What You Need to Know About Renting an Apartment

There are a lot of things to think about when renting an apartment. You want to make sure you have enough space for all your belongings, that the neighborhood is safe, and that you can afford the rent. But there are also some things you may not have thought about, like whether or not the building has a security system or if your landlord will be responsible for repairs.

Here are six things you need to know before signing a lease on an apartment.

How much will the rent be?

One of the first things you need to think about is whether or not you can afford the rent. You should add up your monthly bills, like your utility costs and groceries, then double them. The resulting number is how much money you’ll be able to spend on rent each month, and you should use that as a guideline when looking at apartments.

Will you need to hire someone to move your furniture?

If you’re moving into a studio apartment, the answer is probably “no.” But if you’re trying to fit your couch and bedroom set into a one-bedroom place, it might be worth thinking about hiring help to get your furniture moved into your new home.

Is the building safe?

Your landlord is responsible for making sure that the exterior of your building is free of graffiti, has secured gates and doors, and makes sure that security cameras are in working order. If you’re concerned about safety in the neighborhood, then arrange to meet with the building manager when you’re checking out the apartment.

Will you be sharing any appliances with other people?

If you’re in a building with laundry in-unit, then there’s no need to worry about sharing access to an outside facility or finding your own coin-operated washer and dryer. That being said, it’s still a good idea to ask about this (and everything else) before you sign.

Is there enough space for your furniture?

You probably don’t want to choose an apartment with tiny closets, but it’s also essential not to rent more space than you’re going to use. This is especially true if you’re planning on making the place feel like home by decorating it with furniture, curtains, etc. A good rule of thumb here is to make sure there’s at least one foot between your stuff and the walls on all sides.

Are you planning on staying in this apartment for a while?

If you’re renting an apartment because you want someplace that feels like home, you should look for something in good condition and in a nice neighborhood. Even if you intend to stay here for only two years, the money you spend on getting the apartment fixed up will probably be worth it in the long run.

Summary

There are a lot of things to think about when renting an apartment, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Make sure you consider all of the factors mentioned in this article so that your decision is an informed one. And if you have any other questions, be sure to ask your landlord before signing that lease!