Hunting for apartments can be a tiring and stressful experience. You have so much to think about and go over during the process. We are here to help make weeding out the wrong apartments easier so you can find the right one. Here are some questions to ask to help you along the way.
Who will live there?
If you are looking at apartments for only yourself, these apartments will be significantly different than the apartments you will look at if you want housing for your family of three or four. The people living in the apartment will help determine the size, location and many other aspects of the apartments you look for. If you have children, you will also want to consider the schools around the apartments, play areas and opportunities for involvement in sports teams or the arts.
How much space do I need?
In conjunction with the people who live in the apartment, you will need to consider how much space you want. If you have a family or want to split costs with roommates, you may decide to look at apartments with two or more bedrooms. If you only want to house yourself, you could probably get away with one bedroom.
How much do I have in my budget?
Look at your finances and decide how much you can afford to spend on rent each month, and then look for apartments within your budget. It is amazing the type of apartments that fall within a certain price range — good quality to poor quality can go for about the same price if you look hard enough. Also plan to pay a deposit, which may or may not be refundable, and be prepared to pay at least your first and possibly your last month’s rent upfront.
What is the lease term?
Some apartments have set lease terms, which are absolute and immovable. If you need to move in or move out at a different time than the lease contract has set, you are out of luck. Other apartments will set lease contracts on more flexible time spans and move in and out dates with you, usually on six-month or 12-month contracts.
Am I allowed to sublet?
If you do have to move before your lease is up, you may want to sublet your apartment. Some people also choose to sublet an extra room to a roommate to help defray costs. Ask if subletting is permissible when you are comparing apartments.
What utilities do I pay?
Even the lowest-priced apartments can end up being budget enemies. If you are required to pay several or all utilities you will need to budget the approximate monthly cost of the utilities into the rent each month to figure what you will be spending each month.
Is it furnished or unfurnished?
If you have built up a household of furniture over a few years, and you move into a furnished apartment, you will have two choices: either live in a cramped and cluttered apartment, or store your furniture somewhere else. If you do not have much furniture of your own, you will appreciate furnished apartments. Look for apartments that fit your furnishing needs.
What amenities come with it?
Will you have the use of a private swimming pool during the summer? What about a workout facility? Is there 24-hour security? If these benefits are important to you and you think you will make use of them, look for apartments that offer special amenities. Be aware, you may have to pay higher rent for these apartments.
Would you recommend renter’s insurance?
YES! Almost all apartments have no way of protecting you if something happens to you or your belongings while you live on their property. Invest in a renter’s insurance policy.
By D. Blair Thompson