Finding the right apartment that meets both your lifestyle and budget, whether it’s your first or final renting experience, isn’t going to be simple. If you’re ready to choose an apartment, you’re in for a trip that will be both enjoyable and challenging. It’s thrilling because you get to select where you want to live, which is typically associated with positive change, a new beginning, and, without a doubt, a new way of life. It takes a lot of time and effort to gather and analyze all of the information that goes into narrowing down the alternatives to a few locations and then to visit each of the “finalists” before choosing the best apartment to call home.

Taking a step-by-step strategy will make it much simpler to reach the point where you are ready to choose an apartment. There are many apartment communities and leasing alternatives accessible while looking for an apartment. Although having a lot of options is fantastic, choosing which apartment complex is ideal for you may be difficult. How can you figure out how much it will cost you to live there? How do you choose between living in an older or modern building? 

Here’s how to find the ideal apartment for you.

7 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN SEARCHING FOR APARTMENTS

While searching for a new apartment, look for these 7 crucial points in mind before signing that contract.

• BUDGET

To begin, determine how much rent you can truly pay. Most apartment complexes will demand you to earn at least three times the amount of rent, so keep that in mind while you look for a new place to live.

So, are you able to live here on a budget? You should consider your financial situation before seriously considering a new accommodation. Conduct some web research to obtain an idea of the average rental pricing in the area. If you’re prepared to spend a premium fee for a specific place, you’ll need to discover other methods to save money. Alternatively, you might look for roommates to split up the costs. Also, examine if an apartment’s rent is very low compared to other rentals in the area, this might be a significant red flag. Make sure you understand the rental market prior to searching out a new residence and agreeing on a contract.

• THE LOCATION OF THE APARTMENT 

Along with the price, one of the most significant factors to consider while choosing an apartment is the location. When looking for an apartment, keep your lifestyle and needs in mind. Do you want to live in a peaceful suburban location or a city? Consider how distant the apartment complex is from essential locations of interest for you, such as your child’s new school, entertainment alternatives, grocery shops, and so on. Consider sound and noise if you are nearby a highway or loud street. Also consider if you have neighbors on all sides, or are looking at a bottom or top floor option. High floors should factor in extra time to wait for an elevator or take stairs.

Having convenient access to public transit or major highways is crucial to you if you drive to work. If you don’t have a car or don’t drive much, investigate if the apartment complex is within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and public transportation choices such as the subway. By clicking on the automobile symbol on the map, you can calculate the journey time from an apartment to a specified location on Apartments.com. You may even calculate trip time for several modes of transportation, such as driving, taking public transportation, riding a bike, or walking.

• PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Your renter has the authority to make or terminate the rental contract. Having a bad property manager – one with low integrity or a lack of impulse control – might end up in rental misery or, worse, in the courtroom for you. When issues arise that need to be fixed in your apartment, you want a property manger quick to help you fix them. To avoid this, reach your proprietor in person or, at the absolute least, have a phone conversation with him or her. If you’ve already decided to move into a sharing apartment with new roommates, confirm their entire experience with the property management.

• SECURITY

Everyone wants to live in a secure neighborhood, but it’s also necessary to look for safety and security measures. Is there a smoke detector and/or a carbon monoxide detector in the apartment? Is there any fire extinguisher in the kitchen? Are the emergency exits well labeled? Is there adequate illumination outdoors and in common areas, particularly in high-traffic locations such as the parking deck and the mailroom? Although not every apartment will have a security system, you may always ask the property manager or the landlord whether one can be installed.

• APARTMENTS THAT ARE PET-FRIENDLY

Obviously, if you have a pet, you will need to find a property manager or landlord who offers pet-friendly rental apartments. Some landlords will allow this, while others will need you to enquire. They will most likely have limits on pets. Make sure your landlord is aware that you will be living with a pet, what sort of creature it is, and that it complies with their rules. Before signing the lease, be sure you understand any additional pet expenses.

