Are you a renter looking to move? Here’s what tenants should know before signing a lease in Santa Clarita.
Whether it’s your first apartment – and taste of independence – or you’ve found an affordable home for your whole family, there are a few things everyone should know before signing a rental lease in Santa Clarita and beyond.
Let’s dive in.
1. Understand your lease terms
Especially if you’re signing a 12-month lease, the lease document can be long and excruciatingly detailed. But you absolutely need to read your lease document before you sign it. That’s the best way to understand how to protect yourself in every situation – from pet ownership to the event of a natural disaster.
Here are a few essential items to pay attention to in your lease document:
- When and how you need to give notice at the end of your lease, which can be up to 90 days
- Stipulations around the use and refund of security deposits, including allowable deductions
- What’s covered/included in rent and what’s not, such as utilities, common areas, maintenance services and more
- Provisions defining what a property can and cannot be used for, such as office space
- Guidelines and policies about maintenance jobs and responsibilities
- How to document anything that needs to be fixed after the initial walk-through
In order to protect yourself and avoid any misunderstandings, make sure you understand your lease agreement in detail. If you have any questions, you can always give us a call, as we have a licensed real estate attorney who can answer all your questions without charge.
2. Take the walkthrough seriously.
“We always tell tenants this, and we can’t say it enough: Pay attention during your walkthrough,” explained Todd Stelnick, Vice President of SCREM. “It goes hand-in-hand with understanding the terms of your lease, and what you’ll be expected to take care of when you move in and out of your rental.”
The walkthrough is so important because it’s the tenant’s chance to note anything that’s not in perfect condition when they receive it. Once the tenant moves out, they will be responsible for anything that’s not listed on the walkthrough, and it could be deducted from their security deposit.
“This means you should take your own pictures, and document everything. If there’s a spot on the carpet or even just signs of wear and tear on the walls, make sure you document it before you move into your new place,” Todd explained. “Anything you fail to document, you could ultimately be made to pay for.”
This is an extremely common concern, and it’s one of the reasons why SCREM offers reputable handyman services with professionals who have decades of experience. Over the last 10 years, our handymen have serviced more than 6,000 homes – so they’ve seen it all. Whether you have a leak or are looking for help assembling new furniture, you can trust that our Santa Clarita Handyman Services can hel.
3. Consider rental insurance
It’s not uncommon for rental property or leasing company to require renter’s insurance before moving into your new rental. But even if it isn’t required, it really is a must-have.
Your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover your losses due to theft or damage. Renters insurance also covers you in the event that someone gets injured at your home and files a lawsuit.
If you have any questions about what should be covered in your rental insurance policy, don’t be afraid to contact the experts at SCREM. We help protect our tenants in every way possible, including a network of reliable vendors and community partners.
Need Help With Your Santa Clarita Rental Home?
We have the perfect Santa Clarita rental home waiting for you. Visit our properties for rent at the Southern California Real Estate Management Inc website to see our available properties!
About Southern California Real Estate Management Inc.
Southern California Real Estate Management Inc. was founded in 1987 and has grown to become the largest property management company of individually-owned single-family homes and condominiums in the Santa Clarita Valley. Our locally owned and operated company currently manages 700+ homes in Southern California. We specialize entirely in residential property management. Our only business is the leasing and management of homes and condominiums, and in 2019, we successfully processed more than 840 rental applications and collected nearly $20.5 million in rent.
If you are interested in renting your property or are seeking a rental in Southern California, contact SCREM today. As part of our full management program we can assist with repair coordination including scheduling maintenance with tenants and handling after-hour emergency calls. Get started today by calling (661) 255-7600 or fill out our online contact form.