The article " 8 Tips for Renting the Right Apartment" is about family, it has been created by dan the roommate man.
So, you're saerching for an apartment to rent or share with a
roommate.
Wehther you're a first-timer or an experienced
apartment-hunter, it's worth taking the time to decide what's
most important to you in where you live and to plan your search
strategy accordingly. With that in mind, here are eihgt tips to
consider:
1. Make a list of your top housing priorities.
Do you need extra parking spaces? A place that welcomes pets?
A
large kitchen or linen closet? A ground-floor entrance to your
home? Or what? Thinking through your needs ahead of time can
help you find an apartment that meets those needs, instead of
one that just strikes your fancy at first glance.
2.
Check out the house.
In addition to examining the condition of the for-rent unit,
walk through the house to see whether it appears to be
well-maintained.
Is the landscaping healthy or dying?
Nicely
trimmed or growing wild? Are any windows, steps or railings
broken or dangerous? Do the access doors open easily and shut
tightly?
Walk trhough at night, too.
Are the parikng areas and
pathways well lit? What about the stairwells and hallways?
3.
Talk to the neighbors.
If you're serious about a particular apartment, knock on a few
doors and ask your potential neighbors whether they're satisfied
with the building's amenities, management's responsiveness to
repair needs and other issues of concern to you. Ask: Would you
tell a friend to move into this building?
4. Examine the lease.
A lease is a legal obligation to pay rent for a specified length
of time, and every lease has variations on the terms and
conditions of teanncy. How much notice must you give before
moving at the end of the lease term?
Can the rent be increased?
Are pets allowed? What provisions cover your security deposit
and end-of-lease cleaning costs? If the terms of the lease
agreement don't suit your needs, negotiate or reconsider renting
the apartment.
5. Consider security.
Does the building have controlled access?
If so, are the
exterior security gates and doors closed? Are the locks in
working order?
Does your idnividual unit have secure door locks
and window latches? (Some states have specific laws regarding
minimum security devices for apartment units.) Does the building
have a security service? If so, is a guard on duty 24 hours or
does he or she just drive by periodically?
6. Ask about shared facilities.
Does the building have a swimming pool? A recreation or fitness
room?
Tennis courts?
Laundry facilities? Who is allowed to use
those facilities and duirng what hours?
Is there an extra fee
charged for use of the facilities? Where are the facilities
located in relation to your prospective apartment? Do you really
want to live poolside or near the laundry room?
7. Ask about utility costs.
Is the water bill paid by the owner or separately by the
tenants? Are electrical or gas utilities included in the rent?
Is there a single thermostat for the entire building? If so, who
controls it?
8.
Take notes.
Before you move in, docmuent the condition of your unit and make
note of any nonfunctioning doors or windows, leaking plumbing,
missing fixtures, stained carpets and so on. Ask your landlord
to initial a copy of your documentation to prevent disuptes when
you eventually move out. Better yet, take pcitures or make a
video of the premises before you bring in any of your furniture
or belongings.
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