You can reap a considerable amount of benefits from renting a house rather than buying a house. Often, renting comes with a lower monthly cost than owning a home because you do not have to stress about paying for property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, home repairs, and maintenance. Renting also gives you greater flexibility, especially for those who like to pack and move with minimal hassle.

For those in expensive housing markets, leasing a house can be an easy way to get the space you want without spending years saving for a down payment. Leasing allows you a bit more flexibility than homeownership would, whether you are in a house or a condo.  Regardless of why you would like to rent an apartment, here are the steps you will need to take if you choose to choose this route:

Budget

Take a good look at your expenses and income to figure out how much you can and would like to spend on renting a house. You should make sure you consider the cost of utilities, parking, renter’s insurance, and moving when coming up with the figures.

Make a List of Must-haves

You should think of what you are looking for in a house and make a list of features you are not willing to negotiate. If you have a pet, you may need a fenced-in backyard.  If you have multiple kids, you may only be able to consider a rental with four or more bedrooms.

Research

Once you have created your budget and the must-have item list, you should research and see what is out there. You can use popular real-estate sites to search for open house rentals in your area. Online markets give you a variety of choices to select from with all the details that you may need.

Tour the Houses

As soon as you find a few houses that pique your interests, contact the landlord or property management company and set up time aside to tour them. It is advisable to take notes or photos during each tour so you can remember details about each property and compare properties later.

Negotiate the Rental Terms

After finding a house that meets your budget and lifestyle needs, speak to the landlord or property agency to negotiate terms that work best for you. These terms may include discounted parking fees, cable television, and paying rent for six months instead of annually. Let the house agents know what works for you. After agreeing on the terms and conditions, you can now move forward to filling out a rental application form.