9 Mistakes Military Renters Make

By Danielle Keech for MilitaryByOwner

We talk a lot about the risks and rewards of home buying and home selling. We don’t focus as much attention on renters and the risks associated with renting a home. And as military families, renting property is a pretty common thing as not all of us can or want to commit to buying a home at each duty station. So, let’s take a minute to talk about things we should be avoiding when renting. 

Here are nine mistakes military renters make:

1. Not carefully reading through the lease. 

The lease includes all the details—things like rental price, security deposit, length of the lease, pet deposit, if pets are allowed, and which utilities are included. It spells out all the rules and expectations of the landlord, so committing to the rental without reading it would be a huge mistake. Another thing to watch for as a military renter is the inclusion of the military clause. If you don’t see it, ask for it to be added before you sign.

Related: Everything Renters and Landlords Should Know About the SCRA and Military Clause

2. Rushing through the walk-through before moving in. 

You don’t have to live your life on the defensive, but you certainly don’t want to get caught paying for repairs that you’re not responsible for, right? When you head into a walk-through, be critical. Make sure to note the details. Take photos. The more evidence you have of the state of the property at move-in, the better you can protect your security deposit. 

Not sure what’s worth noting? Here are a few things: chipped paint, a small stain in the closet carpet, a scratch on the hardwood flooring, and the state of the yard. And there’s more, much more. 

3. Skipping renters insurance. 

Most landlords require tenants to have renters insurance, so it’s unlikely that you’d wind up in a home without it, but here’s why you need it. The landlord’s insurance policy does not cover any of your belongings. You need your own renters insurance policy if you want to see reimbursement should any of your belongings get damaged. Plus, many insurance plans cover liability, which protects you should someone get hurt on the premises. 

Related: Here’s when one AWN blogger needed to use renter’s insurance and was glad to have it.

4. Overlooking the area. 

While conditions and amenities associated with a rental property are important, it’s important not to overlook the surrounding neighborhood. Unruly neighbors, 24/7 construction, and crime are all things that can make even the nicest property the worst place to live. 

Do a little research to compare homes, prices, and neighborhoods. If you find a home with all the bells and whistles for $1,200 per month in neighborhood X that would cost $1,800 per month in neighborhood Y, there’s probably a reason, and it likely lies outside the home. 

5. Not negotiating. 

There’s this stigma that homebuyers can negotiate sale prices all day long, but renters can’t. Renters are expected to pay the asking price, no questions asked. While negotiating is a huge part of the home buying and home selling process that we focus on, renters can 100% negotiate the rental price and lease terms! It’s OK to question monthly rent price and pet deposits, whether you want to ask for a lower pet deposit or request that it be made refundable.

Note: You’ll likely have better luck negotiating in a renter’s market where there are endless rental properties available. However, the landlord can choose to shake you off and sign the next potential tenant. 

6. Not communicating with your landlord. 

First of all, the line of communication with your landlord needs to be wide open. You should be able to go to them with anything big or small. As soon as an issue comes up, you should let your landlord know for two reasons: 

• It’s their property, and since you’re living in it, it’s your job to help them care for it. 
• Failure to report even minor issues with appliances or plumbing can lead to a bigger repair, and wind up costing you, not the landlord. 

7. Not researching the property manager or landlord. 

The interview is often one-sided, but it shouldn’t be. While it’s the landlord’s job to screen you, it’s a good idea that you do the same. Do a little searching online to see if the property management company has good reviews or any complaints. And regardless of whether it’s a company or an individual landlord, ask for references. 

8. Paying more for amenities you won’t use. 

Listings can be exciting! We see shiny new appliances and enthusiastic text, and fall for a home that is more than we need (and costs more than we can afford). Your budget should come first, and if you keep it as the priority in your search, you’ll be far less likely to pay for a property with let’s say, a community gym that you won’t use yet inflates the rental price. 

9. Being close-minded. 

As military families, it seems that we get orders to move as soon as we settle in and start to feel at home. We carry our image of “home” into our next duty station and look for a place where we can replicate what we just created. Sometimes, finding what we’ve had before is just not possible (you’re not going to find a North Carolina home in Southern California). Instead, try to keep an open mind as you search for your next rental. 

 

Ready to find your next rental home? Head to MilitaryByOwner for more tips and start your house hunt!