Rent an Apartment Using Our Handy Guide
Renting an apartment can be a daunting task for anybody. There is always that fear hidden in the back of your mind that you are going to be stuck in an apartment you don’t like for the term of the lease. Knowing that the fear is in all apartment dwellers, we have composed this rent-an-apartment checklist of items to assist you in picking out the right apartment.
Internet and Cable
Internet and cable television hook-ups or access may not be first on your mind when you are looking at a potential apartment, but they might become important after you have moved in. Take note of the location of the hook-ups and whether or not that location will work for your needs. If you don’t notice internet or cable hook-ups, ask the leasing agent the status.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are another important item to check off your list when looking to rent an apartment. If your apartment doesn’t have washer and dryer or hook-ups, you will want to find out if there is a community laundry room on the property. If not, remember that you will need to use a laundromat, so their proximity to the apartment complex is a factor.
Storage
When walking around the apartment, make sure that there is enough closet space to fit your storage needs. There may also be a separate apartment storage room for your extra items; ask your leasing agent about this before you rent.
Phone Reception
In a time when most people have just a cell phone, having good cell phone reception in your apartment is vital. If you’re trying to find an apartment, while you’re out looking at complexes, call a friend and walk around the entire apartment and check the strength of your cell phone reception. If you can’t make a phone call, you might need to rent an apartment elsewhere.
Utilities
If the utilities aren’t included in the rent, your summer and winter utility bills can be a huge shock. When you rent an apartment, be aware of climate factors like direct sun exposure, strong winds and proximity to ponds or lakes that might freeze in winter. Ask about the utility bills, insulation and “green” construction. If you can, discuss utility costs with a current resident in private before renting an apartment.
Necessities
Finally, you might consider checking the proximity of gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores, etc., before you rent an apartment. Although this may not weigh into your final apartment decision, it is good to know how far you have to drive when your gas light is on and you’re late for work.
We hope that this checklist will come in handy when making your rental decisions, but if you still need help, give us a call. We are more than happy to assist.
