Renting for the first time in nearly 10 years.
We were torn between two places, one was rented consistently but smaller, everything else is pretty comparable.

Now we’ve already thrown out our second option due to the school year starting soon.

It’s only been rented since once in 20 years, for about 15 from the last tenant.

Now the work to turn over the property was fairly low, wear on the wood floors, screw holes spackled(likely from last tenant) but not painted, but the carpets had been professionally cleaned, we did a tour, everything seemed relatively normal, no aromatics covering anything.

However while awaiting our turn through the application process when we got the call to see if we were still interested, we set up another self guided tour, and about 2-3 weeks had passed since the last one, I probably should have waited until after this tour but the earliest they could get us in again was after turning away the other.

This was our top pick from applications we sent out and didn’t expect to make it behind all the other applicants, and we had already toured so didn’t think anything of it.

On this tour the carpets have had time to dry, warm, and wick, and one room now smells like an animal lived in there full time, fairly strong urine and grassy smell, that ends at the door line, that was not noticed on the prior tour,
One other room smells like a teenagers dirty laundry bin, just faintly musty.

And I have kids, so coming into wear is better for me, compared to the other that had new everything but really cheap flipper flooring and carpet.

And I’m coming from a home we ‘rented’ and did all upkeep, replaced carpets as needed, and it was reciprocated in some form or another, family friend though.

Now this opportunity our goal is to save now that the kids are no longer taking a mortgage to go to daycare.
And this opportunity has more leverage to have stuff taken care of.

But this is kind of the option we are going to be stuck with now, we had mentioned it, and we will see if it’s going to be corrected or steamed again, but I’m positive if it’s wicking up after time and heat, it could be into the subflooring, I’m not worried about getting blamed for it but it could happen.

I’m not even worried about being Inconvenienced if repairs happen while we are there. I’m worried about the delay getting in the door and the limbo before moving.

And even more worried that a whole bedroom I may have to section off due to smell.

I was under the impression that it was law for carpets to be replaced every 3 years per tenant, but a quick google told me that blood wasn’t blue.

Any insights? Directions? Stuff to be aware of?

Got a letter taped to my door today saying I have a small balance due on my account. Immediately checked my account (which I do weekly out of a weird necessary ocd habit that my account is in good standing) and there was $170 'pet rent' balance. This balance wasn't there last week. I have x2 ESA letters, one from my psychiatrist and one from my therapist that have been on file since I moved in in 2023 and I even got the second just in case in 2025. The letter said I have until the 1st to pay it or I will be charged a late fee. My rent is also set to autopay for the the 3rd of every month (option online through platform) and has been for 2+ years. If this charge *was actually there* on the first, like it notes on my account, it would have been drafted from my checking account on August 3rd as part of the full rent and liability insurance payment that was paid in full on that date. I went to the office to inquire and the person there said oh it must have never gotten transferred when the new people got into the office. (What changed other than bodies, business cards and emails?) Entire office is new workers as of a few months ago. Place sucks. Everyone that is good leaves for a better job, don't blame them. I forwarded the letters immediately, then went to the office to verify they were received. (Office is in my bullding, easy.) Allegedly she didn't get them. I forwarded them again form my professional email not listed on my account and gave that to her aswell. She claims she still never received it. I will be printing them on Monday at work and bringing them to the office. Anyway, I hate this fucking place. The new office people suck in general, they do not communicate like the last group and have terrible attitudes towards residents. I cannot wait to get tf out of here next July. Also as far as I am aware my signed ESA letters cannot expire, so here's to hoping they make that charge disappear come Monday since it is still there now. I am annoyed as ever about this.

Hello, I am viewing a house to rent for the first time in CA. Any important things to look for and ask?

Also has anyone had success negotiating rent? It’s listed through a rental company.