Tips for renting a Texas beach house

If you consider renting a Texas beach house but do not know where to start, you are not alone. Finding the perfect place is not easy, but there are ways to separate yourself from the herd and ensure that you get your desired residence without breaking your budget. As with choosing between moving companies in Texas, planning ahead and organization is key. This article breaks down the process into nine simple steps that you should take to secure the house you want at a great price.

1. Start your search early

Avoid stress and excessive costs that may arise when trying to secure a beach house, especially during peak season and in a short time, thinking out, researching and planning at least six months (but preferably one year) in advance. Although this may seem excessive, keep in mind that beach rentals - at least good ones - are usually quickly booked.

If you are not sure where to begin, your first goal should be to determine your destination and the approximate time of your trip. Once you make these decisions, hiring a real estate agent who specializes in your area can help in finding a rental home. Consider contacting popular broker companies that are widely represented. Or look for individual agents known and respected in the region you are going to.

2. Refer to multiple sources

When hunting for a Texas beach house, it is very important to consult with various sources. When shopping and talking with different people, you will not only learn more about the area you are visiting but also find a bargain for yourself. Leave your options open by talking to several real estate agents and consulting on several sites. If you don’t live too far from your next destination, you can go around the neighborhood where you want to rent a home to see any houses that advertise. While these strategies can be very time consuming, finding a rent this way may be cheaper in the long run, because broker fees will not be charged. Despite the fact that the owner is responsible for paying this fee, this cost usually goes into an account in the cost of renting a Texas beach house.

3. Read the entire contract of renting a Texas beach house

Unfortunately, people are often so happy that they get into the house they want, that they lose sight of the importance of the contract. But this document should not be ignored, as it explains what you are for. It will describe not only your payment schedule but also your responsibility in case of damage or the need for additional cleaning.

Before you take packing services Texas, make sure you understand who pays for:

• Utility bills
• The Internet
• Phone service
• Cable
• Cleaning / Maintenance
• Propane/gas - if there is an open grill

Keep in mind that the costs associated with air conditioning or heating for rent can be significant. So be sure to consider them in your budget if the owner has not yet included them in the rent. You should also be aware of the landlord’s pet and sublease policies. It is important to get a checklist of what goes in the rental price. For example, are lounge chairs and a grill part of the deal? If they are, it can save you money. If not, count this in your budget (or consider negotiating them). As a rule, before signing a rental contract you should consider having a competent lawyer whom you trust. Preferably one that specializes in real estate and knows landlord-tenant laws in Texas. Of course, you must do this if you do not know any aspect of the contract. While lawyers can be expensive, it makes sense to spend a couple of hundred dollars on contract review if it helps you relax and allows you to fully enjoy.

4. You can always negotiate

Almost every price for renting a Texas beach house is negotiable, from the amount of the deposit to the weekly or monthly rent. If the person who rents the house does not want to budge at any of these points, see if they will add an additional day or week at a slightly lower price. If the property is not booked, and you know that, this can be an excellent lever when negotiating.

5. Do not forget the deposit

Beach rentals may require a large advance deposit. Do not forget to take this into account in your budget. Also, be aware of the process of returning your deposit. Understand what conditions must be met so that you can return your deposit. This will help prevent disputes at the end of the lease term.

6. Ask about the housekeeping

At some rental locations, cleaning is done on the last day, and the cost is billed to the person who rents the house. Others may occasionally have cleaners. Find out what the cleaning schedule is and who is responsible for the bill. Also, find out what condition the property should be in order for your full deposit to be returned.

7. Take photos on the first day

To make sure that any existing damage is documented and that you are not accused of what you did not do, take a picture of the property on the day of your arrival. Make sure you have recorded all the problem areas. Do the same on your last day. If a mediator or judge subsequently has a dispute, this documentation may be useful. This may even convince the owner not to take you to court in the first place.

8. Get a contact number

It's great that you received the keys to your beach house and are ready to rest but do not forget to get the phone number of the owner or landlord in case there is a problem, such as a blast pipe or a loss of electricity.

9. Walk around before leaving

Before leaving, take a walk around the room, preferably with the owner or landlord. Make sure that he or she sees no problems with the condition of the property. This can prevent unpleasant surprises or unexpected bills. It can also buy time to solve the problem if there is one.

The essence

Renting a Texas beach house should not be stressful. Careful planning can make your stay more enjoyable and help you book your home at the desired price. With these nine steps, you can make sure that your beach hut does not turn your life into ruins.