Renting in Charlotte

To help you with your short term housing while waiting for your home to sell, I have prepared some rental links for you and some basic renter’s information. Although, as a practice I do not handle rentals, I would be happy to assist you through the process so that your transition is as seamless as possible.

In some ways renting is similar to buying.
You want to make sure you get a good deal for your money without a lot of problems. Although you can't have the place inspected, you can do a basic inspection yourself. This involves looking at the basic structure of the house; checking appliances, water pressure and taste, and determine that everything works. Make sure the toilets flush, there is hot and cold water from all faucets, and the shower works. If any repairs need done, will the landlord supply or reimburse you for the expenses?

If you are renting a house, lawn care may be required. Ask the landlord if they supply the tools you need.

Protect yourself when renting a house
When you move in and out, take pictures of all areas, including walls, floors, stove, refrigerator, cabinets and all fixtures. This way a landlord cannot charge you for problems that you did not create.

Look for areas you like
Drive around the different areas of town and determine which areas you are interested it. Write down the different area names and any information from signs that you see posted for rentals. This will simplify your search when using the resources below. Also note any areas you are not interested in.

Schools important?
If you have children you may want to consider the various school districts around the Charlotte metro area. There are plenty of resources that enable you to do that online. Go online for http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/, where you can learn all about each individual school in the state.

Review the lease, it is a legal document
Always make sure that you read the fine print of any contracts that the landlord wants you to sign. These are legal, binding agreements. Don't sign a contract for a year if you may only be staying for 6 months! Otherwise you will be liable for the additional months anyway even if the landlord indicates that it is ok. They may not be able to re-rent the place which leaves you responsible!

Rental Resources
Although there is no one central source for renters to locate rental property, there are a large variety of sources for rentals in the Charlotte metro and surrounding areas.

Local Newspapers - Printed and Online

  • The Charlotte Observer has a large rental sections.
  • Creative Loafing is a local free paper which provides some listings that are not carried in the other Charlotte papers.
  • Ft. Mill and Weddington also carry their own local paper which offer listings often not found in the large Charlotte paper. Check the local convenience stores for these papers.

Online Rental Resources

Leasing Companies

General Information about Charlotte

If none of these resources has found your perfect rental, try placing your advertisement in one of the local papers. List everything you need and the price you require. This may bring the landlords to you. Also let your friends and local stores that you are looking for a place. Leave your name and number. This can bring excellent results.

Good luck with your search! Please come visit me again.