Finding a good landlord and rental property doesn’t always seem easy.
You’d think that if you are a good tenant, who doesn’t complain unnecessarily, and who pays the rent on time for the most part, you’d be able to find a safe, healthy home to rent, and a landlord who’d be glad to have you, and would take it easy on the outrageous rent hikes.
Instead, you might often find landlords that don’t maintain your property. Even in freezing cold weather, and when you have kids you want to protect. Or they mishandle your funds. Or slap you with crazy rent hikes, despite being a loyal and high performing tenant, that really takes care of their property.
So, how can you find a better home to rent in Northeast Ohio this year? Along with a landlord that will treat you well?
Rent Through A Reputable Property Management Company
Smart and ethical landlords lease their properties through professional property management companies.
This indicates a property owner with more financial stability. One that can afford to make needed repairs and to keep up with maintenance. As well as one that will treat you legally and professionally. Versus all the notorious ‘slumlords’ out there.
Ideally this is a local company, which is accessible when you need them, and understands the community.
Where Is Your Security Deposit Being Held?
You want your security deposit, or any other advance payments or fees to be held by a third party. This should be in a FDIC insured account.
This means that even if an individual landlord or property owner goes broke, or their bank does, the government will still ensure you get your money back.
Property Inspections
While property inspections may sound like a nuisance or inconvenience to renters, they are extremely valuable and helpful.
A good property management company will inspect your property before moving in so that you can be sure that everything is safe, up to code, and working.
They should also inspect any repair work done, and get your feedback to make sure that any contractors or service companies did it right, and treated you well.
Then there should be annual and move out inspections to watch for any items that may become problems are caught early. Like AC and heating maintenance. As well as to insure your landlord fairly and promptly returns any security deposit or cleaning fees being held.
Easy Maintenance And Repair Requests
It should be super easy to immediately report a maintenance issue or repair request.
You shouldn’t have to wait over the weekend to notify them of something urgent. Like leaks or broken heating.
You ought to be able to make these requests right from your phone, 24/7.
Payment Options
Having multiple and flexible payment options helps ensure that you as a tenant can always make your payment, and on time. Even when glitches happen with your bank or income.
Hopefully this includes being able to pay online, or at a convenient location near you in person.
Ready to find a better rental home in Ohio, with a better landlord this year?
Check out the best available professionally managed homes for rent now!