Fortunately, Rentola can remove some of the stress from your move abroad by offering a selection of high-class rentals and putting you straight in touch with reliable landlords. However, there is more you need to be aware of when moving overseas.

This guide helps you know what to do and what not to do when renting abroad.

Begin to Search from Home

It's an excellent idea to get the lay of the land wherever you're moving to by looking at local online property listings.

This will give you an idea of the kind of apartments and condos generally available on the market and, crucially, rental prices. The benefits of looking ahead and researching before you fly out are knowing how far your budget will go and what sort of properties you can realistically hunt for.

In addition, knowing the going rates for different apartments will stop you from being taken for a ride and paying over the odds from unscrupulous agents at your destination.

Remember, though, that the property market is likely to be as fast-moving abroad as it is at home, so actual properties you see online may not be available when you arrive. However, making contacts in person when you arrive abroad may lead to picking up a bargain on a newly available apartment before it's listed online.

Try Before you Rent

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to put down a deposit or sign a tenancy agreement without seeing the apartment first-hand. While the temptation to do so when you've found what looks like your dream condo online is vast, the old saying “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is” holds fast.

This may cause further expense by staying in a hotel while you view properties in person. However, you'll want peace of mind that what you think you're renting is actually what you'll get. It also allows you to scope out the surrounding neighborhood and determine whether you're likely to be disturbed by loud music or heavy traffic at night.

Look at Holiday Rentals

Renting in a particular neighborhood or locale isn't always easy. Resorts and tourist areas are awash with holiday lets, making finding a long-term rental difficult. Don't be put off by the short-term nature of the holiday rental market and take the opportunity to offer to stay in a holiday home long-term.

Many of the quality holiday lets on Rentola have the flexibility of being available for long-term rental, and the site allows you to contact the landlord direct. Many owners will be amenable to renting to a long-term tenant as offering a long-term guaranteed monthly income over an extended period plays into their hands.

Scrutinize the Lease

Once you've signed the lease agreement, you are legally bound by its contents. What is covered differs from country to country, so ensure you understand precisely what you're signing up for.

Ensure you understand who is responsible for maintenance and any charges for early termination of the lease. It also pays to understand the notice period for ending the tenancy.

Before signing, also thoroughly check the property for signs of damage or wear and tear and see if they are documented in the agreement. Review the inventory for a fully-furnished property and ensure everything is in the apartment before you take on the tenancy. If something is missing or damaged, take a photo before you sign to make sure you're not going to be held liable.

If you're moving to a country where the lease is in a foreign language, get someone reliable to review and translate the document in full for you. The last thing you want is to encounter nasty and unexpected surprises.

Get the Right Documentation

You must supply certain documentation to help landlords assess your financial viability. You will not have a credit history in your destination and need reassurance that you will be able to pay the rent on time.

Requirements differ from country to country, with US landlords running a credit check on prospective tenants, France requiring proof of income, and in some countries, a letter of recommendation from a local.

Make sure you know in advance what documentation you need to supply and ensure you have it with you when you travel if you haven't been able to submit it in advance.

Don't be Afraid to Negotiate

Being a long-term renter makes you an attractive prospect for property owners. Although their properties come with a list price, many are flexible on price if they know there is a guaranteed monthly income on the table for the next 12 months.

Don't be afraid to ask for a break in the monthly rent before signing the lease or asking if there's any room for movement on the monthly price. You'd be surprised at how flexible landlords are. You won't be losing out if they refuse your request, so it's a no-lose situation.

Understand Deposit Requirements

You won't be able to land your dream apartment overseas without having to lay down some level of deposit.

Requirements differ from country to country. One month's rent in advance is generally the standard across the board, but in some countries, such as Uruguay, you may be asked to put down between three and five months' rent as a deposit.

Make sure you understand this requirement early in the process to allow for it in your budget.

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