Moving is almost always both an exciting and overwhelming experience. When looking for an apartment to live in, it is helpful to be open-minded but also have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for. Your search must be thorough and well thought out to help you find a space that meets your needs. Here are some tips for a successful apartment hunting process.
Know your Budget
To know where to start, it is best that you know what you are comfortable spending. You will want to find a unit that checks off your must-haves, but if your search does not bring up anything appealing, you may find yourself upping your price range higher and higher. Figure out your budget that you will not bend on. Keep in mind you will need to account for the cost of utilities as well.
Consider how much you can afford for rent, utilities, and parking in an average month. Will you also need to cover the costs of storage or any other apartment amenities? Also, factor in the seasonal expenses for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Note that you will also need to put down a security deposit, first month’s rent, and last month’s rent. You will likely need to give a pet deposit and possibly pay pet rent every month if you have a pet.
Stick to your Non-Negotiables
What are you not willing to live without? The hunt will go much smoother if you know what you’re looking for. Not all of these may be important to you, but here are some considerations:
- Square footage
- Number of rooms or bedrooms
- Pet policies
- Access to outdoor space
- Access to common areas
- Natural light
- Closet space
- Tub
- Storage space
- Dishwasher
- Gas stove
- Ample cabinet space
- Up-to-date appliances
- An elevator
- Laundry within the unit or the building
- Air conditioning
- Parking
First, decide what your needs are as that will greatly vary from person to person, then stick to your non-negotiables (as long as they align with your budget).
Consider the Neighborhood
It really all comes down to location. One of the most important factors is your regular commutes and if it is worth it. Decide what your most desirable neighborhoods are and go from there. You must be in a location that suits your lifestyle. Familiarize yourself with a few neighborhoods in your target area and then use process of elimination by considering:
- Distance to work
- Safety
- Nearby parks, restaurants, and other attractions
- Grocery stores
- Public transportation
Be Prepared with Questions
Some units may seem great at first, but it’s important that you speak with the landlord or apartment manager regarding apartment and lease details. Use all the information you can to compare it to other apartments and find the strengths and weaknesses of each listing.
Inquire upon:
- Which utilities are included in the cost of the lease
- The average cost of utilities (heat, A/C, water, Internet, and trash)
- Pet policy and pet deposit (if applicable)
- Parking (if and how many spaces come with the unit as well as other availability specifications)
- Access to common spaces
- The type of available lease options
Make sure to find the flexibility and security that you’re looking for. For example, are you looking for a one-year, two-year, or flexible lease? Some places allow as little as a 30-day notice.
Be Observant
As you’re visiting apartments, take your time to examine the place, and you may even want to take photos to remember if anything should be fixed before moving in. Pay attention to:
- Water pressure
- Presence of mold
- Tile that needs caulking
- Missing light bulbs
- Sticky locks
- Heater placement
- Lighting
It is also smart to make visits at different times of day to get a better picture of the full experience of living there, such as a variation of the building’s noise level or how it feels to be in the neighborhood at night.
Gather Application Materials
Once you find the one, you’ll need to gather your application materials to provide to the landlord or rental company. These documents will likely include and are not limited to:
- Prior year’s tax returns
- Receipts for rent payments from the past year
- Passport or proof of identity
- Three most recent pay stubs
- Three most recent bank statements
- Proof of monthly income from your employer
- References from past landlords
It could be helpful to have these documents prepared already so that you have a better chance of securing the unit you love.
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