Etiquette Guide for New Renters

Etiquette Guide for New Renters by Vegas Property Management

Whether you’re a grad student desperate to move out of your parents’ home and establish an independent lifestyle or you’re just planning to rent out a place temporarily while you get used to a new job, renting out a property can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re new to it.

We at IMS Vegas Property Management understand that not the average person is likely not particularly well-versed in real estate and property management, so we’ve put together a list of tips for you to follow that are sure to make your rental experience as smooth and worry-free as possible for all involved parties.

• Respect the property

Each property owner might have different standards of maintaining the integrity of their space. Just because you were or weren’t allowed to do something in the previous residence you stayed doesn’t mean that will also apply here.

A good rule of thumb is to decorate with easily-removable items, such as adhesive hooks and special double-sided sticky tape rather than duct tape or nails that can damage the paint or drywall.

And pick up after yourself – not only will you feel better about your space, but it will keep the property in better condition. For instance, leaving dirty dishes is not only immature and lazy, but can run a serious risks of inviting mold or pests into the property.

• Ask questions

If you’re not sure if doing something is allowed, or you feel that the property needs a maintenance check but you haven’t heard anything from your roommates or from the property owner, don’t be afraid to ask the Vegas property management! The property owner will be glad you did. If you think you notice a problem, however small, it’s important to bring it to everybody’s attention.

You could be unpleasantly surprised by that problem becoming even worse further down the line. If you believe you’re missing important contact information or anything else about the property, you have every right to ask about it.

As long as you are friendly, respectful, and responsive, everything will get taken care of.

• Work with your roommates

Roommates are a great option for keeping the rent and expenses manageable, as well as a good way to make friends with people in the area. However, everybody is different, so it’s important to respect their privacy and also to understand that you are sharing a living space.

The best way to maintain a clean, safe property is to be honest and organized. Keep a list of what cleaning supplies are running low, if any light bulbs need to be replaced, etc. You and your roommates are essentially a team, and working together will ensure that everyone can enjoy the property as much as possible.

• Pay on time

The easiest way to leave a terrible impression on your roommates and your property owner is to be inconsistent and unreliable about your payments. If you’re struggling financially, be as honest and as proactive as possible.

Give advanced notice if you’re unable to pay full price at a certain time, and understand what it means to be indebted to your roommates. If you’re constantly late on payments, your landlord will have to consider replacing you.

It’s never easy, and nobody likes doing it, but it’s important for everyone to work together in order to stay afloat. If you’re having serious financial problems, sit down and have a mature, honest conversation with the property owner to see if you can’t work out a deal.

• Organize your records

Keeping a balanced checkbook and making sure that all of your paperwork is in order is crucial in order for you to have a smooth, stress-free renting experience. You never know when the property owner is going to inquire about some small detail from months ago.

Keep extra copies of all of your important receipts, contracts, and other expense-related and property management records.

You might unexpectedly have to make a claim or defend yourself from some rumors by a rogue roommate, so it will be well worth it to have the papers that will prove or back up your point.

We hope you’ll keep these tips in mind as you consider renting some property in the Las Vegas area. Remember that you can always call IMS Realty Real Property Management for our professional advice and real estate guidance. We are happy to help you through any and all property management experiences.

The post Etiquette Guide for New Renters appeared first on IMS Realty, LLC & Property Management.

source http://www.imsrealtylv.com/renters-etiquette-by-vegas-property-management/