Apartments come and go, but as a new renter, what should you know? Location is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s more to seeking a great deal than meets the eye when viewing a new rental property ad. With these seven apartment hunting tips you can save money, time, future frustration and yourself from signing a lemon lease.
Location! Location! Location! Visit your target property at least twice before committing to renting. Balance the pros and cons. Here’s what to look for: kids hanging out, police cars on the scene, fighting, beer bottles, or any red flag sign of trouble. Most rental managers prepare apartments before viewing. Do not lock yourself to a lease of other people’s problems.
Amenities and schools. Perks may attract you, but are they worth it? Free WiFi, maybe. Free clubhouse membership, maybe. Figure out what they would cost if you didn’t have these perks tossed in. Important tip for parents: investigate the new local school before signing. Meet, greet and delete any rental property that is located in an area where the local school has more issues than “The New York Times”.
Locks, blocks, and mail details. Dead bolts anyone? View an area crime report and registered sex offender listing. It all comes back to keeping out anyone you do not want inside of your newly rented apartment. Make sure all doors and windows have sufficient locks and not stick jams only. Also, ask the postal service if there has been any issues with stolen or tampered mail.
