TikTok’s Top 6 Rental Hacks

The 6 Best Rental Hacks, According to TikTok

Beginning Your Rental Journey

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at the idea of renting a new place, you are not alone. Many future renters feel somewhat lost in the process and struggle to know where to start. The good news is, the best hacks have already been found by productive TikTokers who are more than ready to share their knowledge.

Indeed, over the last few years, TikTok has transitioned from a platform for dancing teenagers to a hub of incredibly useful life-hacks for people of all ages. Yet, amongst the seemingly endless flow of information, it can be hard to distinguish worthwhile tips from those that fall flat.

In order to make your rental life much smoother, we’ve collected the six top-rated rental hacks shared on TikTok. These tips will help you navigate every aspect of the process from finding your dream place – all the way to setting up house.

For instance, TikTokers like to use sites such as Apartments.com or Zillow to find potential rentals. They suggest utilizing the advanced search features to narrow down preferences including price range, location, pet policies etc.

– *Always check multiple sources for apartment listings.*
– *Make use of websites’ filters to specify your key requirements.*
– *Set up notifications so you’re alerted when something matching your criteria becomes available.*
– *Check out the area via Google street view before viewing the property.*
– *Watch out for scams: if the rent seems too reasonable to be true, it probably is!*
– *Read reviews of the landlord or management company.*

Negotiating Rent

The thought of negotiating might immediately fill you with anxiety. But don’t worry; with the right strategies and mindset, you can save a substantial amount on your rent. Thanks to experienced renters on TikTok, you’ll learn how to approach this conversation tactfully and confidently.

One popular tip that’s floated around TikTok suggests appealing directly to landlords instead of property agencies for a better chance at successful negotiation. Property owners might be more open to rental rate discussion as they have direct vested interest.

It’s important to remember that everything is negotiable. Even if you can’t decrease the rent, you might be able to negotiate other aspects of your lease, such as the length, fees, utilities or parking costs.

TikTokers recommend doing some investigative work to understand typical rental rates in your chosen area. Gathering this information will provide leverage and reason during your negotiations.

– *Do market research to know the typical rental prices in your chosen area.*
– *Always approach negotiations in a professional and respectful manner.*
– *If lowering rent seems impossible, suggest negotiating other terms of the lease.*
– *Be prepared to compromise—it’s likely both parties will need to give a little.*
– *Use sites like Rentometer to check if the rent is fair compared to similar local properties.*
– *Don’t shy away from negotiating directly with landlords.*

Preparing Your Rental Application

Your rental application is what stands between you and your dream rental. Many potential renters get stumped at this point, unsure of exactly what property managers are looking for. Thankfully, seasoned renters on TikTok share helpful advice to ensure you prepare an application too good to resist.

Many TikTokers encourage having a well-prepared folder of all necessary documents ready even before viewing the property. This step exhibits seriousness about the rental which impresses landlords.

A common piece of advice on TikTok is to write a personalized cover letter detailing why you’d be a great tenant. Sharing responsibilities you’ve held previously or including positive references can go a long way.

– *Have copies of your ID, pay stubs, bank statements, and references ready for submission.*
– *Write a compelling cover letter showcasing why you’re an ideal tenant.*
– *Apply as soon as a listing goes live. In a competitive market, timing can make all the difference.*
– *Include evidence of your responsibility such as proof of steady employment and previous rentals.*
– *Consider automating rental payments – landlords love this!*
– *If you have pets, show that they’re well-behaved and won’t cause damage.*

Inspecting Your Potential Home

Once you’ve submitted your application and it’s been accepted, it’s time to visit your potential new home. During the inspection, it’s important to be thorough to avoid any future issues. Luckily, TikTok provides various tips on what exactly to look for when conducting an apartment tour.

TikTokers advise prospective renters to check everything: open every door, turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, ensure sockets work, test appliances and pay attention to any strange smells or noises.

Even more importantly, many stress the importance of documenting everything on camera – these proof records can protect you from illegitimate charges later on.

– *Check cell service in different areas of the apartment.*
– *Snap photos or videos of any damage prior to moving in.*
– *Try parking your car – see how easy (or not) it is.*
– *Check windows and doors for proper working conditions.*
– *Pay attention to the surrounding neighbourhood, looking out for things like noise levels and cleanliness.*
– *Don’t rush inspections, take your time to thoroughly scrutinize.*

Moving In Hacks

Moving into a new place is both exciting and overwhelming. Despite the excitement, the process can also be incredibly stressful, particularly if you are unprepared. But fear not, TikTok comes to the rescue with practical step-by-step guides to help you navigate this process.

Taking cues from TikTok, simplifying your moving process begins by organizing and purging any unnecessary items. Ask yourself, “Have I used it in the last year?” If not, you probably don’t need it.

Another handy hack suggests using trash bags to cover hanging clothes. Simply pull a bag up from bottom around a group of clothes and cinch at the top near hanger hooks – this keeps all your clothes together and clean during the move.

– *Label moving boxes with what’s inside and which room they belong to.*
– *Using wardrobe boxes for easy transfer of hanging clothes can be super helpful.*
– *Pre-clean the bathroom and kitchen before moving in.*
– *Hold a garage sale or donate unnecessary items to lighten the load.*
– *Pack an essentials box containing everything you’ll need on the first night.*
– *Plan out where furniture will go ahead of time for smoother move-in.*

Setting Up Your New Space

Finally, you’ve moved into your dream rental and are ready to settle in. But how should you kick-start the process? What are some ways to make this space truly feel like home? TikTokers generously offer numerous tips on everything from arranging furniture to decorating walls.

One trendy TikTok tip entails creating a floor plan before moving in. This way, you can anticipate where different furniture pieces would fit best in your new home.

Wall decor is another area where TikTok shines: TikTokers often recommend using removable wall hooks to hang pictures and tapestries without damaging the walls.

– *Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for a temporary yet impactful design element.*
– *Buy multi-functional furniture to maximize small spaces.*
– *Use over-the-door organizers to store items in bathrooms or closets.*
– *Install bright bulbs in areas needing more light.*
– *Arrange your furniture to create distinct areas within an open floor plan.*
– *Decorate with plants – they add life to any room!*

Summary

In summary, navigating rental waters becomes a much simpler task when armed with right strategies. Thanks to the wisdom shared across TikTok, any prospective renter can now embark on their journey with confidence. Happy renting!