How to Rent The Perfect Apartment

Renting an apartment can be exciting but choosing the right apartment can be a task. This article will give a few tips on what to look for before you sign a lease you may regret later on.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Phone

1. Have your budget together. Knowing what you can afford for your new apartment and what you can spend on your utilities can help narrow down your search.

2. Begin by asking coworkers, family or friends if they know of anywhere that may be renting. Word of mouth is the best way to find a place. Not only will you get unbiased recommendations but you may just be able to help out someone if there is a referral fee given for recommending you.

3. Check the internet. The best deals are usually online. If you are considering an apartment home through a bigger community, chances are they have a website with virtual tours and real-time pricing. Some of these communities will let you lease entirely online. Some even give you a deal for leasing online. There are many rental websites out there. More people are advertising on the internet versus the newspaper nowadays because of cost. Try searching rental websites such as apartmentguide.com, forrent.com or even craigslist.com.

4. Don't just use the internet. If you are planning on renting from a private owner, do not just communicate with them online. Talk on the phone and get a feel for them. Not only will this person be your landlord but if anything breaks, you will need to communicate with them. You want to deal with a friendly person in this situation.

5. Do your research on sites like apartmentratings.com or apartmentreviews.net and see what renters are saying about your potential new place before you make an appointment to tour it.

6. Check out the exterior of your new place before you decide to tour it.
   Drive by at different hours and make observations. Is there trash overflowing in the dumpster? Is there a lot of suspicious outdoor activity? How's the parking situation? Park your car and walk around and get a feel for the area.

7. Make an appointment for a tour if you feel you are still interested in the apartment. Make sure they give you a tour of the exact apartment you will be moving into. This is very important. A lot of times leasing agents will show you a model of what you will be moving into. Usually this model is well kept and flawless in a perfectly quiet building with lush landscaping and clean hallways. You want to see your exact potential apartment and know exactly what you are getting into and who your potential neighbors will be.

8. Sign your lease. Once you have gone through all of this process and have made a decision on your new apartment, sign your lease and enjoy it! You will be happy knowing you made an informed decision and will not regret it.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research before signing any lease!
• Check on pet policies if you have a pet before renting. Many private owners as well as apartment communities allow them with deposits. Some breeds though are restricted in some places.
• If you have kids or enjoy the quiet-you may want to consider a top floor apartment. Having anybody live above you almost guarantees some type of noise.
• Do not get shown a model of your apartment! Ask to see the exact apartment!

Resources

• Apartment Ratings

[pennynickols]

on 10/2/2009 Thanks for writing, "How to Rent The Perfect Apartment." Your advice is good for finding an apartment that fits your lifestyle.