Renting a house in New England is not difficult but there are important guidelines that you should follow for a trouble free and enjoyable experience.

1. Always rent from a Licensed Rental Agent. They are acting for the home owner and are on commission from the home owner to rent out their properties.
   
   
2. Depending upon the agreement between the Home Owner and the Rental Agent, the Rental Agent will probably be responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the property. They are there when something goes wrong. If you rent a house privately there may be no one to replace the fridge that has died, the washing machine that has flooded or the cooker that does not work.
   
   
3. The Renter or Tenant will be required to sign a Lease, these are legal documents and they do vary from State to State. (See specimen Lease) They outline the conditions under which the rental is managed.
   
   
4. It is the Rental Agent’s job to make sure the house is clean and reasonably equipped and conforms to local safety standards. BUT when you sign the Lease you are accepting the condition of the building sight unseen.(See specimen Lease).
   If you have any problems ring the agent ASAP.
   
   
5. Towels and linens will generally NOT be included in the agreement.
   
   
6. There are Linen Rental companies, the Rental Agent will usually arrange for linen & towels hire at an additional fee.
   They can usually arrange for cleaners during your stay and at the end of your stay.
   
   
7. In every state except Massachusetts a Room and Meals tax will be charged over and above the stated rent.
   This may not be advertised. In Massachusetts a tax charge may be made according to the status of the accommodation.
   
   
8. Security Deposit and Reservation Fee as outlined on your Lease Agreement: you will have to pay a reservation fee to the agent and you may have to pay either a security deposit or an insurance premium against any damages. This is an additional charge to the rent. The security deposit will be refunded to you, less any charges within 60 days after you have left the house and it covers any damages, extra cleaning that may be needed or failure to dispose of rubbish as outlined in the lease. Any major damage will be extra. Amount of security deposit and terms will vary from agent to agent.
   
   
9. Precautions:
• Is there Safety Glass in windows, doors & screen doors?
• Are there Smoke Alarms, CO alarms & heat detectors?
• Are there adequate instructions on the use of woodburning stoves?
• Are there adequate instructions on the use of unfamiliar kitchen & laundry equipment, hot tub / Jacuzzi & burglar alarms & telephone?
• Are There any Lead paint & asbestos notifications?
• Will there be a guide in the house supplied by the home owner about use of the house, information about disposal of rubbish. (Some locations have a voucher system for the local recycling centre also known as a Transfer Depot and the renter is responsible for taking their rubbish).
• The use of boats, canoes, bikes and other similar items that are made available by the home owner, for use by the renter may require the completion of a Disclaimer Form (See specimen of a Disclaimer Form).
  This removes liability from the owner to the renter.