Smart Tips for First Time Renters

By Team hovee Rent
August 19, 2025 · 7 min read

Pest infestations in rental properties can be a real headache, not only for tenants but also for owners. These pest problems can quickly turn a comfortable home into a stressful living space. The best part is that, with the right approach, you can manage pest problems effectively and prevent them from coming back. Let’s dive deep into the practice of handling pests in rental properties. 

1) Inspect before Renting : 

Before finalizing a rental property, check carefully for any signs in current and past pest infestations. Here are some of the ideas to look before you rent a home: 

• Check kitchens and bathrooms carefully: Look under sinks, around drains, and inside cabinets for signs of cockroaches, ants, or water leakage.
• Look for droppings or pest trails: Tiny droppings, shed wings, or grease marks along walls may indicate rodent or insect activity.
• Inspect walls, windows, and corners: Cracks, gaps, or damp patches are common entry and breeding points for pests.
• Examine furniture in furnished rentals: In furnished homes, check mattresses, couches, and wooden items for bed bugs or termite damage.
• Smell for musty odors: A strong musty smell can sometimes signal hidden mold or pest infestations in closed areas.

 Don’t hesitate to ask the property owner if the home has had any pest problems in the past or if pest control treatments are done regularly. Prevention often begins even before you move in.

2) Prevention is better than cure : 

The most effective way to deal with pests is to stop them from entering your rental home in the first place. Preventive care not only saves money on pest control services but also spares you the stress of living with infestations. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference:

• Maintain everyday cleanliness: Sweep and mop floors regularly, wipe kitchen counters after cooking, and wash dishes promptly. Even tiny food crumbs can attract ants, cockroaches, and rodents.
• Seal food properly : Avoid leaving leftovers in the open for too long. Store them in an airtight container. 
• Manage waste responsibly: Keep garbage bins covered with lids, dispose of waste frequently, and avoid piling trash near the property.
• Eliminate water sources: Fix leaky taps, clogged drains, or damp corners, as pests like cockroaches and mosquitoes thrive in moist environments
• Mind outdoor areas: If your rental has a balcony, garden, or backyard, ensure plants are well-trimmed and water doesn’t stagnate. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Declutter regularly: Stacks of cardboard boxes, old newspapers, and unused clothes provide perfect hiding spots for pests. Keep what you need and dispose of the rest.

By adopting these preventive measures, you can create an environment that is less appealing to pests. Prevention may seem like an extra effort in day-to-day life, but it's far easier and cheaper than dealing with an infestation later. 

3) Immediate actions on pest sightings : 

Pests can sometimes sneak into your rental property even with preventive measures. Here are some immediate steps to take when you first notice steps : 

      a) Identify Pest : Different pests need different treatments. Use quick remedies like : 

• For ants: block trails with vinegar or lemon spray.
• For cockroaches: use chalk, gel baits, or neem oil as a natural repellent.
• For rodents: set up snap traps or humane traps in suspected entry points.

      b) Check Nearby Areas: If pests are seen in one corner, inspect nearby rooms. 

     c) Act Quickly: One or two insects may not seem alarming, but pests reproduce fast. Acting immediately helps stop the problem before it spreads.

     d) Report your Owner : If pests exist, report them immediately to the owner. An owner who knows early can arrange professional pest control before it becomes severe. 

4) Hire your own pest control if owner drags feet : 

Hiring your own pest control is a proactive step if the owner is slow to respond. It not only restores your living environment quickly but also gives you documented evidence of your efforts if disputes arise later. 

Small issues like ants, cockroaches, or occasional rodents can be treated with one-time pest control services at an affordable rate. Taking early action prevents the infestation from growing into something much bigger and costlier later. Even if you end up covering the expense yourself, think of it as an investment in your own health, hygiene, and peace of mind. Enduring an infestation for months just to save money can cost far more in terms of stress, damaged belongings, and potential medical issues. 

5) Shift if the owner doesn’t co-operate : 

Sometimes, despite repeated complaints, the owner may not take pest issues seriously. Living in a pest infected home will affect your health, peace of mind and overall quality of life. If the owner refuses to provide you a solution, shifting out will be the best option. No rental property is worth compromising your health. Moving to a cleaner and safe pest free home ensures comfort and avoids constant stress. 

