Tips For Tenants: Renting In Clinton

Clinton is a laid-back, diverse and affordable place to live. The average monthly rent in Mississippi was $777 in 2019, compared to an average of $1,097 in the wider US, the Department of Numbers reveals. If you’re planning to rent an apartment or house in Clinton, it’s important to know your legal rights and be mindful of your obligations to make your experience as a tenant a smooth and successful one.

Most landlords are legally obligated to provide liveable rentals, which means including electricity, water and heating, complete weatherproofing, and clean, hygienic, and structurally-safe premises. If your rental is in poor condition, you have the right to take a number of actions whether they be not paying a part of your rent, paying for repairs and taking the cost out of your rent, informing the building inspector (who may make your landlord make repairs), or ending your tenancy without notice. If you do have maintenance issues, let your landlord know as soon as possible to avoid problems worsening and expensive repairs. While it’s common for tenants not to want to bother their landlord, your landlord will likely appreciate your care and concern for their property.

Landlords have the right to restrict or prevent smoking on their properties. As such, no-smoke policies are commonly included in leases or rental agreements. If your lease doesn’t include smoking rules, you’re free to smoke in your rental. However, it’s important to take proper care of the property to avoid smoke damage, which may result in your landlord retaining your security deposit. For example, a HEPA air purifier is an effective way to filter smoke from the air. Although air purifiers can’t get rid of smoke completely, they can trap the small smoke particles and significantly reduce them. Fortunately, these devices are quiet and ideal for constant use. Additionally, indoor plants like money plant and peace lily can help eliminate pollutants from the air: they absorb carbon monoxide and release oxygen to make your rental healthier and fresher. Regularly opening your windows to ventilate and let in fresh air is also helpful.

Your landlord’s property insurance policy doesn’t cover losses that may occur due to theft or damage. Fortunately, renters insurance covers your belongings. It also covers medical expenses for injured guests and legal costs if someone sues after being injured in your rental. If a natural disaster strikes and your rental becomes unliveable, renters insurance also pays for hotel expenses. The cost of renters insurance can vary depending on the policy, ranging from as little as $350 to $50,000 a year. Shop around to find the right policy that suits your needs and budget.

Clinton is one of the best places in Mississippi to live and rent. By knowing your legal rights, avoiding smoke damage, and investing in renters insurance, you can have a great experience here as a tenant.