If you’re choosing the right rental in Midland, MI, this guide will make it simple. Whether you’re eyeing a single-family home for privacy or a duplex for value, we’ll walk you through the real monthly cost (beyond rent), commute and neighborhood fit, tour checklists to spot red flags, and the lease details that matter. Use the quick tables, scoring matrix, and downloadable checklists to compare options side-by-side—so you can pick a place that fits your lifestyle, budget, and timeline without surprises.

1) Set a real monthly budget (not just rent)

Most people budget for rent only. Smart renters add:

• Utilities: gas, electric, water/sewer, trash (ask for typical ranges).
• Internet: confirm providers and posted rates at the exact address.
• Seasonal: lawn/snow if tenant-responsible; furnace filters.
• Renter’s insurance: inexpensive but required by many landlords.
• Buffer: 5–10% of total for surprises.

Budget Example (Line-Item Cost)

Item	Amount (example)
Rent	$1,400
Gas/Electric/Water/Trash	$220
Internet	$60
Renter’s Insurance	$15
Seasonal/Filters	$15
Estimated Total	$1,710
With 4–10% Buffer	$1,780–$1,880

Pro tip: Ask for historic utility averages for this address, not just “typical for the area.”

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2) Map your commute + daily errands

Time your route to work/school at your usual hours. Check access to US-10, grocery/pharmacy, parks, and snow-route rules.

Do this:

• Drive it at your normal time.
• Note parking rules and winter snow routes.
• Watch light/turn patterns that add a “hidden time tax.”

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3) Decide: single-family home vs duplex

Home vs. Duplex (Quick Comparison)

Factor	Single-Family Home	Duplex
Privacy	High	Moderate (shared wall)
Outdoor Space	Larger/private	Smaller/shared
Upkeep	Often tenant handles lawn/snow	Often reduced exterior tasks
Price per Bedroom	Usually higher	Often better value
Noise	Minimal (detached)	Possible through shared walls
Best for	Yard/space priority	Value/convenience priority

Questions to ask yourself:
How much do I value private outdoor space? Am I okay with some shared-wall noise? Who handles exterior upkeep—and cost?

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4) Write your non-negotiables (and stick to them)

Examples: central AC, attached garage, fenced yard, main-floor bedroom, pet-friendly, in-unit laundry, parking spots.

Pro tip: Limit non-negotiables to 5. Everything else becomes “nice to have.”

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5) Check lease length, renewals & notice

• Standard term (often 12 months) + renewal rules
• Early termination: fees or sublet policies
• Rent increases: timing and notice windows
• Move-out notice: set a reminder ~60 days before lease end

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6) Understand fees upfront

• Application fee, security deposit, pet deposit/pet rent
• Utility setup/transfer fees
• Optional add-ons (garage, storage, lawn/snow services)
• First month vs. pro-rated rent if moving mid-month

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7) Tour like an inspector

Test everything you’ll use daily:

• Water: pressure + time to hot (kitchen & baths)
• Toilets: flush strength, tank refills
• Windows/doors: smooth open/close, locking; check drafts
• Outlets: bring a phone charger to spot dead outlets; test GFCI
• HVAC: thermostat response; ask filter size & change schedule
• Basement/utility: signs of moisture, sump pump notes

Quick-Look Red Flags (Callout)

• Persistent moisture smell in basement
• Windows that stick or don’t latch
• Rusted shutoff valves or slow drains
• Scorched/loose outlet plates
• HVAC filter caked with dust
• Fresh paint patches only on one wall (possible cover-up)

Take time-stamped photos/video of concerns and ask for clarification in writing.

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8) Ask about maintenance response & process

• How to submit: online form? portal? phone?
• Typical response: emergency vs. routine
• Entry notice: who enters and when
• Preventive: what you handle (filters, drain screens) vs. landlord

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9) Storage, parking & winter readiness

• Garage/basement/closets: measure bulky items (bikes, strollers)
• Snow parking rules; plug-in access if applicable
• Shovels/salt responsibilities spelled out in the lease

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10) Verify laundry & kitchen essentials

• Laundry: in-unit vs. hookups vs. shared; location matters
• Kitchen: dishwasher, fridge capacity, counter outlets, GFCI reset
• Appliances: test stove/oven cycles if possible

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11) Noise, privacy & layout flow

• Bedrooms away from shared walls?
• Window coverings included?
• Patio orientation, lighting, and usability

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12) Internet & cell coverage

• Confirm available ISPs at the exact address (not just the street).
• Test cell coverage in kitchen, bedrooms, basement.

