What to Check for Before Renting a Home in Phuket?

Many people who live on rent know it can be hard to find the perfect place for renting a home. They usually spend a lot of time looking at listings online, going to see many places for renting a home, and travelling to meet the people who own the homes. But, just because you are in search of one doesn’t mean that you should rush into it.

What Do You Mean by “Renting a Home?”

“Renting a home” means living in a house or apartment that you don’t own. Instead, you pay money to the owner, called rent, usually every month. It’s like borrowing the place to live for a while, without owning it. Renting a home gives you a place to stay without having to buy it, and you can move out whenever you want if you’re not happy.

Here are a few things you should check before renting a home. 

Floors, Walls, and Ceilings

When you’re looking at renting a home, pay close attention to the condition of the floors, walls, and ceilings. Other than noticing whether or not a rental property is up to your standard of living for renting a home, damage to these areas may indicate that the landlord has neglected their responsibilities. Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling for any signs of leaks, stains, or cracks before renting a home. This is particularly important in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom, where water damage may be more common for renting a home.

Doors and windows

When you’re renting a home, doors and windows are important parts to check. They can be potential weak points for burglars or intruders. By inspecting doors and windows, you can better ensure they are secure, lockable, and in good condition, minimising the risk of break-ins when renting a home. Besides security concerns when renting a home, inspecting doors and windows can show you if there are problems with insulation and drafts, which can impact the property’s energy efficiency and drive up utility costs. 

Plumbing

When you’re going through a rental home with the landlord while living in Phuket, it’s important to check the plumbing. Even if everything looks okay, you should still try things like flushing the toilet and turning on the taps. This is crucial when renting a home. Turn on the faucets in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area. Check how strong the water comes out and see if you can change the temperature easily. It’s also a good idea to flush the toilets to make sure they work properly.

Lights and Electricity

If you’re checking out a rental home during the day and it’s bright with natural light, you might forget to test the lights in every room. But it’s a good idea to do so for renting a home. This way, you can see if any lights don’t work or if bulbs need changing. Ask the landlord to fix them for renting a home. It’s easy to miss a faulty outlet during a quick look around for renting a home. So, if you move into a rental home and find one that doesn’t work, let your landlord know so they can fix it.

Appliances

Appliances are important for renting a home. A well-working kitchen is necessary for everyday life. If the stove doesn’t heat up, the fridge doesn’t keep food cold, or the dishwasher doesn’t clean well, it’s frustrating. So, when you’re checking out a place to rent, make sure the appliances are clean and working well. This can help you avoid problems before moving in or applying for renting a home. You might not be able to cook a meal, but you should at least be able to turn on the appliances. Also, ask about the age and maintenance history of the appliances to avoid future headaches for renting a home.

HVAC system

When you’re checking out a place for renting a home, make sure to look at the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, called HVAC. This is especially important if you live somewhere with really hot or cold weather.

Usually, you have to live in a place for a bit to know if the HVAC system works well for renting a home. So, it’s tough to check it during a quick visit. But you can try turning up the heat and feeling the vents to see if warm air comes out. Also, ask the landlord if they’ve done any regular maintenance or repairs on the HVAC system, or if they’ve changed the filters recently. Their answer can help you decide if the place is good for renting a home.

Smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are important for renting a home. When you’re viewing a rental, make sure there are enough smoke detectors. According to safety standards, there should be smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home for renting a home. Check if the detectors have power by looking for a slow-blinking light. You can even ask to test them by pressing the test button to make sure they work properly before signing a lease agreement for renting a home.

Signs of pests

Pests are a big problem when renting a home. No one wants to move into a place infested with pests like mice, bedbugs, or flies. When you’re looking at a rental property, watch out for signs of pests. Listen for scratching or rustling sounds in the walls or floors, which could mean there’s a pest issue. Look for stains or holes that might indicate the presence of rodents or insects. Check cabinets for sticky traps, as they could mean there’s a pest problem too. Don’t hesitate to ask the landlord about their pest control policies or if they’ve had past infestations when renting a home.

Parking

Parking is another important thing to consider when renting a home. Parking situations can vary a lot between different rental properties. Make sure there’s enough convenient and safe parking for your vehicle(s) when you’re checking out an apartment. If you need two parking spots, double-check to avoid ending up with just one. Also, consider the size of the parking spaces to make sure they’re big enough for your vehicle. If the property has a garage, ask to check if the garage door and opener work properly for renting a home from ourvillas.

Frequently Asked Questions