Perhaps you’ve been looking around for La Quinta rental properties and are itching to move in. The first step in renting property, whether it’s a house or an apartment, is to know all the terms of the lease. In this article, we’re going to break down the most important details that you should ask potential landlords before signing your name on the legally binding lease agreement.
HOW LONG IS THE LEASE TERM?
Lease terms are usually 12 months long. If you plan to stay longer, this probably won’t be a problem. You can even ask for a discount if you plan to rent longer than a year. But if you’re planning to stay for only a couple months, ask the landlord if the lease term is flexible. Some landlords won’t accept lease terms that are under a year, but some are amenable to it.
WHAT DOES THE RENT INCLUDE?
Is the property fully furnished? Does it include HOA fees or parking fees? Does it include clubhouse or pool access? Ask the landlord what’s included and what’s not, so you can compute how much you really have to shell out every month. An apartment might have cheaper rent, but have no inclusions, making it more expensive in the long run. Also ask how often the rent will increase and by how much.
WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT TERMS?
On what day of the month is rent due? Can you pay in bank transfers, or do you need to issue post-dated checks? What is the penalty for late payments? If you’re moving in the middle of the month, ask the landlord if they’re charging for the entire month or if they can prorate the rent, so you don’t have to pay the full amount. Also ask if the security deposit is refundable, or if it can be used towards rent for your final month. Some landlords use the deposit to pay for unpaid utility bills and to cover any repair and cleaning costs after you move out.
IS THERE A GRACE PERIOD FOR MOVING OUT?
Lease agreements usually specify when you need to inform the landlord about your intention to move out. The standard notice is 30 days. But it can vary from lease to lease. The notice serves to give your landlord time to look for new tenants.
ARE PETS AND GUESTS ALLOWED?
If you have furry friends, make sure your landlord has a pet policy that clearly states the ground rules for pet ownership within the property. Ask, too, about their guest policy. Some landlords, especially in condominiums, will impose visiting hours and might only allow a certain number of guests at a time. Others limit the time a guest stays in your rental for no more than 10 to 14 days every six months. Guest policies serve to discourage unauthorized tenants from taking over the rental.
These are only some of the things you need to know about rentals, but these cover the basics. If you’re looking for a rental property or homes for sale in La Quinta, CA, it’s best to get the help of a La Quinta real estate agent. Kathleen O’Keefe Galigher, a seasoned Realtor, knows the area inside and out and can definitely help you navigate the La Quinta, CA real estate rental market with ease.
Call 760.567.7822 or contact Kathleen here.