Finding a new apartment is often an emotionally charged time. While moving to a new location may be exciting, moving also brings a great deal of stress. From packing to unpacking, the process can be physically and emotionally demanding.
However, before you even start packing, you should secure a new apartment or place to rent. Finding a new home may be easier said than done, depending on where you live. You may deal with high rental costs or live somewhere with few open units.
However, while there may be challenges to finding a new place to live, don’t despair. With a few valuable tips and ideas of what to look for in the apartment hunting process, you can find a place that you’ll love.
Tip 1: Work With Property Management Companies
These days, trying to find legitimate properties is harder than it used to be. While scammers in the rental market have always existed, social media makes it easy to prey on those looking for a great new place.
So, while going with a small-time landlord or renting part of a family home might seem like a good deal, you need to be wary. If you work with a property management company, you’ll easily be able to find contact information. You can also trust that an established business is much more likely to follow the rules and regulations surrounding housing and tenants.
Tip 2: Give Yourself Plenty Of Time To Search
Few things will add stress to the apartment hunting process like a short time frame. While you may not always have complete control over when you have to move out, start looking for a new rental as soon as you can. The more time you have to look, the pickier you can be about your next home.
With extra time, you can look at multiple units and compare prices, so you’re not just stuck with whatever you can get at the last minute.
Tip 3: Consider All Fees
As you talk to various property managers and landlords about their units, be sure to factor in all the costs. While lower rent might seem like the best option, get all the details before signing the lease.
You also want to factor in the cost of utilities, deposits, pet rent, parking, internet, and more. So, while the base rent of one place is lower, you could pay more per month if you add the other monthly fees. While most apartments will have you pay extra for certain things, be sure you add all of this into your budget.
Tip 4: Read The Lease Carefully
It’s always tempting to just skim through any lease of legal documents, but it’s important to read everything carefully. While most rental lease agreements will contain standard fare, you still want to know what you’ve agreed to. It doesn’t hurt to read everything ahead of time and have a lawyer or trusted advisor read it, too.
While you probably won’t encounter too many issues, you only want to sign if you truly agree to uphold your part of the lease.
Tip 5: Check The Neighborhood Out
If you’re moving to a new area, you may need to learn more about the different neighborhoods. While you might not be able to spot all future problems, you’ll get a better feel for the place if you visit a few different times. Ensure you stop near the apartment building during the day and at the night to make sure you feel comfortable there.
While apartment hunting may create stress, it can turn out well. The more time you give yourself and the more organized you are, the better your odds are of finding the perfect place.
