Choosing a rental property is an important process that determines the start of your new life. However, rushing into a contract without sufficient research can often lead to regret. For example, common mistakes include "rent being too high, making it hard to live," "location being inconvenient, making commuting a hassle," or "difficult-to-use facilities that cause problems in daily life.
When selecting a property, it’s crucial not just to focus on the appearance of the room or initial costs but also to carefully consider your lifestyle and future plans. In this article, we will focus on common mistakes regarding "rent," "location," and "facilities," while explaining five important points to keep in mind when choosing a rental property.
Use these tips to find your ideal home and start your new life comfortably.
Point 1: Set a Clear Budget
The first thing you should consider when choosing a rental property is to set a budget that is realistic for you. Underestimating rent and related costs can lead to financial difficulties later on.
Mistake Example
A common issue is prioritizing rent too much, resulting in insufficient funds for daily expenses or savings. For example, setting the rent to be almost half of your after-tax income and sacrificing your quality of life in the process.
Rent Guideline
Generally, it is ideal to keep rent within one-third of your after-tax income. Consider total costs including management fees, utility costs, and initial expenses like deposits(shikikin), non-refundable money(reikin), and agent fees. Don't forget to factor in moving costs as well.
Advice
It’s important to clearly understand all the costs involved and prioritize where you can save. For instance, you could choose a property near a station to save on transportation costs or reduce rent by not being too picky about installation. Clearly defining what’s most important to you makes it easier to find an ideal property within your budget.
Point 2: Check the Location and Surrounding Environment
When selecting a rental property, it’s crucial to not only consider the property itself but also the location and surrounding environment. If you realize after moving in that the area is noisy or inconvenient for shopping, it can be a major stress factor.
Mistake Example
Many people focus too much on rent and facilities, only to sign a contract without thoroughly checking the surrounding environment. For example, they might regret the noise at night or the difficulty in accessing essential shops.
Checkpoints
Advice
It’s best to visit the property during both the day and at night. Places that seem safe during the day might feel uncomfortable at night when it's quieter. Walk around the area to check if it fits your lifestyle.
Point 3: Check the Condition of the Room During the Viewing
Viewing the room is essential to check the condition of the property that photos and floor plans can’t show. Failing to notice defects in the facilities or structure before signing the contract can lead to significant regret after moving in.
Mistake Example
The room might look great in photos but turns out to be difficult to arrange furniture in, or the kitchen and bathroom are not user-friendly. Another common issue is the inconvenient placement of outlets, requiring extension cords and leading to a cluttered space.
Checkpoints
Advice
Bring a tape measure and a smartphone camera during the viewing. Measuring the room and taking photos or videos will help you plan furniture placement and layout. Also, don’t forget to check the depth of storage spaces and how the windows open and close.
Point 4: Focus on Facilities and Functionality
When choosing a rental property, it’s essential to check if the facilities and functionality align with your lifestyle. Even if the room looks attractive, poor or missing facilities can make daily life inconvenient.
Mistake Example
- Narrow kitchen workspace that makes cooking difficult.
- Only one burner on the stove, which is inconvenient for cooking.
- Insufficient storage space for your belongings.
- Lack of security features, leading to discomfort.
Checkpoints
Advice
Consider if the facilities and functionality match your lifestyle. For example, if you don’t cook much, you might prioritize storage and security features over kitchen facilities. It’s also helpful to physically check out the equipment to see if it meets your needs.
Point 5: Check the Management System and Neighbor Etiquette
Even if you like the property itself, poor management or bad neighbor etiquette can make living there stressful. The cleanliness of common areas and the manners of neighboring residents can significantly impact your quality of life.
Mistake Example
- Dirty garbage areas causing unpleasant smells.
- Personal stuff left in common areas, making it unsanitary.
- Stress caused by noisy neighbors or conflicts.
Checkpoints
Advice
During the viewing, closely observe the state of common areas. Also, ask the real estate agent about any past complaints or issues. This will give you an idea of whether the living environment will be comfortable after you move in.
Summary
To avoid regrets when choosing a rental property, preparation and thorough checks during the viewing are key. Here are the five key points to remember.
- Set a clear budget
Use one-third of your take home income as a guideline to set a realistic rent budget, and be sure to include management fees and initial costs when planning your total expenses. - Check the location and surrounding environment
Prioritize convenience and safety, and be sure to visit the area both during the day and at night to get a clear understanding of the surrounding environment. - Inspect the condition of the room during the viewing
It's important to check things like the room size and ease of use of the facilities—details you can't fully grasp from photos—and clearly picture what comfortable living would look like there. - Focus on the facilities and functionality
Carefully check whether the installation, storage space, and security features suit your lifestyle. - Check the management system and neighbor etiquette
By assessing the cleanliness of common areas, the quality of property management, and the behavior of other residents, you can ensure a low-stress living environment
Choosing a rental property should be based on more than just the appearance and price. Finding a home that matches your lifestyle and values is crucial for long-term satisfaction. By taking the time to research and carefully consider each step, you're more likely to find the perfect property.
Use these tips as a guide to find a comfortable and regret-free living space. Wishing you all the best as you begin your new life in your ideal home!
