Tips for Finding a Malibu Rental
The California real estate market has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to buy Malibu bank owned homes or rent an apartment on the beach. Those interested in renting have many options, but it is important that renters research each listing thoroughly and make sure that they can live with the terms of any lease presented by a potential landlord. Follow these tips for making the rental process run as smoothly as possible.
Considerations
Before you even look at rental listings, sit down and make a list of all the features and amenities you must have in an apartment. If you hate carrying heavy baskets of laundry to the laundromat, look for an apartment that has a laundry room or a washer and dryer in the unit. If you plan to take a dog with you, make sure the apartment building has enough outdoor space for regular walks. If you have more than one vehicle, you need an apartment building with a large lot or assigned on-street parking spaces. Writing down what you want will help you find the best rental to meet your needs.
Research
Once you find several suitable Malibu real estate listings, make note of their locations and conduct research to find out as much as you can about the buildings and their owners. If an apartment building is owned by a large investment group or run by a property management company, you may be able to find online reviews. Read these reviews carefully and make note of any consistent problems. If only one person out of 100 reviewers has a complaint, it could be that the person is a bad tenant and was evicted from the building. If 75 people out of 100 have the same complaint, you might want to avoid renting in that particular building.
Building Tours
Once you narrow down your list of prospective Malibu beach homes, you must visit each of them to determine if they are right for you. Look in hallways, lobbies and other common areas to see if they are well-maintained. If they are dirty or in need of repair, the landlord may not take good care of the building’s apartment units either. Once you enter an apartment, note any damage to the walls, fixtures and furniture. Check the shower head, sink faucet, bathtub faucet and toilet to make sure they work properly. Make sure the refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer and any other provided appliances work properly. Once you have completed your tour of each building, you can use your notes to make a final decision.
Moving In
When you move into your new apartment, one of the first things you should do is take photos. These photos can help document damage that existed before you moved in so that you do not get charged for repairs or replacements. Make sure the photos are time-stamped and dated so you can prove when they were taken, if necessary. Keep these photos and your signed lease in a fireproof safe or a bank safe deposit box so that they are safe in case of fire, flood or other damage.
Russell Grether of Compass Real Estate is a real estate agent based out of Malibu, CA. He specializes in Malibu real estate, Malibu homes for sale, Malibu properties, Malibu land for sale, Malibu rentals and surrounding area real estate from Montecito to the Pacific Palisades.
