Whether you’re spending a week or two in a vacation home or moving into a new neighborhood, renting allows you to avoid the long-term responsibility of a mortgage. But make no mistake: renting is still a huge financial commitment.
It’s crucial to know what you’re getting into before you sign any dotted lines. Save money, headaches and a whole lot of hassle and look closely for these four common home defects that can make a rental experience a nightmare.
1. Water stains.
Mold, mildew and water damage can be tough to see, but they aren’t difficult to smell. These all indicate excessive water in basements and crawl spaces and cause serious problems down the road -- like flooding, allergies and asthma. Here are some common symptoms of water damage in your home:
Musty smell, especially if it occurs only in certain rooms.
High humidity levels. This can lead to condensation and water accumulation.
Leaks or water stains in pipes, walls, ceilings and roofs.
Peeling, bubbling or cracked paint or wallpaper.
2. Roof damage.
There is a huge difference between dealing with a small roof repair and an entire roof replacement. Before you rent your home, make sure the roof is in great shape.
When you take a look at the exterior of the house, keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear like several layers of shingles (or missing shingles) and compromised roof valleys. If you see shingles that are curling or buckling, they may be past their life expectancy (and it may be time for a new roof). A typical roof will last between 20 and 25 years, so don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure
Ignoring major roof issues results in costly damage down the road. If you suspect that your rental may need roof replacement or installation, contact a roofing professional to assess the damage.
3. Foundation cracks.
Foundation problems mean (very) expensive repairs. The best defense against these hassles is to scan for potential signs of foundation damage:
Crumbling, ruptures or hairline fractures and cracks in the foundation.
Sagging floors or warped ceilings.
Cracked or buckling walls.
Soil shifting around the exterior of the house. Even if there appears to be no signs of foundation cracks, inadequate drainage around the exterior of a home can be a warning sign of water intrusion in basements, compromising the foundation of a home.
4. Rotted wood or windows.
When you’re considering a home for rent, make sure all windows throughout the home fit in place (not too tight nor too loose). Old, inefficient windows will let air in, which means unusually high utility bills.
Windows should keep dampness out and also keep heat and air conditioning in. Make sure there is a good amount of insulation in your home. Foggy windows can be a sign that their seal has broken and they may not function properly.
If you see any of these red flags, it may require replacing the windows in your home.
Trust the professionals.
To save yourself time and money, it’s important to have a general idea of the red flags you should look out for when renting a home. But more importantly, don’t ever underestimate the value of a solid home inspection. You’ll pay much less for a quality home inspection than you would when costly problems arise.
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