It can be challenging and stressful to find the ideal home to rent in Salt Lake City. There may be fierce competition for a high-quality rental property in a desirable area. Hence, real estate agents advise making plans in advance to avoid paying for a rental that does not really meet your needs.
According to Lance Macon, co-founder of Metro Home Managers, a full-service rental property management company based in Washington, D.C., renters often take apartments they don't actually want when they're in a rush.
Additionally, rental fraud in Utah is a sad reality that has caused many individuals to lose a lot of money. Furthermore, it can be challenging to identify if you are being scammed, given that almost 43.1% of renters encounter fake listings.
Despite the fact that renting a place you can call your home might feel a little intimidating, it's actually a fairly simple process.
This article will discuss 6 hassle-free ways to find a rental property in Salt Lake City to avoid losing your hard earned money on rental scams.
What are the Required Documents for Renting?
Be ready to present the following documents to your landlord or Utah property management company when necessary:
- Passport
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Proof of employment (paystubs, employment contract, letter from your employer, etc.)
- Financial statements (bank statement, proof of support, etc.)
- Previous landlord contact information
How to Find Homes for Rent in Salt Lake City
Use Trusted Real Estate Websites
There are many different rental search engines available on the Internet that let you narrow your search based on things like location, price, size, and other criteria. Use these websites to look at homes in the Utah neighborhood you want to rent in and to learn the typical price range.
Rental websites like KSL, Rentler, Rent.com, Zumper.com, Apartments.com, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow can be fantastic resources for finding homes to rent. Ensure you use the primary search feature while looking for homes in Salt Lake City. Then, you can modify your search criteria based on the fundamentals listed on rentals.
You can also utilize other filters, such as:
- Zero security deposit
- Lease duration
- Amenities included
- Pets policy
Employ the service of a real estate broker
In the case that you are relocating to a new area, rental property websites won't provide enough information about certain neighborhoods in Salt Lake City and the local amenities, including appearance and feel, public transportation, or grocery stores.
In this case, a real estate agent in Utah is a great resource and usually willing to help renters find properties at no cost. The secret is to locate an agent who specializes in rental properties rather than typical residential real estate sales. They can assist you in finding a rental in any part of Salt Lake City. Additionally, they are well-connected, which makes it easy for them to connect you to a vacant rental home.
You should speak with several real estate agents before choosing one in order to identify their specialization in the rental property niche. Furthermore, you should ensure the realtor you speak with has access to the residences in the areas you are looking to rent.
Use social media
Don’t be shy to post about your rental home search on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Around 58.4% of people use it on a global scale. Among this population, there is a high probability that a landlord or Utah property management company has a home that they are looking to rent out.
You can join a rental or local community group on social media to find a rental property that may meet your specifications. After joining these groups, you can post about your home rental search and begin by asking for leads on vacant properties. Additionally, you can use the search function to browse the group.
Ask friends, relatives, and neighbors
Asking people in your social network for leads can sometimes be the most effective way to find a rental home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Maybe one of them will know of someone in need of a roommate or about an available property within the neighborhood you want to rent in.
In case of a sublease, verify that the lease agreement permits subletting before agreeing. You might move in and get evicted after just a few weeks if you don't verify this.
Look through your local newspaper
Even though we spend most of our time online, finding a rental home through a newspaper is still viable. Since they provide affordable and safe advertising, some landlords and property management companies in Utah still utilize them to advertise houses for rent. Ensure you keep an eye on your local newspaper to find the ideal rental home.
Drive through the neighborhood you want to rent in
Sightseeing is not the only reason for Sunday drives! Take a drive around the areas you want to rent the next time you're out in your car; you might come across the "House for Rent" signage.
This works well in places with a large student population, close to medical facilities or commercial areas, public transportation hubs, and even tourist attractions.
The Bottom Line
The hardest part about renting a property in Salt Lake City is figuring out how to find properties within your means, in a good neighborhood, and with the features and amenities most essential to you and your family.
If you're able to compile a list of suitable homes in the area you're interested in, you can start visiting them before making your decision.
Nevertheless, be wary of internet scams, particularly ads on most rental websites that require upfront payments through Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.
Furthermore, if you are renting directly from a landlord, exercise caution because you will be disclosing your Social Security number and bank account details to an individual you do not know. Working with a property management company that is bonded and licensed is typically more secure, as all of your personal information is safeguarded.
Find High-Quality Homes for Rent in Salt Lake City
Are you searching for rental homes in Salt Lake City, Utah? You can find the ideal rental home using the tips mentioned above.
At Wolfnest, we also have qualified property management specialists that can help you find homes for rent in your desired neighborhood in Salt Lake City. To begin, please contact us.
