Renting Tips...

(MORE HELPFUL TIPS - the following tips are taken from "All you need to know about renting in the Cayman Islands, by: K.Horek)

Here you will find some of Kerrys personal renting tips. Kerry personally screens all rentals, tenants and landlords prior to signing up a listing. She is a native Caymanian who knows the Country and can personally assure you of the home and community features of each rental. Additionally she offers tips to help you find a rental and then get settled, together with tips on utility connections and deposits. Kerry strongly advices new residents to the island to connect your electric and water utilities prior to arriving on island. Remember utilities can take a couple of days to connect. Contact her office (345-946-7212 or rentals@candw.ky) and they will advise you on the rates and fees associated with getting you connected.

Tip #1 - Location. Always determine your best location, such as Districts and what Kerry calls "sub-districts". eg: Lower Valley District of Bodden Town, Windsor Park District of George Town, and Mount Pleasant, District of West Bay.

Tip #2 - Location Resources: best sources are the internet (browse local websites), blogs, or local newspapers (caymannetnews.com) or (caycompass.com) or your new employer's HR Dept.

Tip #3 - Price$$. Always confirm the rate quoted is either in CI$ or US$ the most commonly used currencies on the island. Then you can determine how much you want to spend on rent alone.

(Note: most rentals do not rent with utilities included, these are separate and billed on monthly consumption: Electricity/Water&Telephone. Internet and Satelite Dish and Cable TV Services are billed on a flat rate basis depending on type of package purchased.)

Tip #4 - Book your appointment to view your selection of rental properties.

(Note: Island Rental Services can connect the following utilities prior to your arrival, a small fee of CI$200/US$250 to connect: Electricity/Water/Cable and Internet. This fee is in addition to the utility deposit and connection fees. Fees due upon request. Contact us for more details properties@candw.ky)

Tip #5 - Know the neighbourhood. If in doubt you can always ask a friend, co-worker or if new to the island your Agent, local Chamber of Commerce or HR Dept. are all excellent sources.

Tip#6 - Exterior of the property. Ensure that walkways are safe and offers good footing. For exterior stairs check for the sturdiness on each step and also the handrails.
Check for outside lights either for the walkway/stairs or at least one light near to the door of your unit or above the door.
Ensure that all exterior doors have one of the locks be a deadbolt requiring a key.
Check for broken window panes.
Patios and decks with lattice work sidings or partitions to be examined for wear and tear.

Tip #7 - Always check the interior/exterior of the property such as:
Walls - markings. damages (or if in need of a fresh coat of paint) etc.
Water - pressure and colour coming from the pipes (especially the Kitchen) & Bathroom.
Mattress - markings and firmness
Cupboards - bugs, & how clean
All exit doors must have a deadbolt
All windows close properly and can be secured with the locks etc.
The living/dining room furniture, for sturdiness etc.
The Refridgerator and Stove (peek into the oven and mircowave)
The maintenace of the exterior grounds and general upkeep. - Good source a current Tenant, but ask at least two if you can.
Check the location of the sewer, ensure it is not next to your bedroom/kitchen windows (critical if you like fresh air).
Tip #8 - It is safest to use the services of a Rental Agency or Property Manager who list residential/commercial rentals. Why, the properties they list have been fully screened including the Landlords and are therefore recommended by a Manager or Agent as a quality rental. (Note: At Island Rental Services all our properties and owners are screened on an individual basis.)

Tip #9 - Always request a Lease Agreement. Never rent a property without a contract of some kind that outlines the terms and conditions for the use of the rental, and must also include the monthly rate, the security deposits and any terms for same. Read your Lease Agreement/Contract carefully and only commit to the lease if you are clear and concise with all of the terms and conditions. The Lease Agreement/Contract must be signed by the Landlord or their appointed Manager/Agent. The most important part of your contractual agreement is that the Tenant and the Landlord adheres to the terms and conditions and where possible come to an amicable agreement. I personally recommend that if you must vacate your lease agreement prematurely, remember to give the required notice under the terms of your lease to the Landlord, and do so in writing with your reasons together with the date you are vacating. Many Tenants fail to give the proper notice. This also applies to Landlords. Remember the lease agreement is a binding contract between both parties, therefore a breach of same can result in legal action. (Note: You will need a lease agreement/contract to connect most utilities in your name.)

Tip #10 - Never leave your rental property unsecured. By this never leave windows, doors or any other area that can be easily accessed by an intruder. Ignoring this fact is setting yourself up for problems, as you may be liable for the damages resulting from a burgulary as a result of your negligence. Always notify the authorities immediately at 911 if you are the victim of a burgulary and definately your next phone call should be to the Landlord or Property Manager.

Tip #11 - Remember that Electricity/Water/Internet/Cable services are billed monthly to the consumers. Upon receipt you have approximately 2 weeks to settle the current bill before another month of charges is added to the account. If you do not receive your utility bills from your utility provider, Landlord or Property Manager by the 15th of the month, you should contact them immediately, and arrange to make payment to avoid disconnection.

Tip #12 - Schedule your professional cleaning service no later than 10 days prior to vacating the rental unit. This way you are on a strict deadline to ensure that all your personal belongings are packed and ready for moving within this 10 day window. Check with the Landlord for any special cleaning instructions that should be applied when doing the 'check-out cleaning'.

Tip #13 - Write to your Landlord/Property Manager and advise them of any changes in your employment/work permit/school transfers or any other matter that could affect you with fulfilling your lease agreement.

Tip #14 - Begin your hunt for the perfect apartment/condo or house no more than 1 month prior to your arrival/occupany date. Simply because there maybe a much nicer unit at a better price 2 weeks later that you may prefer but you are committed to another listing. Most rentals can be reserved 2 weeks prior to your arrival/occupancy date.

The above book is published locally by Cool Island Books Publishing Co. Ltd.

Island Rental Services and Properties.ky reserves to right to make changes to the above information without further notice.