How to Rent a Town House

Townhouses can be cheaper to rent than a home that is sitting on its own lot. Townhouses are houses that are built side-by-side. You may not get much in the way of a yard, but you will have more space than an apartment and less rent to pay than if you rented a house. If these perks are for you, then you might want to know exactly how to rent a townhouse.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Security deposit Rent money Real estate listing References Good credit

1. Start saving up for your security deposit and rent money. Some landlords want first and last month's rent, and some want first month's rent plus a security deposit equal to one and half months rent. Figure out which would be the highest amount asked for and save that amount.

2. Get your credit up to the good or excellent categories. If your credit is fair or poor, you may not get the townhouse. If you are unsure of your credit rating you can request a copy from TransUnion (see Resources).

3. Check your MySpace and Facebooks accounts and make sure you don't have any inappropriate content. Landlords are smart and check these sites to find out what kind of person you are. They don't want to rent to individuals who use drugs and stay out late partying. Clean up your accounts before you put in your applications or it could really hurt your chances.

4. Call your local real estate agency and ask if they have any townhouses for rent. Most landlords of townhouses will use real estate agencies to find tenants. The real estate agent can set up showings with the landlord for you.

5. Read the classified section of your local newspaper to find townhouses that are listed for rent. Call the number listed to make appointments to see them.

6. Ask the landlord questions at the showing. Find out exactly how much the rent is and whether utilities are included. Ask whether you are allowed to have pets and if you are allowed to hang pictures on the walls. Even if you think a question is obvious, ask it now. You'd hate to learn the hard way that the landlord is withholding some of your security deposit because she found a nail hole from a wall-hanging.

7. Fill out the application and list references. The landlord will call these references to find out whether you have a history of paying your bills. He or she also will be checking whether you are known for damaging units you have rented in the past.

8. Review your lease with a real estate agent or a real estate lawyer to make sure everything is in order. Then sign the lease and give it to the landlord along with any deposits and rent money. Make sure you pay by check so that you have proof of payment. Always ask for a receipt.

9. Use a digital camera to take pictures (inside and out) of the townhouse. Print them and place them in a file that you can keep until you move out. This will protect you in case your landlord tries to charge you for damage that was already done to the townhouse before you moved in.

Tips & Warnings

• Include all adults on the lease. If you have a teenager that is older than 18, he must be on the lease. Make sure you are friendly when you meet with the landlord. The landlord is under no obligation to rent to you, and you want to make a good impression, especially if you like the place.
• If you don't get your security deposit back in a timely manner, you may need to file court papers. If the landlord then gives you the security deposit back, you can drop the court case.

Resources

• TransUnion