In the long run, having a home is better than renting a house. But for those who want to move away in a few years, renters are a good one for those who are nervous about today’s downturn in the real estate market, or those who for some reason can’t cross the barriers to home ownership. select.

But if you haven't done this before, renting a house or apartment will bring some unfamiliar questions. In some ways, the ongoing relationship with the landlord makes renting more like getting and maintaining a job than just paying for a product or service.

In some parts of China, too many homes and apartments were built during the real estate bubble a few years ago, and landlords reduced rents and provided incentives such as rent-free for the first month. In other areas, the recession has increased the supply of renters, but without increasing rents, rents have risen.

Of course, choosing a good place is the first step, which is different from buying, because renters usually only promise one or two years. If you want, you can afford a large rent to get close to work, or you can find a cheap place to save money, or choose a community that may not be suitable after you set up a family a few years later. When you want something different, you move.

If you are considering renting a house, what you need to do is:

Know your rights

Before you begin your search, please read the local and state laws regarding the rights of the tenant. There is a wealth of useful information on the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development website.

Know your credit history

Also check your credit history for errors. The history of overdue payments and low FICO scores can scare the landlord.

Watch the role of the show

Despite anti-discrimination laws, landlords can legally reject applicants for a number of reasons, so you need to sell yourself as you apply for a job. Obviously, this means looking like someone who takes care of this place, pays rent on time, and doesn't bother neighbors. But the landlord also likes to feel that the tenant will have good temperament and cooperation in the event of problems - you will not call with a squeaky hinge at 2 am, nor will it make it difficult for maintenance workers to get in.