Jacksonville is a hot rental market right now, along with pretty much the entire state of Florida.
And that's great if you have a property to rent, but if you're interested in renting in Jacksonville, it makes your search a little more difficult. With a superheated Jacksonville real estate market, owning a home is unfortunately not an option for everyone right now. That pretty much only leaves renting—but you're going to need some tips when looking for a Jacksonville rental.
Top Tips for Renting in Jacksonville
Jacksonville renting benefits are obvious: you get to live in one of Florida's most vibrant and beautiful cities. But what else do you need to know?
We've got you covered with these tips you need to consider before finding a dream place to rent in the River City.
1. Check Out the Neighborhood
Don't just rely on online sites—get a feel for the place you'd like to rent. Check out the neighborhood to see if it's a safe and convenient area, one where you'd actually like to live.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
First, you'll to need to get smart when setting your rental budget. The usual tip is to spend no more than 30% of your net income on rental costs—which may price you out of some places you'd like to rent. But the alternative is getting underwater with your monthly rental payments, which is unsustainable.
3. Read the Lease Terms Carefully
Before you sign anything, read the lease closely and assure yourself that everything is in order. If possible, have an attorney or realtor check it over to see if the terms are correct and that there aren't any unexpected surprises.
4. Photograph Everything!
This is critical: take pictures of everything before assuming your lease. This is important for recovering your security deposit at the end of your lease.
5. Management Company vs. Private Owner?
A management company can be a good choice, particularly if you want a responsive company in case of needed repairs or other issues. However, management companies can be picky when choosing tenants. If your credit score is a problem, it might be better to go with a private owner, who are often more flexible.
6. Get Renter's Insurance
When renting in Jacksonville, as anywhere else, it's a good idea to get renter's insurance. This is a good way to protect your belongings against theft or damage, as well as against any damages that could happen to the rental property.
7. Stay on Top of Maintenance
Don't neglect maintenance—if appliances begin to fail, or something breaks down, don't wait to have it fixed. It's often the landlord's responsibility to pay for repairs, but you may have to schedule the repair yourself.
8. Know the Customization Policies
Talk to your landlord before making any customizations, such as painting the walls a different color, or installing a new appliance. Otherwise, you may be violating your lease agreement, and could be on the hook for restoring things to the way they were.
9. Stay on Good Terms With Your Landlord
This one's obvious. Whether you're renting in Jacksonville—or anywhere else for that matter—it's important to have a good relationship with your landlord. This can do wonders for making your stay at a rental property much more enjoyable.
10. Get Your Security Back Before You Leave
Finally, remember to get your security deposit back before your lease ends. If your landlord retains it for damages that weren't your fault…well, this is where tip #4 comes in handy.
Need More Help?
Whether you're interested in a long-term or a short-term lease, use these tips when renting in Jacksonville. And if you need help with the rental process, don't be afraid to contact us at Roundtable Property Management.
We have the tools and resources to help guide you through the process of finding and applying for that Jacksonville dream rental you've had your eyes on.
