HFM Properties

Are you considering renting a house? Here are five things you absolutely must know! If you do, you'll be better prepared to sign a lease with confidence and get the most out of your new residence.

Know Your Rights as a Potential Renter

Before beginning your search for a rental property, you should be aware of federal protections against housing discrimination. The Fair Housing act forbids landlords from choosing or discriminating against tenants on the basis of race, sex, religion, ethnicity, mental or physical disability, or family status. Some states and metropolitan areas also have laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or marital status.

On the other hand, it is okay for a landlord to pick or exclude tenants based on valid financial reasons. It is not considered discrimination for a landlord to require a certain income, credit scores, number of references, or job status, as long as these conditions must be met by all tenants, regardless of their identification in any of the categories above. If you believe that you are facing discrimination in violation of the Fair Housing Act, either as a tenant or a potential tenant, you can contact your local HUD office and file a complaint. Complaints about violations of state or city fair housing acts should be filed with the appropriate local office or enforcing agencies.

Know what your lease can and can't do for you…before you sign

Many new tenants assume that local laws govern the conditions of tenancy and leasing agreements. Not so. When it comes to your new living arrangement and your rights as a tenant, in many cases, your lease is the law. So take the time to review it carefully - the thirty minutes spent reading and understanding the terms of the lease will be well worth it. Don't just assume that the conditions are acceptable, or that there is nothing you can do to change the wording of the lease. Using your potential tenancy as bargaining power, you have more control over your future living conditions at this point than any other. However, once you've signed your name, there will be little you can do to change the agreement in the lease.

Know What to Get in Writing

If you've never rented a house before, there may be new aspects to residency and property care that you haven't yet considered. For the most part, these conditions will be defined solely by the lease. Don't make assumptions! Make sure you and your landlord are on the

• Who is responsible for caring for the yard? Keep in mind that if you're the one responsible, you may have to invest in lawn tools - like a lawnmower. If you're living within city limits, there are frequently city codes that require that your yard is kept up. Don't forget about raking leaves in the fall and shoveling snow in the winter, either. Make sure the lease specifies who is responsible for yard care.


• Who is responsible for maintaining large appliances? If the house comes with appliances like a washer, dryer, refrigerator, or oven, don't assume that these appliances will necessarily fall under the landlord's responsibility. Ensure that the lease is clear on who will fix or replace these appliances should they break.


• What are your privacy rights? Is the landlord required to give you a verbal or written notice before entering the house or coming onto the premises, or is she free to enter at any time? If she is required to notify you ahead of time, how much warning can you expect? Many leases reserve the right for the landlord to enter at will.

Getting it in writing is a habit that starts with the lease, but it shouldn't end there. It's a good rule to follow as a tenant, too. Any correspondence with your landlord should be put in writing, and then filed in your records. Having a written record of all correspondence is the best way to fairly and diplomatically negotiate any problems or disagreements that might arise.

Know How to Protect Your Security Deposit

The best time to do your walk-through is just before you move in, while the rooms are still empty. Create a written record by commenting as specifically as possible on the current condition of the house. If there is any existing damage, note the exact type and where it is located. The more specific and detailed you are, the more useful your record will be, and the better it will hold up should disagreements about damage occur later on. "Mildew spots in left inner corner of tub" is much more difficult to argue with than "Water damage in bathroom".

It's also a good idea to take a camera with you and take pictures. Create a visual record to back up your written list, taking detailed snapshots of all aspects of the house and property. These pictures may come in handy a year or more down the road as additional bargaining power in securing the return of your deposit. Of course, this record won't prevent you from getting charged should you do any damage to the unit, but it can help protect you from being blamed for pre-existing damage.

Think like a detective when doing your walk-through, by looking beyond the surface. Make sure that any appliances work and take note of any performance problems. Turn on the faucets and check out the water pressure and sink drainage. Look inside closets and open and close the windows. Pay attention to how things in the house work, not just how they

Renter's Guide to Relocating

Moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person's life. It can also be one of the most exciting. Many renters, who are thinking about relocating in or out of state, should make a list of to-do things to help themselves with this transitional period. Taking the necessary steps and having your tasks organized will make everything much easier come moving day. Renters, who wait until the last minute, will find themselves in the precarious position of having to scramble around in a desperate attempt to get everything done. The following are a few tips on how to make your move as easy as possible. Think of it as a "renter's guide to relocating", something you can stick inside your back pocket for when you really need it most.

There is an old saying in our culture: "the early bird gets the worm." Nothing could be truer, when it comes to relocating. Renters should always try to get as much done as possible before the big day. This is not always feasible depending upon people's work schedules, and those tiny little errands we have to run on a day-to-day basis. However, renters, who can accomplish their checklist and set realistic goals on what they need to get done to help them move, will be in a better position than those, who procrastinate. Remember, it's the little things, which count here, since the little things can add up to big time savers.

The first thing that any renter needs to know is what type of structure do they want to live in? Some renters may prefer an apartment, and some may choose to rent a house depending upon their needs. The Internet is a great place to go and get valuable information on places for rent. Find a website that will give you a comprehensive list of places to move. Renters like lots of choices, especially ones that give them the flexibility to move within or out of state.

Once you have chosen a place, think about outlining your relocation steps about a month or two before moving. Individuals can accomplish a lot by doing seemingly simple tasks that most people like to put off until later. Things, such as going down to your local post office and filling out a change of address form and setting up a moving truck for the big day, can be taken care of in short time. Renters, who have pets, should make arrangements early for transporting their animals. Moreover, renters should also take an inventory of all their prized possessions or anything that is going to be handled by the movers. Individuals will thank themselves for doing this, if anything ends up being damaged and an insurance claim has to be filed. In addition, think about using up all of your food without having to go out and buy more. Be sure you have enough food for the month and spread this out until moving day. The goal here is to use up all of your food, so you have fewer items to pack, which can result in spoiling.

Moving is stressful enough without having to run around trying to do everything at the last minute. Taking the necessary steps to get as much done beforehand will enable you to have a smooth