Are you looking for a new rental home? We give you the keys to optimize the first visit

During the process of searching for a new rental property, one of the most crucial moments is undoubtedly the first visit to the property. Often, the excitement of starting a new life can lead us to be swept away by first impressions without taking the time to analyze certain details that are very important in our daily lives. Therefore, if you are looking to rent a new apartment or house, here are some tips that will help you make the most of your first visit and make the best decision for you and your loved ones.

Prepare the visit in advance

It's important to remember that on the first visit you have limited time to take in all the features of the house. Therefore, if you want to make the most of every minute, it's advisable to prepare beforehand to avoid oversights:

• Make a list of questions so that you don't forget to ask anything important.
• Take note of the details and unresolved issues that arise during the visit so you can later make the necessary inquiries.
• Before visiting the apartment or house, it is advisable to ask for the quality report. This way, you can check if the indicated features match the actual ones.
• For added security, you can carry a tape measure with you to see if there are any discrepancies between the information provided to you and the space you are visiting.

Assess the building, inside and out

In the case of apartments, even if you are only going to rent one of the units, it is important to assess the entire building, especially in the case of old properties.

During the visit, check that the building is well-maintained, assess the condition of the facade, elevators, and stairs, and make sure that the lights and intercom are working properly. Remember to examine all the common areas of the building (courtyards, terraces, gardens, swimming pool, storage room, parking, etc.). Also pay attention to the building's orientation, as it directly affects the temperature, brightness, and even the humidity level of the home.

Once inside the apartment, examine everything in detail

Upon entering the home, the first thing to do is to take a tour of the entire space to discover each of the rooms. Examine the general condition it is in, especially in the case of second-hand homes, its layout, whether it meets your needs, whether it is a comfortable home or not, if you find it appealing, and, above all, if you can imagine yourself living there.

Once this 'reconnaissance round' has been carried out and if the impressions are good, we can proceed to examine in greater detail:

• Pay attention to small details such as finishes, partitions, sockets, or tiles.
• Check that the ventilation systems in bathrooms and kitchen; radiators, heating and air conditioning systems; electrical and gas installations, water output power, etc., are working properly.
• Check the insulation of the floor or house, as it will be essential for maintaining an optimal indoor temperature. Pay attention to the condition of doors and windows.
• Pay attention to intangible aspects such as the smell of the home (open the windows to let in outside scents) and also consider the noise, both external and internal.
• Check for damp spots or cracks on walls, ceilings, windows, and built-in cabinets.

Terms of Hire

Once every room has been checked, it's time to ask about the hiring conditions and take the opportunity to clear up any doubts that may arise:

• Review the terms and clauses that will be set forth in the legal contract.
• Confirm the monthly rental price and ask for the details of what is included.
• Take an interest in the amount of the bail you will need to deposit.
• Ask about what other payments you should have ready before signing the lease so that you are not caught off guard: the current month in which you move in at the time of signing, payment of months in advance, etc.
• Clarify the responsibilities that each party (landlord and tenant) must assume in case of breakdowns, etc.
• Request the Occupancy Permit to ensure that the apartment or house has the necessary conditions for living and make sure that the apartment has a valid Energy Efficiency Certificate (EEC).

Discover in depth the surroundings of your new home

When searching for an apartment or house, you should not only consider the building and the dwelling itself, it's also important to explore the surroundings where your new home will be located:

• Neighborhood/environment. It's important to know beforehand whether it's a quiet or noisy area, to observe if there are bars or nightclubs nearby, if there's heavy traffic, transit, etc.
• Proximity of services. You should check, before making any decision, that you will have access to all the services you will need without having to travel long distances. Locate supermarkets, pharmacies, healthcare services, schools, sports facilities, nearby parking lots, etc.
• Communications and access. It is also necessary to assess whether the area is well connected to other places, if it has useful public transportation for your travels, access and exits to other areas, etc.

So, if you are unfamiliar with the new environment, it is ideal that you go out to explore for yourself, and at different days and times, what the housing development or neighborhood where you will live is like, and to verify that both the area and its facilities meet your needs to start your new life.

After the first visit, take some time to evaluate, compare, and analyze every detail before making a decision and starting the necessary procedures to formalize the rental. And don't worry, if there's anything you forgot to ask or check, don't hesitate to request another visit!