How to Pick Your New Apartment

This article will guide you in the right direction when choosing a new apartment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Utilize online resources. Rent.com and craigslist are great starting points.

2. Obtain an apartment guide for your city. I personally found one at Sears. Other stores to locate one include convenient stores, furniture stores, etc. The photos of the apartments in the books will often make the residence look nicer than in real life, which brings us to the next step.

3. Visit the apartments. While speaking with a resident manager, ask a lot of questions. A question the apartment manager is not allowed to answer is: What are the demographics of the apartment complex? Instead, a good question to ask is: What remodeling and construction projects are underway for the apartments? When visiting the apartments, make a slow drive or walk around the entire complex.

4. Pets. If you have a dog or cat, asking if the apartments allow animals is a must. Most apartments allow animals under 25 pounds. If you have a big dog, you may have to search around. Many apartments that allow animals have breed restrictions. Also, check how much the pet deposit will cost. To have a ballpark figure, most pet deposits range from $200- $600. Many times, half of the amount is refundable depending on the damage to the apartment after moving out.

5. Discover the deal. The apartment complex may have a special on 3rd floor apartments because there are more vacancies for 3rd floor apartments. Also, do not be surprised if larger apartments are less expensive than smaller apartments. This is possible because before the smaller apartments were less expensive, and because of the price, filled up. Now, the larger apartments are less expensive due to current vacancies. Try to find an apartment complex where you know you are getting a great deal.

6. Know the bills beyond your flat rate rent. Examples include electricity, gas, water, garbage, and pet monthly. Realize that your apartment may not have all of the bills noted in the example. For example, gas is not relevant for new apartments and many places do not charge monthly pet bills. Apartments do these bills completely different. Some may combine two bills such as water and trash for a flat rate. Others may have all variable bills. Most apartments require you to find electricity through an electric company, which can make it difficult to estimate the price of electricity per month before moving in. Also, many apartments provide basic cable for you but few provide internet for you. Make sure to ask about these bills because it is very important.

7. Security. Are the apartments gated? Is there at least one officer on-site or living in the apartments?

8. Location. The main question here is: Does the apartment meet your current needs.

9. Apartment features. Crown molding? Stainless steel appliances? Square footage? Walk-in closet(s)? Patio? Hardwood floors? Washer and dryer included? Refrigerator included? Covered parking? If washer and dryers are not included, ask about community laundry rooms within the apartment complex.

10. Amenities. Tanning room? Gym? Cleaners? Swimming pools, how many? Spa? Volleyball courts? Business room with computers, internet, and printers? Theater room? On-site maintenance?

11. Do not forget about the move-in deposit. Applications fees, administration fees, deposits, etc. Many times, move-in fees can be reduced if you have good credit. This section really varies by apartment. Sometimes, apartments will give you one month free, or the first two months half off to combat the deposit expenses of moving in initially.

12. Take the initial tour of an apartment but make sure to see your exact apartment before moving in. Seeing your specific apartment can result in negotiation factors. For instance, the carpet was not in the condition the apartment manager described to you, so you ask for new carpet before moving in.

13. Residents with kids. Check the local public schools. Also, locate hospitals, prescription drug stores, police stations, etc.

14. Read the lease or have your lawyer read the lease before signing it. After signing, make a copy for your records.

15. Most importantly, enjoy your new apartment and take care of it!

[majesticdevotio]

on 12/9/2009 Seems like you covered everything and more.

[mizzshady]

on 12/1/2009 Pick Your New Apartment is great advice.. recommened you and gave you a five...

[bahr94]

on 11/29/2009 This is great, I am looking at apartments as I leave this comment. (lol) 5 stars & recommendation.

[vikki9]

on 11/23/2009 A thorough list of considerations when apartment hunting. Thank you.

[artistephoto]

on 11/13/2009 Very thorough article! I would add that it's important to check your neighborhood for sexual predators (http://www.familywatchdog.us/). 5* and recommend! Thanks!