Renting out a home could be like treading through a minefield. It's either you get the right home, or you think you got it, then you find out after that the rooms get filled with water when it rains, the toilets suddenly conk out or the water pressure's poor, and you've already paid the rent in advance and can't seem to get a refund from your tenant, who has already fooled you into signing to a long-term contract.

The greatest and best approach to your rental-housing search should be done like a job search. Be organized, serious, and professional in both appearance and action, in order to avoid choosing the wrong house, or get ripped off by unscrupulous tenants. Contact your references ahead of time to be sure your information on them is current and that you have their permission to use them as a reference. Also, get the following information on the home you wish to rent from your landlord, and these are:

Property Address and Owner's Home Address

Check the- Owner's Passport/ Driver's License and State License holder

Find out also if the tenant is a County License holder.

Be prepared with all the information you need to complete your rental application, which includes data like full, prior addresses, bank account and credit card numbers, a list of references. Legitimate landlords will not respond to incomplete applications. A rental application form, which is available online from legal self-help, community, and social organizations, and are deemed acceptable. Even if the landlord rejects it, it is a good way to compile your information for on-the-spot easy transfer to the landlord's application.

Also, be sure to let all your friends, family members, associates and co-workers know that you are looking for an affordable rental and what you want in a rental home. Check newspaper classified ads, renter magazines, and the Internet for listings. You could also post ads on bulletin boards at public places. Check the latest listings first every day, and call early. Do make sure to respond quickly when a landlord calls you back. If you have a mobile phone, leave that number and have it on while you are out looking at other apartments or forward your land line to your cell phone when you are out.

Know what you really want, and what you don't want in terms of total floor space, rooms, housing type (single family home, apartment, duplex, etc.). Be flexible with the rest of your requirements (amenities, concessions, etc.). Be prepared to decide on the spot and be prepared to leave a deposit and/or downpayment check.

It is also imperative to keep yourself from being locked into a long-term contract if you know there's a chance you may be relocated or will have to move after a short period. Any savings you hope to enjoy from a long term contract could be lost in the costs of breaking the contract. Make sure that before signing on the dotted line, you fully understand the terms of the contract, the monthly rents, payment due dates, deposits, required home care, neighborhood or house rules and any other details. Please do get help from qualified sources on any of the terms or details you don't understand.

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