Features to check when renting a home with family

Many families consider renting rather than buying a house for reasons such as temporary relocation to another city. However, like homebuying, home renting must involve thorough research. Some tenants make renting decisions without clearly evaluating their needs. A family that rents a property must check for the availability of daily conveniences, play areas for children, accessibility to workplaces and schools, etc. Ignoring this vital aspect of home renting can affect comfort and finances, and may even result in frequent relocation. By proper need evaluation, a family can avoid making emotional decisions and shortlist properties that suit them the most. In this guide, we will discuss the key features a family must seek in a rental property.

Neighbourhood and location advantages

Location is a foremost concern for any property seeker and is as essential as the property itself. A locality well connected to workplaces, schools and colleges, healthcare facilities, public transportation, and main roads is a clear advantage for the home seeker. The availability of daily convenience stores, markets, shopping centres, etc., nearby is also necessary for providing a high quality of life to residents. When checking the neighbourhood, a family should also ensure that there are well-lit streets, safety measures and a sense of community. It can help if the family visits the neighbourhood in person at different times of day to get a real picture of the area’s liveability.

Number of rooms and layout

When finalising a property to rent, it is crucial to understand a family’s space needs. This way the renter can select the right BHK configuration for the family. Besides the current space needs, a family should consider their future and family size and make a decision accordingly. For example, if new members are to join, going for a larger property like a 3BHK instead of a 2BHK is a better option. Similarly, for work-from-home plans, a bigger house will offer more comfort.

Further, choosing the right layout is crucial. An open floor plan will not offer privacy for a family with different needs. Instead, having separate rooms, including a study space for children can give the right level of freedom and convenience. Moreover, if there are elderly parents in the family, ensuring safety measures such as window grills and grab bars in the bathroom is a must.

Prospective renters should also ensure that the house layout ensures proper ventilation and natural lighting. Well-placed windows and balconies make the home spacious and pleasant. Flooring, kitchen fixtures and bathroom fittings are other essential features to check before selecting a house to rent.

Amenities within the society

Firstly, choosing a gated community over independent houses is a better option for families, as these residential complexes offer several amenities. Amenities like children’s play areas, parks, clubhouses, and recreational spaces such as jogging tracks, greenery, and outdoor areas for activities ensure a high-quality lifestyle. Reliable lifts, power backup, water supply, and parking spaces are basic requirements for families, and residential complexes generally provide such amenities. Some residential complexes also have shops and creche or day care facilities, which is an added advantage for families.

Gated communities also provide safety and security features such as access-controlled entry points, CCTV cameras in common areas, and visitor management. Inside the apartments, families should look for features such as intercom systems, window grilles and balcony railings, child-safety locks, fire alarms, and emergency exits. For the elderly, anti-slip bathroom flooring, lifts, ramp access, and minimal stair use are essential for safety and easy mobility.

Rental affordability

For any property seeker, setting the right budget prevents unwanted expenses and burden on savings. For renters, monthly rent, maintenance charges, parking fees, and utility payments add up to significant recurring expenses. Moreover, security deposit and brokerage charges are one-time expenses the tenant must bear. In Indian cities, landlords charge two months’ rent as a security deposit, but this may vary by location. Brokers also charge around a month’s rent as their fee. Affordability will depend on factors such as location, prevailing rates, and the tenant’s negotiation skills.

Moreover, selecting the right property will impact affordability. For example, choosing a furnished property will cost more than an unfurnished or semi-furnished property. Ideally, A semi-furnished homes with in-built wardrobes, kitchen cabinets and basic lighting and fixtures offer the right balance between convenience and cost.

Housing.com POV

Renting is more than finding a house to stay; it is about ensuring that the needs and comfort of each family member if fulfilled while staying with the budget limit. Apart from these property checks, a prospective tenant should also consider legal aspects, such as drafting a rental agreement and inspecting the property before moving in. Tenants should ensure all the terms discussed with the landlord are properly documented in the rental agreement, which will help prevent any disputes or misunderstandings.

Before renting out a home, families must consider both their immediate needs and future. A growing family, especially with children, will need an additional room. Otherwise, they may have to relocate in future, leading to additional expenditure. A smarter idea would be to choose a housing project with the availability of larger homes. The decision to move into a smaller unit now and relocate later, or to choose a bigger house in the first place, must be made after careful consideration. With careful planning and the availability of key features in a property, renting a home can become a hassle-free journey for families.

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