Tenants Guide
Start your search
Once you know what you are looking for, you can begin your search. As with any search, luck and timing play a part. But the more time and effort you spend looking for a place, the more likely you'll be lucky and find one that suits you.
Timing
Generally, owners will start to advertise properties that will be available in about 4-6 weeks time. So, if you are looking to move in three months, it might be better to wait for six weeks before seriously going out to view properties. Otherwise, you might find yourself wasting your time and that of the agent or the owner.
Online Searching
There are few web sites that advertise rental properties. But it is tough to know which sites are reliable and up-to-date. www.Easytolet.in updates its web site four times a day, so you can be assured that you are seeing the most recent changes from the property owners and agents who supply us their property details. Easytolet.in has the largest listings available in india, with over 50% of real estate agencies in the country posting property for rent on the site.
Here are some advantages to using a top-quality rental property site like Easytolet:
- Ease of searching - you choose your desired location, property type, no. of bedrooms, and price range, and we show you immediately what is available.
- Indicates market strength - you'll see how strong or weak the rental market is from the numbers of properties available, and the rental prices posted.
- Helps you find agents - when you see a property you like, you may find the agent has other similar properties available. This can help you decide which agents you wish to work with.
- Saves you time - by finding properties first on the web, you save yourself a lot of time viewing properties that don't suit you.
Offline searching
There are literally hundreds of offline places you search through to find your ideal property. Here is a list of some of them:
- Newspapers - classified and property sections advertise rental property. Remember that most local papers are only printed once a week, so rentals advertised may no longer be available by the time you pick up the paper.
- Real-estate Agents - just stop in the estate agents and ask to see their list of currently available rental properties. You'll be able to tell if the firm is worth working with by the response they give to your request.
- Neighborhood Watch - look at ads posted on shop windows. Check out the To Let signs posted in front of houses and flats in your area. Talk to neighbors and friends and see if they've heard of any properties coming available to rent. You'll be surprised how successful word of mouth is in finding new homes.
- Relocation Agents - The most expensive option available. Usually, people who have more money than time use relocation agents. If your company requires you to move, they may foot the bill for a relocation agent, who specialises in finding the right property to meet your needs.
Real-estate agents
Using a real-estate agent is the most common way to find a rental property. Make sure any agent you do use is a member of the Association for Residential real-estate Agencies, because they have a code of practice that agents must subscribe to. Below are some tips in dealing with agents:
- Web Access - Be sure their rental properties are posted on an easy-to-use web site, and updated regularly. So you can quickly see if the property is worth viewing before agreeing to give up your Saturday morning. Check 'Find agents' section in www.easytolet.in, to see a list of agents who post their properties on Easytolet.
- Spread the Net - If you want fast action, leave your details with as many local agents as you can find.
- Be Persistent - If an agent has nothing available immediately, he will usually put your details on file. He will assume that you've found a place within 1-2 weeks of starting your search, so be persistent in calling him if you're not successful in the initial stages of your hunt.
- Build Relationships - Rental properties go quickly, so phone everyday if you want to keep the latest news about what's available.
- Real-estate agents are not Relocation Agents - They will not source what you want, they will only show the properties they have available. If they don't have anything that interests you, then so be it.
- The Inside Story - Owners will usually consider reducing the price if their property has remained on the market longer than expected. Ask the agent to tell you the inside story of the property, so you know if there is room for negotiation.
- Costs - Real-estate agents will charge you certain costs before you move into a property. These costs include charges for checking your references, preparation of inventory, drawing up tenancy agreements, administration costs, etc. They can amount to Rs500-Rs5000, depending on the area, agency and property.
Renting privately
There are advantages and disadvantages to renting privately. Here are some factors to keep in mind.
- Unregulated - Owners do not have to be part of any professional body or trade association. They only have their own reputation to uphold. It is worthwhile asking for references from past tenants before signing a lease agreement.
- Less expensive - Renting privately can be less expensive than renting through an agent. You won't have the up front administrative costs and your owner won't have the overhead of paying an agent's fee.
- Flexible - Owners can be more flexible than agents, and allow you to have pets or hang things from the wall.
- Unpredictable Service Standards - Owners come in all shapes and sizes. Some will give you excellent service; others will pretend that you don't exist when you call to complain that the kitchen is flooding. The best advice is to work with someone who you think you can trust. The quality of the owner is just as important as the quality of the home.