Renting can be pretty daunting, even if you’re single and in your twenties. When the kids come, however, it becomes the Olympics. You need to pay a lot more attention to details that never mattered when you were alone. So, packing with additional knowledge about the matter is a must. Here’s what you should know when renting with kids.

Not Every Rental is Suitable – and That’s Okay

Not every rental comes with child-friendly amenities. Look for faulty locks, low windows, and poorly lighted areas around doors, sidewalks, and roadways. Before signing a lease, be sure the property has been inspected for mold and that functional smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are provided.

Be wary of residences near major roads or highways, and check to see that any pools, hot tubs, or other bodies of water in the area are securely walled off so that children cannot readily reach them.

Look Out For Outlets and Sources of Electricity

Do any of the outlets in the rental unit fall within a crawling child’s reach? If you don’t want to deal with them, ask your landlord to cover them up before you sign the lease, or do it yourself. Kids are naturally curious and will explore everything that piques their interest, even exposed electrical outlets. There is a danger of electrocution if your child crawls up to the outlet and sticks his finger in it.

See the World from Your Child’s Eyes

Taking a child’s perspective on the property by going down on hands and knees may seem strange, but it can be pretty instructive. You may be surprised by the sheer number of options you regularly ignore. See if you can reach:

• outlets
• windows
• doors to high and insecure places

Nice Things Come with Extra Precautions

Being a parent doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have nice things, but you must take certain precautions. Make sure there is a fence around the pool if the rental you’re considering has one. Though this is standard procedure for any homeowner installing a pool, some landlords still live in the past.

Thus, you should look for these safety measures before signing a lease. It’s hardly likely that the landlord would put up a fence around the pool if there isn’t one already, so if the pool doesn’t have one, you should probably keep searching.

Necessities and Nice-to-Haves

Determine what is necessary and what is only a nice-to-have. When looking at different houses, remember that children need a lot of room to play in indoor and outdoor areas. If possible, look for a home with enough closet and drawer room for your kid’s toys, clothing, and essentials. Keep in mind that children are naturally clumsy. So, you should avoid having carpet installed to avoid costly cleaning.

Location is Quite Important

The convenience of being next to a park or a fantastic supermarket in your new neighborhood is terrific, but you must consider other factors. As a parent, your priority should be ensuring your children are safe and secure.

To slow down and be cautious around children, most child-friendly neighborhoods include yellow street signs and speed bumps. When looking for a new home, it’s essential to research the area’s school districts. Also, consider the number of children you have, their ages, and your preferences regarding their education.

Do your Homework on What You Should Know When Renting with Kids

Playgrounds and libraries in the neighborhood are a plus. But you should still do your homework and check them out to ensure they are safe places for your family to spend time. Talking to locals and asking them questions is the best way to acquire a feel for a place, property, or neighborhood before deciding to move there.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask For Help

Being a parent is a rewarding job, but it can be pretty tricky, especially in times of change. It’s important to know when to ask for help and not be afraid to do so. When you’re out apartment hunting, ask your parents or friends to keep an eye on your little ones.

Also, don’t try to do it yourself when it comes time to move. Make sure to look for a reliable team of movers with experience in moving families. Ask them to tell you all the details about the move. For example, if you’re moving from San Francisco to Las Vegas, it’s essential to know all the traits they offer and every bump in the road that might occur.

You Need to Know Your Rights as a Tenant

No landlord may exclude you as a tenant or make you uncomfortable about making baby-proofing modifications because you have a kid. Even though some landlords could object to any alterations you make to the property out of concern for its resale value, they have no right to prevent you from doing so.

Also, ensure they will keep their part about the maintenance because this can be pretty difficult with kids. Many landlords understandably do not allow pets but cannot make the same argument about a kid. If your kid is turned away or evicted due to this cause, you have the right to seek legal recourse as a parent.

Renting with Kids has its Perks

The last thing you should know when renting with kids is that it can also have quite a few benefits. For once, you’ll be able to provide better options for your kids. Also, it will leave an option for an upgrade when you decide to buy. Just make sure to consider all these things, and proceed to enjoy the tenant life with your little ones carefree.