Renting a house long term: how to find one without calling around
Heating and cooling are the first things to ask about
In a house, unlike a flat, running costs depend on how it is kept comfortable. In cold regions and the hills, winter heating matters. In the plains, summer cooling and electricity bills matter: ask how many air conditioners there are and what the bills usually are. Also find out where the water comes from, whether it is a municipal line or a borewell, and whether there is a sewer connection or a septic tank, before you view.
Think about the road too. A house in the city costs differently from one in a village 30 km away, but daily travel also costs time and fuel.
What to put in your request
- area — the city, town or direction that suits you;
- monthly rent — with or without utilities;
- number of rooms or bedrooms;
- size of the house and the plot;
- lease term — from six months, a year, long;
- move-in date;
- who will live there — family, children, pets;
- services — water, sewerage, internet, power backup;
- furniture and appliances — furnished or empty;
- no brokers, if you want to deal directly with the owner.
Example: “I am looking for a house to rent for a year or more in Toronto: 3 bedrooms, from 1,500 sq ft, a gated compound. A family with a child and a dog. Move in from 1 November, furnished with appliances. Budget up to $910 a month, preferably from the owner.”
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
Instead of scrolling through listings and calling dozens of numbers, you create a request. It is checked, and you see hints about what is missing. House owners and agents in your region reply in the chat: what exactly they offer, the price, which utilities are included, whether it is furnished, photos. Not everyone will phone you: your number is hidden and you pass contacts only to the one you choose.
What to ask in the offers
- What the monthly electricity and water bills usually come to: ask to see bills from the last season.
- Whether there is a security deposit and on what terms it is returned.
- Who is responsible for small repairs, the water pump and borewell, and the upkeep of the plot.
- Whether pets, children and renovation work are allowed.
- Power backup: an inverter or generator, if the area has power cuts.
Common mistakes
Looking only at the rent and not asking about utilities. Not viewing the house during the rainy season to check the walls, roof and basement. Agreeing verbally without a written agreement that states the term, the amount and the list of items. If needed, consult a lawyer.
If you are thinking about buying instead of renting, see houses for sale or townhouses and duplexes for sale. The details of the service are on the “How it works” page.
