Originally Posted by
Stockbroker
Hello all, Can I ask you what do I have to do when I rent out a house I used to be staying at? I am going overseas, so no point for me to leave the house empty.
1. How do I make sure tenant don't destroy my place?
You can never be sure but it helps to choose your tenants carefully. Interview them and get a sense of who they are, their occupation, are they a family and whether you feel comfortable renting to them. Nothing scientific. Hire a good agent whom you can trust to keep tabs on things while you are away.
2. What about internet, cable TV and house phone? Do I have to cancel them? Will the tenant take up a contract under my address (the rented place)
Cancel all subscriptions.
3. What about the letter box? Who uses the key?
The tenant also receives letters. Give them a copy of the key. Redirect your mails to somewhere else. Make an agreement with your tenant to keep all your mails for you and ask your agent to collect from them regularly.
4. Any other concerns I need to take note?
If possible, have a relative or someone you can trust to keep tab of the rental payment and take action if default. Have your tenant pay to bank acct where you have internet access.
Take plenty of pictures/video of your house before renting out. This will help support any subsequent damage claim later. Good luck!
Thank you.