moving to Charlotte NC for an exciting new career opportunity or to be closer to family and friends, we couldn't be more excited for you. There are a lot of amazing reasons to move to this fantastic city.
However, you're likely experiencing a wide range of emotions. For example, you might be a little stressed out about finding a new place to live.
Have you started looking for a new home yet? Where do you even get started?
Don't panic. If you're looking for homes for rent in Charlotte NC, we can help. Keep reading for a complete guide on how to find a place to live.
Figure Out Your Budget
First, take a look at your finances to determine how much money you can afford to spend on your living situation. If you're looking to save money, it might be a good idea to rent vs buying a home.
When you buy a house, you also have to worry about HOA fees, home repairs/maintenance, and more. Buying a home is also an in-depth process that takes a lot more time.
Conversely, when looking for homes for rent, you can narrow down your options based on how much money you want to spend each month. Just make sure you understand what utilities (if any) you'll be responsible for paying.
We recommend finding a home rental you can easily afford. Over half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck. You can avoid becoming one of them by learning how to find a place to live that fits well within your budget.
Prioritize Your Needs
When moving to Charlotte NC, it's important to identify your needs. What features are most important to you in a new home.
For example, if you have a family, you're probably looking for a home rental with plenty of space. If you have a dog, you'll need to look at Charlotte NC homes that have big, fenced-in backyards. This also means finding a home rental that allows pets.
Other home features to consider include:
- Off-street/sheltered parking
- Garage
- Number of bedrooms
- Updated kitchen
- Outdoor living space
- Number of full bathrooms
- Etc.
Sit down with your family to assess your needs. Create a list of priorities to help you narrow down the best options for your new home.
Identify the Best Location
In most cases, learning how to find a place to live means identifying the best Charlotte neighborhoods in which to start your new life. For example, if you have children, you'll need to consider how the location of your new home will affect the schools your kids have access to. You might also want to look for homes for rent in Charlotte NC that are nearby parks and playgrounds.
Additionally, think about how close you want to be to work. If you hate long daily commutes, the best home rental might be one that's close to town. For that matter, consider your proximity to hospitals, groceries stores, gas stations, and other amenities you will need.
Start Your Search Online
Now that you know what you're looking for in homes for rent in Charlotte NC, you can begin shopping for home rentals. We recommend starting your search online.
Through online rental listings, you can easily define your search parameters based on your budget and the priorities you established with your family. You can take virtual tours of homes and bookmark the homes that pique your interest.
From here, you can contact the rental company or private owner to schedule a walkthrough.
Schedule Walkthroughs
Now, let's talk about walking through homes for rent in Charlotte NC. Before signing a lease agreement for a home rental, it's imperative to tour the place in person.
First, pictures can only show you so much about a home. It might feel smaller and more confined in person.
A walkthrough is your chance to get a feel for your potential home. More importantly, you need to examine the home carefully, taking note of any damages or potential issues.
You should also assess the cleanliness of the home. If it seems dirty or unsanitary, bring up the issue with the rental company.
It's possible that they haven't yet cleaned the home after the last tenants moved out. Even if the initial cleaning has already taken place, there's nothing wrong with requesting that the home be cleaned better before you move in.
Learn About the Rental Company's Rules and Policies
Before signing a rental agreement, learn more about the rental company's rules and regulations. For example, how long is the lease agreement for?
Some leases are month-to-month while others are a minimum of three to five years. How long do you want to commit to this home rental? If you're looking to rent vs buying a home because you want more freedom, signing a five-year lease agreement may not be ideal.
Other things to consider include the rental company's policies on:
- Pets
- Guests
- Roommates
- Noise levels
- Home customizations
- Repairs and maintenance
- Etc.
You need to know exactly what's expected of you as a tenant. Similarly, you need to know what duties and responsibilities the rental company is accountable for.
Ask About Rent Raises, Deposits, and Extra Fees
Finally, let's talk about the financial side of finding homes for rent in Charlotte NC. Depending on the landlord, there are a number of fees you'll need to cover to secure your rental. Most rental companies require a deposit and the first month's rent.
The landlord will hold the deposit until the day you move out. If they find new damages, they reserve the right to keep the necessary amount of your deposit to cover repair costs. You can get your full deposit back by avoiding damages to the home and cleaning it thoroughly before moving out.
On top of these fees, you need to ask about other costs. For example, if you have a pet, will you have to pay a pet deposit or will you have a slightly higher rent?
Additionally, make sure you learn about their policies on rent increases, late payment fees, and early termination fees. If you have to terminate your lease early, what are the consequences?
Looking for Homes for Rent in Charlotte NC?
If you're moving to Charlotte NC, locking down a home for you and your family is crucial. Finding the right place to live will play a vital role in your overall happiness and well-being. Follow our guide to find homes for rent in Charlotte NC that will provide everything you need.
And if you want to get a head start, you can start the application process now. We look forward to working with you to help you find the best home.