If you don’t already have a pet but want to have one, follow the same processes as someone who already has one. Check to see if the property is pet-friendly, and if so, what sorts of animals are permitted and any additional fees. When it comes time to adopt a pet, preparing early will help you avoid another round of relocation costs.

• NEIGHBOURHOOD

Walk around the neighborhood before signing a lease to get a feel for the area. Spending time in a certain place will allow you to better gauge the neighborhood’s age and demographics. It’s also good to look into the area’s safety history. You should familiarize yourself with your new place before moving in.

Check to see whether the neighborhood has any particular restrictions in regard to demographics and safety. If you’re relocating to a rental with an HOA (Homeowners Association), you’ll need to know their expectations and policies before signing the lease. You should also look into any local traffic or parking laws.

• UTILITY COSTS

Apart from the basic rental amount, keep in mind that there are other costs to consider. You’ll almost certainly have to pay for different utilities in addition to the monthly rent throughout your time there. Water, gas, air conditioning, sewer, cable TV, internet service, parking, garbage, and power are just a few of the services available. Your contract should explicitly state the utilities you are accountable for. The rent could cover some utilities. If you have any concerns regarding who pays for what, consult with your landlord before signing the lease.

HOW TO COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS AND NARROW THEM DOWN

After you’ve looked for apartments, it’s time to compare them. 

First, eliminate any apartment communities that are outside your financial means. Remove any apartment complexes that lack several of your must-have features and do not provide alternatives that would allow you to live happily in the unit.

Next, take unduly negative or good evaluations with a grain of salt. Checking internet reviews might help you pick out any complexes that aren’t well-maintained or managed. Be careful to read many reviews, but focus on the most relevant ones to you. Pay attention to lengthy comments with plenty of information and personal stories that might give you an idea of what it’s like to live there.

After that, start comparing floor layouts and amenities. If two apartment complexes have comparable floor plans, does the one-floor plan have greater storage space or square footage? Perhaps both complexes include a fitness facility, but does one gym have more equipment and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week? 

Ask yourself these kinds of questions and write notes for each town. Make a rating scale checklist to assist you in limiting your options. You may establish numerous categories and use a number scale or star rating system to help you decide what you enjoy most about each community. The apartment communities with the highest ratings will be the first to be toured.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR OUTSIDE THE APARTMENT

While renting new apartments, evaluating the unit’s interior is necessary, but you should also look at various other issues outside of the apartment complex.

Apartment’s Outer space

Is the apartment complex in good condition? Are the flowers, shrubs, and other landscape elements well-kept? Is the complex clear of garbage and waste, particularly in the breezeways and dumpster area? A lack of curb appeal and damaged things might indicate poor property management.

Features of the neighborhood

When relocating to a new location, the neighborhood is a crucial consideration. You should avoid any noise and anything strange or unattractive, such as garbage on the streets.

Parking & amenities

Is it easy to get a parking spot near your apartment? Are there available amenities like a pool, barbeque, and fitness center? Are these upkept well?

The apartment’s residents

The apartment residents should be polite and inviting when they arrive. The property manager should answer any inquiries you have concerning the apartment complex. If the other residents cannot answer your queries, are hesitant to show you the property, or show other negative behavior, this might be a symptom of poor living quality, and you should cross the property off your list. Try to find a apartment with similar aged and lifestyle individuals.

BOTTOM LINE

It’s now time to narrow down your top selections. Take into account all of the aspects above, including pricing, must-have features, location, size, and safety, and reduce your choice down to two or three apartment complexes. To make your final selection, you may construct a list of advantages and negatives for each neighborhood or score each apartment on a points system. If you wish to utilize the points system, each requested luxury is worth one point; each safety element is worth one point, and so on. The apartment with the most points wins. Once you’ve chosen your new dream apartment, start compiling paperwork for your rental application.

Happy renting!