Exterior Design on a Rental Property

If you're looking to rent a property, it's common to do a walk-through with the landlord before signing any documents. But in order to get a good idea of what the place will look like when you move in, it's important also to inspect the exterior of the building — from how well kept up it is, to how many windows and doors there are. This is important because it can dramatically affect the feel of the place. The best apartments all feel comfortable, but there's a big difference between renting a place that feels mostly clean and well kept, versus renting a place that looks like it needs some serious care and attention.

When you inspect the exterior of the building, look at how well maintained the outside of the property is. Are all the windows securely locked? Are there too many doors? Are they spaced appropriately?

Well, we talked about the interior design of a house in our previous blog. So, here are some of the important exterior factors to check when renting a house:

1.  Building materials

Look at all the siding and woodwork around the outside of the house. Are there any gaps between boards or siding? Has it all been painted recently, or does it look like the paint is wearing thin in places? Is there excessive peeling? Look for holes, especially in window and door frames. Watch out for areas where water could possibly leak inside.

2.  Window conditions

Do the windows have any screens or other types of protection? What are they made of? Is there a way (like a sliding window) to open them without putting your hands on the sills? Are all the windows in good condition and secure (there's no one I know who wants to break in while they're out of town).

3.  Buildings around the house

Look at the height, size and placement of trees and buildings around the property. Does the landlord have any control over them, or could they grow unchecked to block light or make the house difficult to access? Is there a lot of property landscaping (bushes and trees) around the house? Do they all seem healthy or ugly and unkempt? Some properties are so overgrown with vegetation that sunlight can't reach the house, resulting in a dark and depressing interior.

4.  Wall condition

Check whether there are any holes in outside walls. Does the house have a chimney, or another structure that could be an entrance for animals? Are there any pipes outside? Is the wood or siding on the exterior of the house painted, stained or left natural? In old houses, it can be difficult to see where the original house paint or stain ended, and the newer paint began. Make sure the paint is consistent and the look doesn't match the age.

5.  Water

Look for dry or cracked foundations. Check for signs of leaking, discolored walls or damp floors. Look at the roof for evidence of leaks. Is water pooling around the pipes in the basement? Does it run down the windowsills onto the ground? Check for water damage which could be a sign of termites. Water damage also means that if it rains heavily, the house may flood, which is something none of us want. Make sure that is not the case.

6.  Driveway and parking situation

Parking is a huge deal when it comes to rental properties for long term stays. There are great buildings that have horrible parking, so you'll have to park on the street and risk getting towed. You want to see that there's plenty of room for you and your guests. Also, if there is no parking space for you or your guests close to your property, make sure that the street is legal for you to park on.

7.  Entryway

Look for steps that could be slippery during winter, or doors that could be left unlocked. If you have guests coming to the house on their own, do they have a way to get in? Look for deadbolts and other entry points inside the house (e.g., hallways).

Combining the tips that were given in the interior blog with this one can give you and your guests the experience of a lifetime. Make sure that you check every condition above before you move into a rental property.

Thank you for reading.