“Moving to a new apartment can be exciting. It can also be overwhelming, frustrating and confusing. That’s because there are so many choices to make when it comes to looking for a new apartment and you know you want to make the right decisions because you will probably live there. for at least a year. Whether you move into your first apartment (away from your parents’ house or your bedroom) or move to a new apartment after renting several that were good but not very good, there is something basic that you will want to look for.
Things to look for in an apartment include:
o Cost. You’ll want to see the monthly cost of the apartment, including rent and the approximate price of utilities. If you can find a place that includes some utilities, you should. You should also consider the cost of the deposit and how refundable it will be.
o Decorate concerns. If you absolutely must be able to paint the walls or hang some bookshelves, you’d better make sure it’s allowed in the apartment you want to rent.
o Leasing. First find out what the length of the lease is. Before renting the apartment, be sure to check all the other terms of the lease.
or Neighborhood. You want to rent an apartment in a neighborhood where you will enjoy spending time. Educate yourself, see if you can find some neighbors to talk to (local coffee shops are a good place for such conversations).
o On-site services. Do you want an apartment with a pool or gym? Find out what is offered in each apartment you see.
o Options for household appliances. Is there a washer / dryer in the building or a hookup in the apartment? Does the kitchen come with a dishwasher?
o Pets. If you have pets or might want them in the future, you need to see if your apartment allows them and what types are okay to have. You need to find out if a pet deposit is required or what fees will arise if your pet does any damage to the apartment.
o Roommates. If you are not going to live alone, you need to know the rules about having roommates and realistically observe how well you will be able to share the space.
o Sublease. If you think you could leave town before the lease ends (for example, during college summer break), you should know the rules about subletting your apartment before signing an agreement to rent it.
o Transportation and / or parking. If you drive, you will want to know if there is parking in the apartment, if it costs more, and if it is covered, locked, or just outside. If you use public transportation, you will want to know which buses pass near your apartment or how easy it is to get taxis.
Your home should be a place where you can enjoy spending time. This means you have to go the extra mile to find an apartment that you really like, even if it means going through some hassle when you’re doing it. The efforts are well worth the rewards when she returns home each night to an apartment that meets her needs. “