Posted July 22, 2021 | by Raina Leibel
6 Things You Need to Know Before Renting an Apartment
Searching for an apartment to rent is really exciting but it can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, so we made this list to help you with your search! Keep reading for the top 6 things you need to consider while searching for an apartment.
1. Budget
Arguably the most important step of all is determining a suitable budget for your next apartment. Determine how much you can spend each month on rent and adjust your search based on that amount. If you'd like to calculate what your rental budget should be, you can use this Zumper Rent Calculator to help you: https://www.zumper.com/rent-calculator
2. Lease Term
Being transparent with your landlord about how long you are planning on staying in your next apartment is very important in preventing unexpected lease penalties, and it also provides your landlord a heads up to find a suitable tenant to take over the apartment. To accommodate a shorter lease term, your landlord may charge you a premium (a monthly charge on top of your base rent), however by being transparent about how long you intend on staying, you can typically expect your landlord to give you a positive reference if you move onto another rental!
3. Pet-friendly
This is a no-brainer if you have a furry family member! Pet-friendly apartments accommodate your pet's needs and often include grassy areas, dog runs, and areas to dispose of your pets' waste. Although pet-friendly apartments may charge you a pet deposit or pet rent, it's important for your landlord and maintenance staff to know about the pets in your suite for their safety and your pets'.
4. Utilities
Make sure to ask what utilities are included in the rent and which ones you would be responsible for. Ask your leasing agent or landlord what the estimated monthly cost for the remaining utilities would be in your unit and build this into your budget!
5. Location
Location matters! Make sure to scope out the area you're thinking about renting in to ensure it's walking distance or a short drive away from everything you may need, including grocery stores, walking trails, clinics, schools, and more. It's also important to see if there are bus stops nearby, and how long your commute to school or work will be from the new place.
6. On-site Amenities
Does the rent include access to special spaces as a resident, such as clubhouses, pools, and resident fitness centers? Having access to these extra amenities as a perk is not only convenient but can also be a fun activity for your friends and family that come to visit!
Most important of all, don't be afraid to ask questions! Be honest with your landlord or leasing agent with what you're looking for, and if they don't offer what you have in mind, they might be able to steer you in the right direction or accommodate your needs on an individual basis.
Happy apartment hunting!
Until next time,
Deveraux Apartment Communities