How to Rent a House in Orlando

With the amount of sunny days in Orlando, it's no surprise that many people decide to settle down in the area and start looking for a place to live. Although apartments are always an option, many families may require more space and therefore prefer to rent a home. Due to the amount of prospective tenants in the area, it can be quite difficult to find an available house. However, the steps below can help you win over your would-be landlord once a home becomes available. Read more to learn how to rent a home in Orlando.

Instructions

1. Prepare yourself. Make sure you have references handy, as well as employment and income verification.

2. Check your credit report. Verify that the information is correct; if you see any mistakes, take the necessary steps to get them corrected.

3. Determine your budget. Financial advisers recommend that you pay no more than 30 percent of your monthly pay (after taxes) in housing costs.

4. Narrow down the area you'd like to live in. Since Orlando does not offer any easily accessible means of public transportation, commute time should be one of your most important considerations. Traffic jams are common in the area and, as there's only one interstate in the city, you will need to carefully consider the commute between your home and work.

5. Avoid the downtown area. The heart of Orlando consists primarily of apartments. While there are occasional homes, they are typically overpriced and, due to commercial appeal, the owner may be tempted to sell the property in the future--regardless of whether or not you're living in it.

6. Search for a home that fits your budget and is in the area you selected. Be sure to check local newspapers, real-estate publications and the Internet. See Resources for some sites to investigate.

7. If you're unable to decide on an area, consider renting a vacation home. Although the price may be a little more than you intended (since these properties are normally targeted to tourists), a temporary rental can help you determine if Orlando is the right city for you.

8. Jump on it. Once you find a home you like, contact its owner immediately to schedule a walk-through. Orlando is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, so you will hardly be the only person looking for a home in the area.

9. Visit the home. Check it out closely: Is the size appropriate? How is the upkeep? Are there any strange odors? What are the neighbors like? Does the toilet flush properly? These are just a few of the things you may want to consider before making a final decision. Remember that Orlando is a very competitive city, so if you don't find the right home on your first try, keep looking.

10. Let the owner know if you're interested in the property. Because Orlando is such a large and competitive city, the amount you offer to pay should be fairly close to what she is asking. If you shoot too low, you risk losing the property--and there's probably someone else who's ready to take your place if you do.

11. Negotiate the terms of your rental agreement and examine your lease carefully. Decide how long you want to lease the property for, how much notice you'll be required to give if you need to move, what types of policies you must follow (i.e., no smoking, no pets) and what type of security deposit is required.

12. Fork over the money. It is common practice for Orlando landlords to require a security deposit equivalent to the first month's rent at the time you sign your lease. If you have pets, the average deposit in Orlando is $250 for animals under 40 lbs. On the day you actually move in, the first month's rent will most likely be due.

13. Check the weather when you're planning your move. Orlando is known for its afternoon rain showers, so you will most likely need to schedule your move in the early part of the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider taking out a renter's-insurance policy. In most cases, renters are responsible for any damages to their personal belongings that are caused by theft, fire, flood and similar occurences. Although the home will be protected under your landlord's homeowner's policy, everything that is actually inside the home is your responsibility as a renter. Also, make sure your policy includes hurricane protection in its coverage. If you're relocating from a completely different city or state, remember that the cost of living in Orlando is about 21 percent below the national average. So while your rent may appear much lower than what you expect, your salary may lower than what you'd make in a city with a higher cost of living. In Orlando, buyer's agents work for you, not the seller. This means you can use them as a resource for finding a rental in the area. Many also offer relocation assistance, and can even help you negotiate a fair price with the property owner.

• Florida law requires landlords to maintain their premises. This includes complying with building, housing and health codes and maintaining all structural components of the home. If the home you look at doesn't appear to meet these requirements, you should not rent it.

Resources

• Rental Listings in Orlando
• Help in Relocating to Orlando