The process of renting a single-family home is much the same as any other rental. However, with the larger area, additional access points, and outdoor space, it’s worth asking a few more questions than usual.
With that in mind, here are some essential questions to ask the owner before you rent a single-family house.
1. Find out if the Landlord Is the Owner
First things first, you’ll want to know whether your landlord owns the house in question. If they do, check that their mortgage lender allows them to rent the house out. On the other hand, if the landlord doesn’t own the property and is themselves a tenant, proceed with caution. They may be trying to sub-let the property illegally, which gives you no protection if things go wrong.
Fortunately, more often than not, single-family homes are owned by legitimate individual owner-landlords. However, you may still find yourself dealing with a property manager rather than the actual owner.
This has its pros and cons, though generally speaking, properties that are for-rent-by-owner tend to be more flexible. Since you’re dealing with the owner directly, things like the lease length and sometimes even the price, can often be negotiated more easily.
2. What Lease Options Do You Offer?
There are several types of lease agreements and it’s important to know that the owner offers the one that works for you before you apply.
- Long-term lease: typically a 12-month contract, though it can be longer.
- Short-term lease: normally lasting between 3 and 6 months.
- Month-to-month lease: a flexible lease option with no predetermined termination date. The lease automatically renews each month and can be terminated with 30 days’ notice.
The majority of single-family house rentals have a long-term lease. However, in some cases, you might be able to negotiate a short-term or month-to-month lease, especially if you’re able to pay the full rent amount up-front.
3. Does the Rent Include Utilities?
As a standalone property, most single-family homes for rent differ from apartment rentals in that they’re self-contained in terms of things like trash collection, electricity, and water. With that in mind, it’s best to check if any of the utilities are included in the rent, or if you’ll be required to pay them separately.
4. What Is Your Pet Policy?
Single-family houses for rent may be a bit more pet-friendly compared to apartments since there’s more space for them. However, it’s always wise to check with the owner exactly what their pet policy entails:
- Which pets are allowed?
- How many pets can you have?
- Are there any breed or weight restrictions?
- Is there a pet fee and is it refundable?
- Are you responsible for deep cleaning any pet-related issues when you move out (such as steam cleaning and hair removal of carpets and upholstery)?
When it comes to pets, clear communication from the outset is essential.
5. How Do You Manage Maintenance Requests?
Compared to an apartment, there are many more repair and maintenance concerns to be aware of in a single-family home. From leaky roofs to blocked gutters, it’s important to know how you can go about making a maintenance request.
In some cases, you’ll need to contact the landlord first and they’ll arrange a fix. However, it’s also possible that you can take care of smaller issues and simply deduct the cost from the next month’s rent. Either way, these processes need to be discussed and agreed upon in advance.
For more severe issues, it’s wise to agree on a timeline from your initial request for a repair to the resolution of the problem. In most cases, this will be 48 hours.
6. Who Is Responsible for Maintenance Tasks?
On the subject of maintenance, now is also a good time to discuss who is responsible for each maintenance task. In general, the landlord should cover structural concerns and appliances.
Yard work is one of the main things you’re likely to be responsible for. Of course, the landlord may have a gardener that takes care of it, so be sure to check.
7. What Are the House Rules Regarding Renovations?
Many tenants in single-family homes would like to put their stamp on the place, especially if they’re staying longer term. So, check what you can and can’t do, be it painting the walls, upgrading bathroom hardware, or putting up shelves.
In some cases, you may be allowed to change things but will be required to return the house to the state it was in when your lease ends.
8. Are There Any Other House Rules?
All rental properties have house rules, so be sure to ask what they are. For example, while smoking indoors typically won’t be allowed, there may be a designated spot outside. Also, be sure to clarify any quiet times.
With access to outdoor space, you may also find that there are rules as to what you can and can’t do in your new yard. BBQs will typically be allowed, whereas open fires for burning garden waste probably won’t be.
9. Is Parking Included?
When renting a single-family home, you might expect to have a parking space as standard, however, it’s not always the case. Be sure to check whether there is any parking included, and if so check the following:
- How many spaces are there?
- Is it driveway, garage, or street parking?
- Do you need a permit or are any parking charges included in the rent?
Clarifying these points can help you determine whether the house is a good fit for you, especially in car-dependent neighborhoods.
10. Which Appliances and Furnishings Are Included?
While some rental homes may come fully furnished, others may only be supplied with the bare minimum. Check what is included with the owner and if there’s anything you won’t use, or you plan to bring your own, see if they will be able to remove them before you move in.
Asking these questions will help you figure out if the house you’re interested in renting really is the best choice for you. However, be sure to confirm that everything that’s been discussed is in the rental agreement to ensure it’s all legally binding. Once satisfied, you’ll be ready to sign on the dotted line and begin life in your new home!
