When a typical house in the USA costs almost $350,000, it is not surprising that most people consider renting a house. Rooms for rent in San Diego are the ultimate solution for the young renters looking for a place for one on a budget. You get to meet new people, become self-dependent and, most importantly, save additional costs on buying a house or apartment.
But with independence comes the responsibility of searching for the best room within your budget. It might seem challenging, but you can easily land the best deal with the right plan.
Here are the top 10 insider tips for a successful room hunt!
1. Time the hunt
Depending on where you want to live in San Diego, the time you start your lease can affect rental costs. Demand shoots up seasonally, and you might end up paying more. Take beach towns, for instance, where rent can spike around May as the season starts. Therefore, it is best to start searching early and sign the lease. If you are lucky and find one off-season, you could negotiate and sign a lower rent.
2. Define your priorities
When searching for a place to live, it is important to prioritize what you need. While budget is the priority for most people, if you are smart enough, you can find very good options in your limited means. It will also help you narrow down neighborhoods if you don’t have any specific places in mind.
List your other priorities, such as natural light, proximity to school or work, furnishing, pet-friendly, etc. Check these priorities when reviewing listings so you end up with the best options and avoid settling.
3. Check the inside and out
Being thorough is extremely important when house hunting. Examine every nook and corner of the room for potential repairs that could burn a hole in your pocket if the landlord refuses to pay.
When you’re focused on the interior, it is easy to overlook the outside. Take a moment to inspect the foundation walls, backyard, and any visible exterior damage. You might feel awkward at first, but finding faults will help you negotiate a better price and give you an idea of whether you want to move on to other listings.
4. Bring a friend
Always bring a friend or a family member with you while house hunting. The more, the better is the motto here since they will notice things differently from you. A landlord will highlight the positive aspects of each room, but you will have to find the faults yourself. A friend or two help catch something you may have overlooked, which will help you make an informed decision about the property.
5. Talk to the potential roommate
If you are searching for a place alone, reach out to roommates and sublessors to get an idea about the major pros and cons of the room and the location. If you are room-hunting with a friend, have a clear conversation about finances.
After you find a roommate in San Diego, talk to him about budget expectations, how much you are willing to spend, guarantor requirements (if any), etc. Financial transparency is good when you already have a roommate because no one wants to pay the rent alone.
6. Play by the rules
Most landlords are clear about house rules and rents, so negotiation is not an option. Avoid looking at places that do not match your rental criteria or places where you do not qualify as an ideal tenant. As mentioned above, stick to your ‘must-haves’ priority list.
A great tip to impress a potential landlord is to arrive on time and find a common area of interest. If the homeowner feels a connection with you, even a small one, they will be more open to renting the place to you. Talk to them about the neighborhood and the rental unit to indicate active interest.
7. Take your time
Take as long as you need to satisfy your rental criteria while looking around the property. The ideal time is at least 20 to 30 minutes. Homeowners might try to hurry you, but your responsibility is to be thorough. Furthermore, you should spend some time in the neighborhood to know the locality. If you have already visited the rental in the morning, take time out in the evening to visit them again and vice versa.
8. Talk to the neighbors
Contact the neighbors while visiting the property to get insider information. You do not have to become a detective, but pretending to be a customer at a garage sale and casually striking up a conversation should do the trick.
Or simply approach the neighbor, be honest, and they will eagerly spill the beans. Steer the conversation toward issues with the area or the rental, and you might uncover valuable information which could make or break your decision.
9. Camera and checklist
If you plan to hit multiple listings daily, keep that checklist handy because the information will start to blend. Note each rental’s main positives and negatives and click pictures to keep track of the information.
Before moving in, inspect the property and photograph any existing damage, such as broken tiles, stairs, or floorboards. If you spot any issues, ask for repairs before moving in and ensure the damaged areas are clearly specified on the lease when signing it. It will clearly record the property’s condition and protect you from potential legal disputes.
10. Get everything in writing
A rental agreement or a lease is a legal contract. So always get any and all promises or agreements with your landlord in writing. While preparing the lease, be crystal clear about its terms and conditions. Fully understand details such as the lease agreement duration, rent due dates, penalties for late payments, repair policy, security deposits, etc.
Conclusion
Armed with these insider tips, you are now ready to dive into the world of rental room hunting. You must shortlist rentals and be thorough while visiting to find the best rental room that ticks all your boxes.
