Renting a home is a great way to have your own home, even if you cannot afford to buy a house. If you are renting a house for the first time, keep these simple tips in mind to make sure that you do not make some of the most common mistakes that many first time renters make.
- Make a budget, and stick to it. Although this is easier said than done, it is one of the most important parts of renting a house. Make sure that you take into consideration not only the cost of your rent, but other bills such as utilities and even the cost of commuting to and from work.
- Consider the security deposit. Even if you have enough money saved up for the first month's rent, make sure that you also consider the security deposit, which tends to be double a single month's rent.
- Schedule your payments. Put a calendar reminder in your phone a couple days before your rent is due to make sure that you never miss a payment.
- Understand what the lease says. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure that you understand every part of the lease. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your landlord to clarify them.
Most importantly, make sure that you invest in the right renter's insurance policy. Even though your landlord will have an insurance policy for the property, it will only cover the structure of the house, not any of the contents that are inside. A renter's insurance policy is the only way to make sure that your belongings are covered from damage or destruction.
For all of your California renter's insurance needs, contact the insurance experts at Jack Stone Insurance Agency, Inc. in Brentwood.