Renting a House or ApartmentRenting a property, whether long or short term can be a time-consuming and exasperating project. As much as we would like to help each and every person in finding a home, our practice at The Berkshire Group is limited to buying and selling real estate. We do believe in karma, so in order to help you with your search, we have prepared some rental links for you and some basic renters information.
In some ways renting is similar to buying. You want to make sure you get a good deal for your money without a lot of problems. Although you can’t have the place inspected, you can do a basic inspection yourself. This involves looking at the basic structure of the house, checking appliances, water pressure and taste, and determine that everything works. Make sure the toilets flush, there is hot and cold water from all faucets, and the shower works. If any repairs need done, will the landlord supply or reimburse you for the expenses?
If you are renting a house, lawn care may be required. Ask the landlord if they supply the tools you need.
Protect yourself when renting a house. When you move in and out, take pictures of all areas, including walls, floors, stove, refridgerator, cabinets and all fixtures. This way a landlord cannot charge you for problems that you did not create.
Drive around the different areas of town and determine which areas you are interested it. Write down the different area names and any information from signs that you see posted for rentals. This will simplify your search when using the resources below. Also note any areas you are not interested in.
Always make sure that you read the fine print of any contracts that the landlord wants you to sign. These are legal, binding argreements. Don’t sign a contract for a year if you may only be staying for 6 months! Otherwise you will be liable for the additional months anyway even if the landlord indicates that it is ok. They may not be able to re-rent the place which leaves you responsible!
Rental Resources
Although there is no MLS for renters, there are a large variety of sources for rentals in the Denver metro and surrounding areas.
Local Newspapers – Printed and Online
Denver Post has a rental section.
Westword is a local free paper which provides some listings that are not carried in the other Denver papers.
Boulder and other areas also carry their own local paper which offer listings often not found in the large Denver papers. Check the local convenience stores for these papers.
Online Rental Resources
ForRent.com
Rent.com
Denver Apartments
Rent Vine
Leasing Companies
Relocation Central – A full service rental locator company.
Denver Property Management – Excellent property management and leasing company
General Information about Denver
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
Denver Economic Development Council
World Trade Center
If none of these resources has found your perfect rental, try placing your advertisement in one of the local papers. List everything you need and the price you require. This may bring the landlords to you. Also let your friends and local stores that you are looking for a place. Leave your name and number. This can bring excellent results.
Good luck with your search! Please come visit us again.
