Did you know that Charlotte had the first gold rush in the US? Unfortunately, since 1755, there isn't much gold left. But there are plenty of other reasons to move to Charlotte, NC!
The historic Dairy Queen, pimento cheese, and the birthplace of a US president are just a few examples!
Are you looking for homes for rent in Charlotte, NC? If so, you should take some basic steps to find the right rental property for you. This guide will help you navigate the process.
Keep reading!
The Real Estate Market in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte's real estate market is very active so you can find many great homes for rent. Homes for rent include single-family homes, condominiums, semis, and townhouses. The rental prices vary widely, depending on the location and size of the property, so that you can choose the right one based on your budget.
A good strategy is choosing a more affordable rent in a less desirable location and investing your money in properties you like with your savings.
Rent or Buy in Charlotte, NC
If you are on the fence about whether you should rent or buy, the best idea is to rent for a minimum of two years and evaluate the situation.
Renting is a good option for people who are unsure about moving for a certain period. It is also a prudent choice for people with a low credit score.
On the other hand, if you are sure about moving for a certain period, buying can be more affordable as it is a long-term investment, and you will likely make a profit when you sell the property.
Homes for Rent in Charlotte, NC: Factors Landlords Consider
You should consider several factors when considering the rent and the area you want to live in. First, take a look at some items that the landlord will consider.
Credit score
Your credit score indicates the risk you pose as a tenant, which helps the landlord decide whether to approve you for the rental. Thus, you should try to improve your credit score to help you get a better deal on the property.
References
A landlord will likely require to see your references. So, it is good to have them ready to hand over to the landlord. This helps in building a positive image of you to the landlord.
Employment
You will, of course, want a secure job while you are looking for a rental property. The landlord will frown on a tenant who cannot pay the rent because of unemployment. A secure job and steady income will help you be a good tenant for the landlord.
Moving to Charlotte, NC: Factors You Should Consider
You should consider several factors before moving to Charlotte, NC. Finding a rental will all depend on this. Take a look!
Neighborhoods
Charlotte is a diverse city. Therefore, there are many neighborhoods in the city. Every neighborhood has its own benefits, and it is your responsibility to choose a neighborhood that meets your requirements.
Some neighborhoods are more desirable for families, whereas others are more suited for singles. Therefore, it is up to you to choose a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle.
Consider checking in with a property management agency for curated neighborhood lists and open houses.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Charlotte is on the higher side. Therefore, you need to be prepared to pay that high cost when moving there.
The quality of life varies depending on the city and the neighborhood you choose. Check the cost of renting in different neighborhoods before making a decision.
You should also make a budget considering all of your wants and needs. Adjust your search accordingly.
Student Population
There are several universities in Charlotte. If you have children, you may want to live close to one of the universities. Alternatively, if you are a student, these universities can be a good option for you.
Workplaces
Moving to Charlotte can also be an opportunity to move closer to your workplace. However, you should consider the time it will take to get your work as Charlotte has a reputation for bad traffic.
School District
A single decision can change your life, family, and career. Therefore, you should take your time to select the best school district.
Schools should be one of your top priorities when choosing a neighborhood.
Check the reviews for schools in several neighborhoods. Learn more about the curriculum and the school’s history. The school district information is also available on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) website.
Use the website to find important information about the district, such as the demographics, academic achievement, public high school rankings, etc.
Amenities and Entertainment
No matter where you live, it is essential to have some amenities and entertainment options nearby.
For instance, you should be able to have a short drive to a grocery store, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Top Tips to Finding a Rental
Now that you know the basic considerations, let's look at some top tips to help you find a good home. These tips will help you land your best rental yet!
Inspections
You should perform your own inspection when you are viewing the apartment. This should include checking the neighborhood, house, and unit.
Some signs to look out for include:
- Working appliances
- Condition of bathroom and kitchen
- Condition of floors, walls, and ceiling
Questions to Consider
You should ask the agent or landlord some questions as well. If you are like most of us, you'll think of great questions after the viewing, so don't be afraid to write down some questions beforehand.
Alternatively, consider these questions:
- Landlord's background
- Length of ownership
- Landlord's reputation
- House insurance
You should also check who your point of contact is. Is the landlord themself, or will you be dealing with a property manager?
Pet-Friendly
If you have pets, this will be one of your priority items. On the other hand, if you are allergic, you will likely want to stay away from pet-friendly homes.
You can often find this information in the listing.
Cell Reception and Internet Connection
Another important factor to consider is the internet and cell phone reception. If you work from home and rely heavily on your mobile phone, you need to make sure you have good reception and a strong internet connection.
Make sure to check the providers and coverage in the area.
Negotiate
Rental prices often aren't set in stone. If you don't mind confrontation, consider negotiating the price. Alternatively, you can negotiate in other ways, such as negotiating for more appliances, better parking, or utilities.
Paperwork
After making a deal and signing the contract, you will need to sign the lease. Make sure you understand the terms of your contract and what you need to do.
For example, how often will you need to pay rent? What will be the penalty for late payments?
Will the landlord inspect your home? Will you be responsible for cleaning, lawn care, and other maintenance?
Get Insurance
The landlord will need to have home insurance. However, this usually does not cover the contents of the home.
Check with your landlord if their insurance covers the contents, if it is mandatory to purchase rental insurance, or if it is an option.
Alternatively, you can purchase your own home contents insurance and add the landlord as an additional insured.
HOA Guidelines
If you live in a community with a Home Owners Association, you will need to adhere to the rules as a tenant.
Check the guidelines before you sign the lease. You will want to make sure that the guidelines are reasonable before committing.
Common HOA guidelines include:
- Can't park on the street overnight
- Can't park large vehicles in the driveway
- No livestock
- No mobile-home
- Can't display signs
- Pets
- Painting and redecorating without permission
The Neighbors
While this may not be the first thing that you look for, your landlord should be able to tell you about the neighborhood.
Make sure the neighborhood fits your lifestyle. For example, if you have children, you should consider a quiet neighborhood that doesn't have a lot of traffic but does have several parks.
Homes for Rent in Charlotte, VA: Find Your Dream Home
After reading about the most important things to consider when searching for homes for rent in Charlotte, NC, you should be able to find a place that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
However, if you need a hand in finding a rental property, apply for our property listings!
