Renting Tips for Landlords & Roommates
Hygiene & Aroma
Make sure the room you are showing is clean and tidy. Give the room a fresh smell with a scented candle or air freshener.
ID
When arranging viewings, ask the person to bring ID. In today's world it is best to be safe now rather than sorry later. (Ladies, try not to do viewings alone)
Viewings
Always let the person viewing walk ahead of you, when showing them around, it will give a better impression of space if they do not see another person in front of them.
House Rules
Be clear about what you expect of a new roommate, so tell them the rules of the house. There is no point in creating a situation where persons may fall out in the future.
Tax
Renting rooms may also have a tax implication, so it is best to talk to the taxman/IRS to enquire what the rules are.
City Renting
To rent a room in the city is easier that ever, there are lots of web sites around, just like www.Rooms-To-Let.com, and newspapers that advertise for roommates, housemates, flatmates, house shares, flat shares, for students and professionals.
Countryside/Villages
Rooms to rent in cities are easier to come by, but in quieter areas like the countryside and villages it is also best to check the local newspaper and the local shops for advertisements. (Please tell the landlord about Rooms-To-Let.com)
Lease and Bills
Before you rent a room clarify what the terms of the lease are, like what the minimum duration is, cost per month and which bills are included and which are not.
Broadband, Phones and Television
Now that everyone has easy access to communications services, you may want to have it installed in your room, so ask the landlord if they would permit the installation.
Scams
Never ever accept a new tenant without meeting them first.
Under no circumstance should you ever accept a cheque from someone claiming to be from overseas and traveling to your country for study or work.
They will ask you to accept a cheque from their family or employer, this cheque will be for well over the amount of the rent and they will ask you to return the difference.
This cheque is a fake so do not send any money.
Remember any serious tenant will want to see the room, so ask yourself, would you rent a room without seeing it? No, you would not.