Moving with kids isn’t easy, especially when you’re renting and have to abide by strict rules that include an official quiet time. Breaking the terms of your lease can result in eviction and losing some (or all) of your security deposit. With a growing number of lease disputes around property damage and noise, it’s more important than ever to find a kid-friendly rental.
This article will provide tips for finding your ideal spot and avoiding losing your deposit.
1. Move to an area that will keep your child engaged
Bored kids destroy things and create excessive wear and tear. When kids don’t have anything to stimulate their minds and keep them busy, they’re more likely to damage random areas of the house, like the walls and carpets. A lively neighborhood with something for your kids to do will stop boredom before it turns into damage. For example, research shows that living near the beach encourages families to be more physically active and enjoy nature together. An apartment that’s just a short drive from the beach can get kids to spend less time bouncing off the walls.
Another benefit is having local kid-friendly activities. Fresh air isn’t enough. You need social settings, parades, museums, and community events. For example, families who live at Casa Marti in Ybor City are just 10 minutes away from the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival and close to several kid-friendly attractions, like museums, parks, and Old McMicky’s Farm. Even getting out a few times a week can make a huge difference.
2. Pay attention to the quality of the walls
Thinner walls mean more complaints from neighbors when your kids giggle or run around. Unfortunately, noise complaints can cost you your lease. While quiet hours need to be respected, excessive noise during the day can also be a lease violation. If you live in a unit with thin walls, even watching a movie at midnight can disturb your neighbors.
First, make sure you understand your apartment’s pre-set quiet hours. From there, create a plan to enforce peace and quiet during those hours to ensure you don’t disturb your neighbors. For example, if quiet time begins at 8:00 pm, help your kids wind down long before. If you watch a movie, keep the volume low and don’t rile up your kids by being playful. Try to get your kids in bed early so they aren’t running around the house full steam.
To go one step further, invest in some high-quality acoustic foam for your walls. It will absorb the sound from high-frequency noises a bit, but they won’t block footsteps and other low-frequencies. Filling a bookshelf full of books can help block sound, too. And if you have the budget, consider soundproofing with rugs and acoustic panels.
3. Be aware of hidden lease traps
When you have kids, it’s only natural to host sleepovers, but apartments often have overnight guest limitations. There’s also a chance you’ll be limited to only a couple of guests at the pool. That means if you host a birthday party or sleepover, you might not be able to use the pool or have all your child’s friends over at once. Check your lease before hosting a sleepover. If the lease is vague, ask for permission in writing before inviting people over.
Another potential lease trap is a rule that prohibits leaving bikes in hallways or common spaces. If your kids are used to ditching their bikes under the stairs before heading inside, this might be a lease violation. However, if you see a bike or scooter under just about every stairwell, even if it is against the lease, management might not enforce the rule. However, always check first and be cautious about risking a violation.
4. Protect yourself from the start
Losing some of your security deposit to pay for damage you or your child caused is understandable. However, it’s crucial to protect yourself against damage you didn’t cause. The minute you move into a new place, take detailed photos of every flaw you notice. Even if it counts as wear and tear from the previous tenant, some landlords will deduct random fees from your deposit for those issues, even if it’s not legal. By taking photos when you move in, you’ll have all the proof you need to challenge unfair deductions.
Secure the return of your full deposit
Vibrant neighborhoods with kid-friendly activities can prevent boredom and even lessen the frustration that leads to destruction. Keep your kids busy with fun activities that stimulate their mind and document the condition of your space down to the detail. It might make the difference between getting a full refund and losing some of your deposit.