Are you moving to New Jersey anytime soon? It is our job to give you a warm welcome and introduce you to life in NJ. In case you are going to rent an apartment or a house, there are quite a few things you need to know. Buying a house seems like a lot of work, but once you sign the papers, it’s pretty much over. However, renting is a completely different experience. Having a nice landlord is unfortunately hard to find, but there are other issues you should be familiar with. Before you sign the lease and call moving companies Newark NJ to schedule your moving date, these are the points you need to check. So, let’s begin with our NJ rental guide for 2021!
NJ rental guide for 2021 – things to keep in mind
First things first, let’s discuss your hunting process. Before you even settle on a place and give the address to your chosen movers North Jersey NJ, you need to know what you are looking for. It’s very important that you make a list of priorities and stick to them while you are looking for a new home to rent. Even in 2021, finding a perfect apartment/house can be hard, and the prices are sometimes through the roof! So, think about what is the most important for you. Do you want two bedrooms or can you settle for one? What about the vicinity of your workplace? In some cases, people usually work from home due to the social distancing rules in place, so maybe you want to make a little office in your new home.
On the other hand, you need to make up your budget. Think carefully about how much you are willing to spend for rent on a monthly basis. No NJ rental guide for 2021 can tell you what the prices are, as they fluctuate day after day. There should be a line you cannot cross, but make sure you stay flexible and open for changes if need be. The entire relocation process can cost you a lot of money, including the fees you will pay to your movers NJ. In case you will live far away from your job, take into account the money you will have to spend on gas or public transportation. Being smart about your financial choices will greatly make a difference down the road.
Always try to visit the place in person if you can
Most people begin their apartment hunt online. There are numerous websites with places you can rent in New Jersey, but you shouldn’t believe everything you see. Even if the photos look amazing, and the landlord seems nice over the phone, do not settle on anything until you see it in person. This can prove to be difficult in 2021, compared to earlier years. The pandemic has forced us to distance ourselves from each other and be more mindful about where we go and who we meet. In case you are comfortable with meeting your landlord, and the state doesn’t stop you from it, go ahead and schedule an in-person appointment. Remember to wear masks and stay as distant as possible!
If you are moving across the country, and don’t want to spend additional money to travel and see the place in person, don’t worry. There is always an alternate solution. Most landlords and agencies have started to show apartments/houses over a video call. This way, you can still see how it looks without having to travel to the location. This is also a great option if you live nearby, but can’t visit in-person because of lockdown restrictions.
Don’t forget to read the contract carefully and ask if something seems off
This past year has shown us that unexpected things can happen almost overnight. These are situations that we simply cannot plan for and that we cannot predict. When they occur, we have to act fast and not make any rash decisions. Unfortunately, many tenants have found themselves in a problem this past spring, when lockdown restrictions came into place. Landlords expected rent to be paid, while at the same time many people lost their jobs or had their hours cut. This meant that they had to find a new place to live, whether it is moving back with their parents or staying with a friend or another family member. On the other hand, some landlords have shown their good side and allowed late rent payments or requested no rent at all.
No NJ rental guide for 2021 will forget to mention these points
Make sure to read through your contract very carefully and see if there are already points in place in case you get into the above-mentioned situation. It’s not a bad idea to have a lawyer go through the contract to see if it is legitimate and if there are any mistakes. These are a few points to keep in mind when reading a contract for your lease:
- When is the rent due?
- Can you have roommates?
- Are you allowed to have pets? If so, is there a limit on which ones, how many, and their weight?
- Some landlords also ask for a pet deposit – if you are planning on living with a pet, keep this in mind.
- Are you allowed to sublease the apartment/house?
- Who is responsible for maintenance?
- How long is the lease for?
In either case, you should begin planning and preparing for your upcoming move on time. When you have enough time for everything, there shouldn’t be any mistakes. Renting a place is a lot of work, but when you begin early, you won’t run into any issues. Let us know if you need any help moving, and we’ll give you a hand!
