Looking for houses for rent? People love renting. It offers them a certain amount of security, freedom, and peace of mind that comes with knowing any damages or repairs are covered. Many people —from young professionals to couples, to elderly residents— prefer the renting lifestyle. Yet, many renters forget that there are also laws in the books that support and protect them in the event that certain issues arise. We thought we might take a look at some of these essential points that every renter should know.
To begin with, there are a certain amount of basic rights that all tenants across the country receive. A rental agreement has two parties: the renter and the owner of the property. Both have different rights and responsibilities and the laws are meant to protect both parties from damages and/or unfair treatment. So as you look for houses for rent, keep in mind some of the rights you have as a renter:
- A habitable home: This is defined as a house or apartment that is reasonably fit to live in. This means that the property should be free from conditions that can cause you harm or pose a danger.
- A right to privacy: So just because somebody owns the property and you are renting, does not mean that they have an ability to invade your privacy. They can’t simply walk in in the middle of the night or early in the morning.
- No discrimination: Under federal law a landlord cannot discriminate against potential tenants based on race, gender, familial status, religion, ethnicity.
Tips for Renters
As you embark on a new adventure of renting a house or apartment, here are a few tips that can help you have a better experience.
- Always review your lease carefully. The lease is the binding contract and it’s important to review the details and understand the terms so that there are no misunderstandings in the future. If you’re working with a good rental company, they will help you ensure that the contract is clear.
- Keep communication open with your landlord. It is important to have a good and open relationship with your landlord so that there is an element of trust and back and forth communication. After all, you might have to call them one day in the middle of the night if the water pump breaks or the AC is out.
- Get written confirmations. To avoid misunderstandings, get everything in writing and/or document damages. If your landlord agrees to fix or repair something, it might be a good idea to get something in writing to keep a record. This can be especially helpful when they are neglecting to fix or repair something that can be considered dangerous to you as the tenant.
Reliant Property Management can not only help you search houses for rent but can also help you deal with a lot of the issues that may arise when renting a property. If you’re looking to rent in the El Paso area call our team of experts and knowledgeable agents to help you find the perfect place for you!
