I want to rent a house in Houston!

I want to rent a house, what do I do? I have bad credit, I have big dogs, etc…

Find a real estate agent, who is interested in working in rentals.  Your agent can be instrumental in helping you gather the right documents, finding places that are within your budget, making the calls to the listing agent and telling your unique story.

Here are the items that you will need:

Clear copy of a photo ID.  This can be a passport.  It has to have your photo and be valid [not expired].

Proof of income.  2-3m months of paystubs OR 2 years of income tax returns if you are self employed OR bank statements.  Prove to the homeowner that you have the funds to pay for the home.

Rental History.  A print out from an apartment showing you paid rent on time, canceled checks or a good reference from your previous landlord.

Animals – If you have big dogs or “aggressive breed” dogs, send photos of your dogs and ask that your dogs have an interview and show vet records.  Prove that your animals are awesome companions and are not going to destroy the house.  Consider a larger than asked for pet deposit for your animals. 

Felony Record – Don’t hide this.  Explain what happened, how you have paid your debt to society and how you made it right.  Tell how you have changed your life and what you are doing now.    

Bad or No Credit – Explain what had happened in the past.  Don’t hide this either.  Credit history will become known in a background check.  You can offer to pay a larger security deposit.  Homeowners must return this when you move out within 30 days, less any damage to the home.  This is written clearly in lease documents.

The best advice I can give a potential tenant is to be honest, be willing to pay extra security deposit or rent to the homeowner to show that you are not a high risk and are willing to work with the homeowner.

When you are renting a home, you are entering into a relationship with the homeowner.  You want to be sure that the lease begin on good terms. 

I have found homes for tenants that have all kinds of stories.  There are homeowners that are willing to work with unique situations. 

Good luck with your home search. 

#myhouston #houstonrealestate #rentals #houston #rentalhome #rentalhouse