Investigate your community's neighborhoods to find suitable single-family homes for rent. Many owners advertise rental properties with nothing more than a "for rent" sign. They want to attract local people to their home rental. In a small community, renters with a history of paying their landlord on time have many opportunities to rent single-family homes. Identify properties yourself when living in the community. Also use online resources to find rentals. Time spent investigating may produce substantial savings.

Determine your requirements for a single-family home rental. Rent month to month if signing a year's lease does not suit your needs. In college communities, winter rentals matching the school calendar can mean reduced rates. Because owners want to obtain tax and cash flow benefits, your landlord does not want a vacant property. This strategy may save significant housing dollars. In resort and summer communities, look for opportunities to rent a house at affordable rates. Commuting an extra distance to work while living in a seaside cottage may be an appealing, and inexpensive, option.

Review your credit report prior to renting a house. Your landlord will probably ask for a copy of the report. If your credit history needs cleaning up, notify the credit bureaus of any errors. Inform your prospective landlord upfront about any credit report problems. A recent divorce or major life events should be explained. Your landlord will appreciate your honesty and may be more inclined to offer the lease.

Relay your requirements to a prospective landlord. Make sure your landlord knows about any pets before you move in. She may require a pet deposit against future damage. If your landlord does not want pets in the house, bringing a pet into the house without disclosure could void the lease.

Tally costs associated with renting a house prior to signing a lease. In cold climates or warm environments, energy costs may add substantially to the rental costs. Ask your landlord for utility records. Yard work, snow plowing, pest control, garbage collection and water bills add up. Eager landlords may be willing to pick up some of the costs. Negotiate any possible savings upfront.

Most rentals require a first and last month's rent, plus a security deposit. In some states, the costs are only the first month's rent and the security deposit.