Whether this is the first rental experience or the last, you need to find the perfect apartment that is going to fit both your budget and lifestyle, although it is not going to be easy. The good thing is we are here to help you find vacant apartments in your city. Before signing the lease, then you need to consider these 10 tips when apartment hunting.
The Price
This is the most important thing to consider. Can you afford to live here? Before you consider an apartment, look at your budget. do online research so you can know the normal rates for the neighborhood. If you are ready to pay a high price for a given area, then you need to look for ways of cutting back on your expenses. Another option is getting a roommate with who you can share the costs. If you find that the rent of the apartment is way lower than the similar apartments in the area, then it could be a red flag. There might be something wrong with it. it is important to know the market before you start to look for apartments and negotiate the price.
The Quality
Never trust the photos you see online. Before renting the apartment, make sure you have gone and seen it in person. When you visit the apartment, remember that scratches on the wall and broken blinds can be fixed - ideally by the landlord. If there are deeper problems, then it could be a sign that the apartment was not taken care of. When checking out the apartment, make sure you look for health and safety issues like rodents, bugs, water damage, leaky faucets, lead paint, dirty air filters, asbestos, broken heat and ac systems, molds, broken windows, rust, and electrical problems.
The Landlord
The landlord can determine whether you have to go to have a good or bad renting experience. If you end up with a bad landlord – one who doesn’t respect boundaries or has bad ethics – then it is going to end up being a rental nightmare or even end up in a courtroom. If you want to prevent such a thing from happening, then make sure you meet with the landlord of the apartment you are interested in. if not possible, then talk to them over the phone. If you are moving into an apartment with roommates already, then consider asking them about their experience with the landlord.
The Roommates
Before you move into an apartment with strangers, first get to know them. They are also going to be interested in knowing more about you too. Remember you don’t have to be best friends with them, but you need to respect each other. Make sure that your lifestyle match. If they like going to be early and you prefer late-night partying, then things can easily go downhill.
The Neighbors
It is also important to look at the people who are going to live close to you. When you meet potential roommates, make sure you find out their experience with the neighbors. If they start complaining about their roommates, then the best thing to do is RUN. The last thing you want is to deal with inconsiderate neighbors.
The Neighborhood
Before you sign the lease, take a walk around the neighborhood because it is going to help you get a sense of the community.
You get to know the general demographic and age of the neighborhood by spending time in that area. It is also good to learn about the safety record of the area you are interested in.
When looking at the demographic and safety of the area, you should also find out whether there are specific rules that you have to follow. If the rental you are moving to has an HOA, then you should take the time to understand their rules and expectations before you sign the lease. Make sure you find out the specific parking and traffic regulations that have to be followed in that area.
The Lease
Before you sign the lease, it is a good idea to have a lawyer or realtor look over the lease to ensure that it is a standard lease with no surprises and that it is legitimate. Go through the lease and see whether it fits into your needs. If you want to sublet the apartment in the future, is the lease going to allow you to do that? You also need to see if the lease is a 6-month, one year, or month to month. Who is going to take care of maintenance? Are there parking rules to be followed? Is the deposit refundable? The lease is going to answer these questions.
The Pet Policy
Leases usually have a pet policy. If you plan on getting a pet in the future or have one already, then this is a very important detail. Check out if they charge a pet deposit and whether it is refundable. The policy is also going to outline the types of pets allowed and their weight limitations. If you plan on living in a condo building, then you might be allowed to have a cat or a dog of up to 20 pounds.
The Utility Costs
You should always keep the utility costs in mind. You have to pay for some utilities in addition to the monthly rent. The utilities are gas, water, sewer, air conditioning, electricity, garbage, etc. The lease should outline the utilities you are going to cover. There are some utilities that can be included in your rent. If you have any questions about the utilities, then it is a good idea to talk to your landlord before you sign the lease.
The Amenities
You should consider the amenities in the area when choosing a rental apartment. If it is an apartment building, then make sure it has amenities that fit with your lifestyle. Some examples include; do you need extra security or a doorman? Does the building have a gym or is there one close by? Is there a communal garden area for spending time outside? Do you need an elevator? How is the commute? Does the building have a washing machine and dryer? Is there a laundromat close to the apartment? Are there shops or restaurants around? If you are on a tight budget, you might be forced to make some compromises or have to endure a long work commute. Whatever the compromises are, make sure you can live with them before you sign the lease.
