Finding A Safe Rental Home For Your Family
By Shannon Hall
Fall 2003
Moving to a new area is nothing new to the military family. We do this dance often. Military families are well versed on how to make just about any place feel like home.
However, with the recent push to renovate government housing, many families accustomed to living in government quarters may find themselves searching for a residence in the civilian community. Save yourself some heartache and stress by looking at more than the white picket fence. You want to be certain you have found the right place before you sign the lease.
Don't take your future landlord's word on the safety of the neighborhood. The landlord is trying to make money and may not be forthcoming with the entire truth. Instead, visit the property you are interested in at different times of the day. This will tell you a lot about whether it is the kind of neighborhood you want to live in. If all is quiet at 11:00 AM, visit again 12 hours later and check for changes. Music blaring, people loitering, police investigating, or any number of things may be undesirable.
If you are lucky enough to speak with the tenant moving out, then by all means take the time to ask all the questions you can. Keep in mind that some departing tenants may be bitter if they're being evicted or having problems with the landlord. If the person moving out is not available or the unit is unoccupied, try speaking with a potential neighbor. Someone in the area is usually willing to say hello and answer questions.
Consider calling or visiting the police department in the home's jurisdiction. Many departments keep statistics on crimes in certain areas as a public record. You'll be able to see for yourself what kind of crimes have been reported around your potential home.
For families with school-age children, finding a neighborhood you like may not be your only concern. In many towns, the quality of the local schools may vary considerably. You may save you and your child some frustration by checking out the schools in the area first and then trying to find a residence in the school district you prefer.
Many states now maintain online listings of all sex offenders in the state and offer searches by zip code and/or street address. In just a few minutes, you can see if anyone in your new area is listed and often find out what convictions they have.
Although no amount of research on your part will ensure you find the perfect home or the most considerate neighbors, take some time to investigate your biggest concerns.
# # #
Shannon Hall is an Army wife and editor of Military Spouse Headquarters, a website for military members and their families.
Related articles:
The Case For Owning A Home Now: Home Buying Tips for Military Families
Military Real Estate Investment: Prep Your Home For A Profitable Sale
Military Housing and Relocation: Ten Steps To Clearing Quarters On The First Try
Military Family Relocation: Furnish and Decorate Your Home The Military Way
