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Things to Look for in an Apartment

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The process of searching for a new apartment can be overwhelming, but it can also be exciting. You have the opportunity to check out new apartments and find the one that's perfect for you. Every apartment is different, which means that every apartment you look at will have different amenities available to the renter and different qualities to it that you may find either accommodating or off-putting. The key to finding the perfect apartment is deciding which qualities you want in an apartment and knowing exactly what to look for when you're out searching for your new home.

The key to being a smart renter and finding an apartment that will suit all of your needs is weighing all of your options and carefully checking out each place that you visit to make sure that it fits your criteria. There are different rules and regulations for each apartment that you will look at, and these rules are typically set by the building owner or landlord. Doing your due diligence and finding out everything you need to know about an apartment beforehand is the best way to make an informed decision on which apartment will be best for you.

This guide will provide you with some of the basic things that most good apartments should have, and will also let you know what you should be looking for in apartment so that you'll be properly prepared when you begin your apartment hunting and you'll know exactly what you should want out of your new apartment.

Furnishings

One of the biggest things that will likely have an impact on your decision-making process when it comes to finding a new apartment is whether or not the apartment is furnished. There are two sides to this coin when it comes to apartments that are furnished. On the one side, renting a fully furnished apartment will likely cost you much more money than you would pay for an apartment that is not furnished, because you won't need to buy any furniture.

Adversely, apartments that are unfurnished will likely be the cheapest and usually by a good amount too. In addition, you have the option to furnish it however you would like, and if you already own furniture from a previous house or apartment, you won't have to spend as much to furnish it.

What kind of furnishings you should look for in an apartment is largely up to you and your preference and budget, however the best case scenario is to look for an apartment that is partially furnished. This means an apartment that comes with all major appliances like a refrigerator, oven, stove, etc. You will still save money on the apartment, since it is not fully furnished, and you will avoid having to buy expensive appliances. Plus, you will be able to fill the space with any kind of furniture you want, allowing you to add your own personal style and touch to the apartment.

Location

The location of the apartment is another major factor that will ultimately decide whether you'll rent it or not. The location that you want to look for also largely depends on your personal preferences, but there are some things that you should look for when considering an apartment's location that can make your decision a lot easier.
  • Make sure the neighborhood is safe. When trying to find a place to live, it's important that you find somewhere that is relatively safe. In big cities, it's sometimes hard to know exactly which neighborhoods are safe and which ones can get a little dicey, so that's why it's always best to visit the neighborhoods and scope them out. If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, check those areas off your list and keep moving. You don't want to live someplace where you feel unsafe, so go online and check out crime statistics for the area and make sure you know what the area is like before you move.

  • Access to public transportation/parking. If you're moving to a city and won't have a car to get around in, you're going to want an apartment that has easy access to public transportation so you can make your commute to work without a hassle. This means that apartments close to the subway, train stations or bus stops is the way to go. If you have a car, make sure the apartment has ample parking for its tenants and that you'll be able to safely park your car.

  • Look for something outside the city. If you're moving to a big city, consider your options for apartments just outside the city, in one of the surrounding suburbs. Most often, these areas will still have access to public transportation going into the city like trains and buses, and the rent will be substantially lower. If your budget is getting tight, living outside the city might be a smarter option for you in the long run, and you'll still be close enough to the city for work or recreational activities.

Rules and Restrictions

Every apartment building is different in that they will all usually have different variations of rules and regulations that tenants must abide by. For example, some apartment buildings will allow certain tenants to own certain pets like cats and dogs, however other apartment buildings will not permit tenants to own pets. So if you're a pet owner, it's important that you find out these rules when you go to visit the apartments. Ask questions and make sure that the apartment will be accommodating for you and your pets.

That's just one example of the some of the rules that tenants need to follow in certain apartment buildings. Finding out what these rules are will help you narrow down your search substantially, so it's important that you know what you're looking for in an apartment before you set out, so you can make your decision much easier when the time comes.

Robert Moreschi  Posted by Robert Moreschi on June 11, 2013

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