Comments on: How to Find an Apartment

on 9/27/2006 Apartments can seem tranquil during the working hours in the light of day. Drive by on a Friday or Saturday night and check out the parking lot. Are there people out and about? If so, what are they doing? Is it loud? What is the surrounding neighborhood like on a weekend night? Make sure you would feel safe and comfortable in that environment. Otherwise, you may be in for a shock on your first Friday night in your new home!

on 11/22/2005 Take the lease home with you. Make sure you can comply with the terms before you sign it.

on 11/22/2005 Drive by a prospective apartment after dark, as well as during day time. You'll notice whether there are blinding street lights everywhere, if there are scary dark areas of the parking lot, or if headlights from traffic will bother you. Talk to present tenants, if you encounter any. They'll give you an honest opinion.

on 11/22/2005 Go to a site like http://www.aptratings.com and read reviews by former tenants. It's the only really good way to know what you're in for before you sign a lease.

on 11/22/2005 You should ask to see an apartment on each floor so you will get a good feel for what each will be like. I wish I had done that. If they show you an apartment that is on the top floor but offer you the one on the bottom floor ask to see one on that floor.