Renting from the Individual

Like almost anything this is a toss-up. The city would probably be paramount in your selection.

My husband and I always rented someone’s
house in Estes Park, CO. People had their own personal belongings in the
dresser and closets but it was rustic, acceptable, and casual up in the
mountains. I felt as if I were staying in a relative’s home.

The big city is a whole different ball game. You never know
what you are going to get. Why take the chance if there is a reputable
corporate housing company in the city?

What can go wrong?

1.The condition of the apartment.

2.Paying for the utilities or setting up the utilities?

3. What if the condo is for sale? Are they going to have prospective customers coming through while you
are there?

4. What if they cancel before you arrive?

5. If the internet goes out, who is around to fix it?

6. What if the condo association does not allow people to occupy an apartment for less than 12 months? Do you have to rent
calendar month to calendar month?

7. Most of all, if you have paid and it does turn out to be a poor choice, what are your options?

Ok, you found a great deal and you want to rent from an
individual. My suggestions:

Find out if it is a condo or a sublet. If it’s a condo, ask
if it is up for sale, if so you want it in writing that the condo will not be
shown while you are renting it. Call the management company to make sure you
can rent the condo for less than one year. Find out all the costs for setting
up the telephone, internet, electricity, and cable or if any of these items are
included in the rent. Get pictures or if you have a friend in that city, have
them check out the apartment first.

Find out whatever you can about the condo owner. Is the
condo in default on assessments?

Never pay more than one month at a time, no security
deposit, and above all, please do not pay in cash!

Please keep in mind that I am only talking about locations
in the big cities, not up in the mountains or in vacation rental areas

-Francine Manilow