If you’ve moved to a new city or neighborhood, you might have to rent an apartment for some time before you can put up or buy your own house. But how do you find the best apartment rental? Searching through hundreds and hundreds of units in a matter of days can be a quite a difficult call, and it can be tempting to pick the first community you come across. However, since the unit you choose might be your home for a year or even more, it can help to take some time and consider several factors so that you get the best out of your money as well as avoid making the wrong choice of a unit.
Source: Wikipedia1. What are your rental priorities?
Before starting your search for the perfect rental, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. What is the maximum amount of rent that you’re willing to pay? What’s your preferred location? How many bedrooms should the unit have? Would you like to keep a pet? Are the things to do in the city you have in mind that you like to do? Is the weather there ideal for you?
The amount charged as rent may vary from one apartment to the next. Additionally, these rentals may not always have the same number of rooms or size. You may also come across a neighborhood that prohibits certain weight or breeds of pets. Once you know your priorities, you’ll be able focus your search and save a lot of time you’d have wasted running around looking at inappropriate places.
2. Search for apartments
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get a few names of rentals. Ask friends, colleagues, local businesspeople, or just anyone with whom you have a mutual, friendly relationship. Alternatively, do some research online for rentals in your preferred community. Make sure to list their recommendations so that you have a few options to consider. There are many websites that have apartments for rent or other geographical areas along with other information such as rent charges, amenities and so on.
3. Consider safety
Safety should be one of your priorities. Do the doors & windows lock properly? Are there smoke detectors in place and are they in working condition? Do you feel that the lighting outside is adequate? Do the rooms have an operable window that one can use for emergency escape in the event of fire? It may also be a good idea to read the news and check with the local police department to see if there are any potential crime problems around the neighborhood or if any reports have been filed against the rental you’re thinking of hiring.
4. Consider transportation
Another tip for finding the best apartment rental is to look for one that offers easy access to transport facilities. Generally, a good unit should have adequate parking space and it should also be near public transportation especially if you won’t be using a car. You may also want to consider whether your kids can access school easily. Moreover, you’ll want a rental where you can get to the local grocery store, entertainment or that possible part-time job without much hassle. Even if it will take some more of your time, it’s something surely worth the wait.