How to Find the Best Rental Apartment for Your Needs
It takes time to find the perfect apartment. It is not about the number of bedrooms, or how close it is to your favorite restaurant. It should be a balance of your budget, lifestyle needs, and long-term needs.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time or relocating to a new city, apartment hunting can quickly get overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.
Here’s a guide to help you sort through the stress and find the best rental apartment that works for you.
What Should You Consider While Choosing The Best Rental Apartment?
To find the best rental apartment, you need to consider your needs and desires. If you are already living in a rental apartment, you should consider the things that you want to change. Here are some of the key points that you should consider while choosing a rental apartment.
1. Check Your Finances
Before checking the listings, look at your budget. Calculate what you can afford without sacrificing essentials like food, transport, and savings.
A good rule of thumb is to keep rent at or under 30% to 40% of what you earn in a month. Also, don’t forget to add the:
- Security deposit
- Utilities
- Moving costs
- Internet
- Insurance
You’ll be surprised how quickly these add up. Setting a firm budget for a rental accommodation helps you know what you can afford and how much you should pay.
2. List Your Non-Negotiables
What do you actually need in a home?
There may be some things or features that you’re not willing to negotiate, and most of them vary from person to person. For example, if you have a pet, you would want a place with pet-friendly policies.
Other possible must-haves include:
- Parking space
- A home office corner
- Proximity to public transport
- Laundry in-unit or nearby
If you have kids, you might need to consider school zones. If you work from home, good lighting and quiet surroundings could be your top priorities.
Be honest about what you need daily, and communicate it properly.
3. Research the Neighborhood
Even the best apartment can feel like a bad choice if the area doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
Explore the neighborhood at different times of the day. Check commute times, safety ratings, nearby amenities, and even noise levels. Some questions you can ask are:
- Is there a grocery store within walking distance?
- What’s the traffic like during rush hours?
- Are there any parks or gyms nearby?
You don’t just have to look inside the apartment because your life happens outside of it, too.
4. Take a Thorough Tour
When visiting a place – whether it’s physically or virtually – don’t just focus on the layout. Take your time and check even the little details.
Make sure to look at:
- Lighting
- Water pressure
- Signs of mold, leaks, or bad smells
Also, ask the agent about the neighbors, maintenance response times, and internet access. Don’t be afraid to take photos or notes so you can compare different places.
5. Look Into The Reviews
Well, it is important that you go and check the place physically. However, you should take a look at the reviews on Google. Even though it will not let you know everything you need, you will have an idea about the positives and negatives of the place.
You will know what problems people faced and what the past residents are talking about. Some of the places might seem nice online, but the moment you check the reviews, you might learn that they charge a lot for maintenance and do not even do it properly.
This will give you an idea whether you will be able to live with these issues or if the issues are non-negotiable. Moreover, you can make a decision whether you even want to check the place out physically.
6. Check For Hidden Fees
Not all rental apartments have hidden fees, but some do. These can be tough to deal with. Before you sign the papers, keep a check on these. Get a comprehensive list of any fees that you are paying.
For instance, one of my friends rented an apartment that charges around $60 every month as an amenities fee. In contrast, the current place where she is staying takes an online charge of $20-$40 for using any of the amenities.
Find out these things before you sign the papers, and they put your name on the lease. This can cause you significant trouble in the long run.
7. If You Have Pets, Ensure They Are Allowed
For a cat parent, there are mostly no limitations in terms of breed. However, the scenario is different for dog parents. There are limitations about dog breeds as well. So, before you sign the lease, ensure that your dog breed is allowed in the complex.
The majority of the places don’t allow aggressive dog breeds like pit bulls. So, before you rent an apartment, take this into consideration as well. Check with the management so that you do not face any issues while relocating.
Also, check if the place has any pet limit. Most complexes have a limit of two. However, this can vary for different locations, so you should check it before signing the papers.
If you need to make some arrangements for your pet babies or for their accommodations, check with the agents ahead of time.
Don’t Rush It
It’s tempting to jump on the first apartment that fits your needs. You might even find your dream place on the first few tries, with the right number of bedrooms, lighting, and furnishing – but you might be missing something.
Take your time. It takes time to find the best rental apartment in the area. You can keep your documents ready and with you, so when you do find the one, you can act quickly. But don’t act too quickly without checking everything from both the inside and the outside.
Choosing your new home is no small feat. Move with purpose.
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