Final Thoughts : 

Pests in a rental property can be frustrating for both tenants and owners, but with the right balance of prevention, quick necessary actions, and professional support, they can be managed effectively. 

• Tenants have the responsibility to maintain cleanliness, act quickly when pests appear and report issues promptly with the property owner without delay. 
• Owners do carry the responsibility of maintaining the property pest free and habitable and also responsible for handing over a pest-free property to tenants. 

When both owners and tenants co-operate to clear pests, problems get solved faster, prevent future infestations and ensure the property remains a comfortable place to stay. In the end, a pest free home leads to a healthy and stress free environment for everyone. 

Happy Renting!!!

Interested in exploring our app? 

Visit our website www.hoveerent.com or download the app to get started now. 

More for you to Read : 

• Why Tenants prefer Digital platforms for House Hunting (4 min read)  
• Pros and cons of allowing pets in your rental property (5 min read)
• Furnished vs Unfurnished Homes : Which is better for you? (5 min read) 

By Team hovee Rent
August 18, 2025 · 4 min read 

When it comes to renting a home, one of the first steps tenants face is whether to choose furnished or unfurnished property. While furnished homes offer the ease of moving in without worrying about furniture and appliances, unfurnished homes provide freedom to design and personalize the space your way. Both options have their very own advantages and challenges and the right choice depends on your stay, budget, and priorities. 

Let’s explore it in more detail. 

1) Furnished Homes : 

Furnished homes are becoming increasingly popular among tenants who prefer convenience. These types of homes are popular among students, professionals or families relocating to a new city who don’t want the hassle of buying or transporting furniture. These rentals usually come with beds, sofas, wardrobes, dining sets and even kitchen appliances. 

However, they usually come with a higher monthly rent and may offer less freedom to personalize the space. Also, they have the responsibility of maintaining the owner’s furniture, which may lead to additional charges for damages. 

Why choose Furnished Homes : 

• Immediate Move-in : Furnished homes allow quick move-in since they have everything you need. This is particularly advantageous if you’re relocating for a short-term job or studying in a new city.
• Shifting is hassle free: Shifting to a furnished property is stress-free as it does not require you to pack and unpack the entire furniture. Moreover, it not only saves your time of packing and unpacking but also the cost of hiring movers and packers.
• Flexibility for short-term stays: Furnished homes are often available for short-term leases, making them ideal for temporary relocations, internships, or study abroad programs. 
• Cost savings on furniture: Buying furniture can be expensive. Renting a furnished home eliminates this upfront cost, which can be beneficial if you’re on a tight budget or don’t plan to stay in the long-term rental.
• Convenience: Moving into a furnished home means you don’t have to deal with purchasing, transporting, or assembling furniture. This can be a significant convenience, especially if you have a tight schedule or limited mobility.

Challenges of renting a Furnished Home : 

• Higher rent: Furnished homes typically command higher rent compared to unfurnished ones. The convenience and added amenities come at a premium.
• Limited personalisation: Furnished homes are set up according to the owner’s taste and may not match your style. This limits your ability to customise the space to your preferences. 
• Maintenance considerations: Furnished rentals can command higher rents, but they also come with the risk of wear and tear. Tenants often prefer properties that provide essential appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, without the added complications of full furnishings. This approach helps avoid disputes over damaged furniture and simplifies the rental experience.

2) Unfurnished Homes : 

Unfurnished homes are usually more affordable in terms of monthly rent, making them attractive to tenants for their long stay. Tenants have the freedom to design, furnish, and decorate the space according to their own style and preferences since they don’t come with built-in furniture. For long time renters, this can be more economical in the long run.

 This flexibility makes an unfurnished property feel more like a personal home rather than just a temporary rental. Let's deeply dive into their pros and cons : 

Pros of renting an unfurnished home : 

• Possibility of Rent Negotiation : Owners might be more willing to negotiate the rent for an unfurnished home, especially if you want to sign a longer lease.
• Better for long-term stays: If you plan to stay in one place for an extended period, an unfurnished home allows you to invest in quality furniture that will last.
• Lower rent: Unfurnished properties usually have lower rent compared to furnished ones. This can be a cost-effective option, particularly if you plan to stay for an extended period.  
• Potential for cost savings on rent: Over time, the cost of buying furniture may be offset by the lower rent of an unfurnished home. If you plan to stay for a while, this could be a more economical choice in the long run.

