10 Tips for Renters:

"If you're going to be renting there are some things that are important to remember.

1. Finding the right place: Its important to consider a few things when choosing a place to stay. How is the outside of the complex kept? Does the inside show needed repairs or signs of neglect from the Landlord? You may want to visit the place several times at different times. Morning, afternoon, and night during different days can give you an idea of the area. Remember, you'll have to live in the environment for the next year. At night, is there adequate lighting? In general, is their enough parking spaces, and how is the parking set up? Is it difficult to park? On street or off street parking? How accessible is the parking from thieves?

2. Meet your neighbors. It won't hurt to walk up to someone you see outside and chat. You could even ask them a few questions about how they like the place and if they've experienced any problems.

3. Save Energy: If your residence has central air and heat then you'll want to make sure that you replace the air filter once each month. Most people overlook this chore. It will save you on your energy. It is very simple to do, and can take 2 minutes. Also, buy the new energy saving light bulbs. They end up putting out the same amount of light while still using a significantly lesser amount of energy. They are a little more expensive, but will pay for themselves in the first month that you use them!

4. Always lock your doors. The deadbolt, which is the lock that is located above the handle, is what you'll always want to keep locked. Always lock your doors to your vehicle as well. This is simple to do, but not always practiced. It is likely one of the easiest ways to deter a thief.

5. Fire Safety: Make sure that your residence has a fire alarm. These are required to be placed in any rental. You can even ask the Landlord to provide you one, as the law requires that. Also, if your place doesn't have a fire extinguisher, get one. They only cost $30 or so. They could end up saving your life. Most fires happen while cooking. Someone will leave a pot unattended and next thing you know the house is on fire. Also, make sure the fire extinguisher is placed in a readily accessible place that you and your roommates know where it is. One place may be to put it under the sink. Also, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to use it. You don't want to have to read the directions when a fire is taking place!

6. Renter's Insurance: The Landlord insures the dwelling but his insurance doesn't cover your belongings. Most people don't realize this, and they don't know about renter's insurance either. Renter's insurance is a way to insure your belongings. I estimate a renter's insurance policy to cost about $250 a year!

7. Repairs: Notify your landlord immediately when something goes wrong. A good landlord will tend to it immediately. A good landlord values the property, as well as your safe dwelling. So, if you see a leaking pipe under the sink, make sure that you notify the landlord so that he can take care of it. Otherwise, the small dripping water drops can eventually ruin cabinetry and attract roaches. Don't feel like asking the landlord to fix something would be intruding on him or that you would be bugging him. In fact, landlords own the property you live in and want to properly maintain the property at all times.

8. Good Tenants: Good landlords like tenants who pay on time in full, stay the entire term of the lease, and keep the place up. Do these three things and you'll have a landlord who may even do more than you expect to keep you happy. Most payments are usually due on the first of the month. Try and send your payment via mail a few days in advance to anticipate the lag in the mail transiting. Anticipate holidays like New Year's, and vacations. If you drop your payment off at an office, then it can't hurt to drop it off a little early. It could help save you from having to pay a late fee. Also, it is a good idea to keep a checklist of when you paid the rent.

9. Re-Keying Locks: You may want to ask your Landlord if the locks were changed since the last occupancy. If they haven't, then it's a good safety measure to have the locks either re-keyed or have the locks changed out. Re-keying locks comes out cheaper than changing locks out. If you do decide to change the locks yourself make sure you get the landlord to approve of it in writing.

10. Dealing with roommates: Roommates can sometimes be hard to live with. Some room mates have problems with each other. Most of the time it just takes patience, and the ability to adjust to a person's different lifestyle. Always try to work as a team. Helping each other out with chores around the house helps, and designating times to clean is also a good idea. Conflict can arise with roommates. Just know that when it does, it is best to keep a team-spirited mindset that focuses on forward moving progress of the present situation."

The following "10 Tips for Renters" are given as a courtesy of David Engle, broker of Engle Realty. Engle Realty can also help you find a rental using his rental agent system. Engle Realty, is a real estate brokerage with specializations in the LSU market sales and rentals. Engle Realty focuses on finding LSU students houses, and Engle Realty also sells houses in the LSU area. Please consider using Engle Realty in the future and passing Engle Realty's name to anyone you know who can benefit from their services.

Already Rented Out:

PHOTO	ADDRESS	BR	BA	$	DIST	TERM	WDC	UTIL	P	EXTRAS
	Mckinley	2	740	1	850	Walk	1Y	Y	Y	Y	Great 2 bedroom house with fenced in yard and wood floors..
	Iris	1	511	1	450	Walk	1Y	Y	WSGY	N	Deal of a lifetime... Nice 1 bedroom apartment with porch and private yard...
	Iowa	3	1100	1	1100	Bike	1Y	Y	-	Y	2 bedrooms w/ garage, office, extra building. Central Air & Heat. Fenced Yard.
	W Grant	2	750	1	750	Bike	1Y	Y	-	Y	Central Air & Heat. Fenced Yard.
	Iowa	2	750	1	750	Bike	1Y	Y	WSG	Y	Modern-like feel inside with courtyard. A good all-around deal .

*RentLSU.com has no affiliations with Louisiana State University, and is not connected with LSU in any way.

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