Finding an apartment for rent always seems like a daunting task. Whether you are moving out on your own for the first time or relocating to a new place, apartment hunting can be overwhelming. With good counsel, however, you can identify an ideal apartment in a quick, cost-effective way.
Here are 5 simple tips to help you find the perfect apartment.
- Consider What You Can Afford
Before embarking on the actual search, you will need to determine what you can afford. A general recommendation is that your monthly rent should not exceed 30% of your month’s salary. Draw your budget keeping in mind all the utilities that you will need to pay for.
Don’t forget to incorporate all the other additional costs. This includes moving fees, furnishing and decorating costs and in some instances, special fittings such as storage accessories.
By determining how much you can afford, you will save yourself the displeasure of finding a beautiful apartment that is out of your range.
- Identify The Features You Are Looking For
Start by preparing a checklist of all the salient features that you need in an apartment. Remember, planning is the key to finding that apartment you’ve been dreaming of.
Take into consideration if you need a furnished or unfurnished apartment. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage facilities are also very important features.
Consider the floor design, the window size and the space around the apartment. Also, consider the parking options and accessibility to a backyard if you love the outdoors.
- Choose Your Preferred Area
Identify where you spend most of your time. That would be a good place to find an apartment. Walk around the area and identify beautiful and affordable apartments that are available. Check the proximity of important amenities such as schools, supermarkets, and medical facilities.
Get to know what type of crime happens in that area. Identify a building that has 24h hour security. Visit in the apartment in the evening and talk to the residents get to know how they feel about the security. If people keep moving out of the place, it’s probably not a good apartment.
- Gather Your Down Payment
In most instances, the landlord will require a down payment. This includes the first month’s rent and a security deposit. Therefore ensure that you have the money ready in your bank account.
The security deposit is refundable at the end of the lease and occasionally, the landlord might let you pay it over a couple of months. Remember to incorporate other fees such as agent or broker fees. Don’t pay for anything before you see the apartment.
- Read The Lease Over Before Signing
Before signing the lease, you will need to know how long you will be staying in the apartment. If you do not know how long you intend to stay there, consider signing a periodic lease. That way you will avoid the unnecessary stress of being tied down to a contract when you need to relocate. Remember, breaking your lease could result in you losing your deposit.
Another aspect to look at before signing the lease, are the rental terms set by the landlord. Understand the factors that can lead to eviction from the apartment. Issues such as nonpayment of rent, property destruction and behavior issues such as night parties are generally unacceptable in most places.
Summary
With these 5 tips, you will be on your way to identifying the perfect apartments to rent
Speak Your Mind