Cons of renting an unfurnished home : 

• Time-consuming process: Selecting, purchasing, and setting up furniture can be a significant undertaking, particularly if you’re starting from scratch. 
• Furniture quality: You might encounter difficulties in finding furniture that matches the space or fits well within the home’s layout.
• Responsibility for maintenance: With your furniture comes the responsibility for its maintenance and upkeep. You’ll need to manage any repairs or replacements yourself.
• Shifting is time consuming:  Moving furniture requires a lot of planning and you need to be extra cautious especially with the breakables. This requires a lot of time for packing and unpacking which makes shifting a daunting task. 

Final Thoughts : 

The choice between furnished and unfurnished homes ultimately comes down to your priorities including lifestyle, budget and stay duration. 

• Furnished homes are ideal for those seeking comfort and move-in solutions
• Unfurnished homes are better suited for those who value affordability and the freedom to create a personalized space. 

At the end of the day, the ‘better’ option is the one that aligns with your current needs and future plans, helping you turn a house into a place that feels like home. 

Interested in exploring our app? 

Visit our website www.hoveerent.com or download the app to get started now. 

More for you to Read : 

• Rental Market Predictions for the next 5 years (5 min read)  
• Pros and cons of allowing pets in your rental property  (5 min read)
• Why Tenants prefer Digital platforms for House Hunting (4 min read) 

By Team hovee Rent
August 18, 2025 · 4 min read 

Traditionally, tenants relied on brokers, newspaper ads to find a rental property. Today, the shift is real, house hunting has gone seriously digital as more and more people opt for online avenues to find their abode of choice, triggering a rising demand for digital portals that help consumers in their search and discovery, a trend that has only gathered momentum post-pandemic. 

Let’s explore why these platforms have become the go-to choice for modern tenants. 

1) Convenience and Time saving search : 

One of the biggest reasons why tenants consider digital platforms is convenience. Tenants can now explore hundreds of verified properties from the comfort of their homes instead of spending hours travelling to different locations or contacting multiple brokers. Here’s how digital platforms save tenants from the hassle of physically visiting multiple properties : 

• Smart filters - Tenants can narrow down choices by location, budget, size, type (apartment, villa, hostel), and amenities.
• Virtual tours - High-quality images and 360° tours allow tenants to evaluate properties before shortlisting.
• Instant contact options - Instead of waiting days for callbacks, tenants can directly connect with owners or managers through the app.
• Reduced dependency on middlemen - Eliminating brokers helps save time and unnecessary commission fees.

This level of convenience is especially important for working professionals, students, and families relocating to new cities who don’t have the luxury of time.

2) Transparency and Better decision making : 

One of the biggest fears in traditional house hunting is the lack of clarity. Digital platforms offer greater transparency compared to traditional methods. Tenants can view detailed property information, compare their prices, check reviews (also ratings in hovee Rent) and even verify owner credentials. This reduces the risk of fraud and builds trust between tenants and owners. 

Digital platforms have solved this by bringing transparency upfront:

• Verified listings -  Many platforms ensure that properties and owners are authenticated, reducing fraud risk.
• Price comparisons - Tenants can compare rent across multiple listings in the same locality. 
• Clear breakdown of costs - Rent, deposits, and maintenance charges are visible upfront, leaving no hidden surprises.
• Ratings and reviews - User feedback adds credibility and helps tenants understand the experience of previous occupants.
• Data-driven insights - Platforms often provide trends about rental demand, pricing fluctuations, and neighborhood details to guide better decisions.

This makes tenants feel more comfortable, as they have all the information needed to negotiate and choose wisely. 

Final Thoughts : 

The popularity of digital platforms in house hunting is no longer an accident, perhaps considering it as a direct response to what modern tenants want : convenience, trustworthiness and transparency. 

As technology continues to evolve, these platforms will not only simplify the rental journey but also transform it into a more personalized, efficient, and reliable experience for tenants. The winners will be the tenants, who gain both convenience and peace of mind. 

Happy Renting !!!

Looking for a place that feels like home? 

Explore verified listings on our website www.hoveerent.com or download the app to get started now. 

More for you to Read : 

• How to choose the right warehouse for your business (6 min read) 
• Pros and cons of allowing pets in your rental property (5 min read) 
• Why Villas are gaining popularity in Urban Outskirts (5 min read)