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13) Pets: approvals that actually get a “yes”

• Breed/weight notes; bring a pet resume (age, training, shots)
• Vet records and prior landlord reference
• Yard expectations (waste pickup, digging repairs)
• Clarify pet rent vs. deposit vs. both

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14) Fine print most renters overlook

• Guests/overnights; maximum consecutive days
• Paint/wall-mounting TVs & damage standards
• Lawn care, leaf pickup, gutter cleaning, snow removal
• Filter change cadence; battery replacements (smoke/CO)

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15) Do a move-in condition report within 48 hours

• Use a room-by-room checklist
• Take photos/video (time-stamped), especially floors, walls, appliances
• Submit to management and keep a copy—this protects your deposit

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Copy/Paste Comparison Worksheet (Template)

Address:
Monthly Rent:
Utilities (avg): Gas __ / Electric __ / Water/Trash __
Internet provider & rate:
Bedrooms/Baths/SF:
Laundry: In-unit / Hookup / Shared
Parking: Spots __ / Garage?
Storage: Basement/Closets/Garage
Commute (peak): Work __ min / School __ min
Pet policy & fees:
Lease term & renewals:
Maintenance process:
Notes (pros/cons):

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FAQs

How fast is the application process?
Approvals are typically a few business days after we receive a complete application with documents.

What should I bring to a showing?
Photo ID, proof of income, and your must-have list + questions.

Do you allow co-signers?
Often, yes—requirements vary. Include co-signer info with your application.

Are utilities included?
Usually not; any inclusions are noted on the listing and during the tour.

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Renter Scoring Matrix (Copy/Paste Table)

How to use: score each place 1–5 per factor (higher = better). Multiply by weight, then total.

Factor	Weight	Place A	Score × Weight	Place B	Score × Weight	Place C	Score × Weight
Total Monthly Cost (after buffer)	3
Commute & Errands	2
Layout Fit (beds/baths/flow)	2
Condition (repairs, drafts, windows)	2
Maintenance Responsiveness	2
Storage & Parking	1
Internet Options & Cell Coverage	1
Pet Fit (rules/fees/yard)	1
Weighted Total

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Myths vs Facts (Quick Answers)

Myth: “The advertised rent is my full monthly cost.”
Fact: Real cost includes utilities, internet, renter’s insurance, and a 5–10% buffer.

Myth: “Duplexes are always noisy.”
Fact: Noise varies by layout/build; many duplexes offset bedrooms and reduce sound transfer.

Myth: “I can use my deposit as last month’s rent.”
Fact: Security deposits aren’t rent; they cover damage/cleaning per your lease.

Myth: “Any pet is fine if I pay a fee.”
Fact: Approvals may have breed/weight limits plus ongoing pet rent or deposits.

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Ready-to-Use Scripts (Showings & Follow-ups)

Email to request a showing
Subject: Showing Request – 123 Maple St
Hi Midland Rentals Team,
I’m interested in touring 123 Maple St. I can come Wed 5–7pm or Sat 10am–noon.
Household: 2 adults + one small dog (10 lbs; records available).
We have income verification ready and can apply same day.
Thanks!
– Name, Phone

Text follow-up after a tour
“Hi, thanks for today’s tour at 123 Maple. Quick Qs: average winter gas bill, filter size/schedule, and typical non-emergency maintenance response time? We’re ready to apply.”

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Move-In Timeline (Week-by-Week)

4 weeks before: Confirm lease start, schedule utilities, review any pet addendum.
2 weeks before: Submit renter’s insurance, set internet install, measure key spaces.
1 week before: Confirm key pickup, photograph hard-to-reach areas, buy filters/batteries.
Move-in day: Complete condition report before unloading; test GFCI and smoke/CO.
Within 48 hours: Email the condition report + photo links; submit any urgent fixes.

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Red-Flags Photo Guide (What to Look For)

• Sill/trim bubbling → potential moisture intrusion
• Dark “smudges” near vents → neglected filters/duct dust
• Efflorescence lines on basement walls → past moisture
• Painted-over outlet plates/switches → rushed turnover
• Persistent condensation on single-pane windows → heat loss risk

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Quick Glossary

• GFCI: Safety outlet that trips/resets near water (kitchen/bath/laundry).
• Pro-rated rent: Partial month charge based on move-in date.
• Pet resume: One-page summary of pet behavior, training, vet records, references.
• Normal wear vs. damage: Expected aging vs. chargeable issues per lease standards.
• SLA: Typical maintenance response window for emergencies vs. routine.

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Home vs. Duplex Scenarios (Examples)

Scenario A: WFH designer + dog
Likely fit: Single-family home (yard + quiet office).
Watchouts: Lawn care, higher heating. Must-haves: fenced yard, strong internet, office space.

Scenario B: Two roommates saving for a house
Likely fit: Duplex (value per bedroom).
Must-haves: similar bedroom sizes, two parking spots, shared-wall sound check.

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Accessibility & Safety Mini-Checklist

• Step-free entry or handrails where needed
• Exterior lighting at entries/parking
• Smoke/CO detectors present and tested
• Bedroom egress windows open/close properly
• Clear paths for strollers/mobility devices

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Download the Free Renter Tools (Excel)

Use our printable, fill-in sheets to compare places, tour like a pro, and document move-in condition:

• Comparison Worksheet
• Tour Checklist
• Move-In Condition Report

Download the Midland Rental Checklists (Excel)

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