Searching for an apartment is both fun and tedious but it all becomes worth it when you get that perfect apartment that completely suits you. The only problem is that it doesn’t always happen that way.
Many people end up rushing headfirst into renting apartments that fit their budget or apartments they think are perfect and only get to see their faults after moving in, but by that time it’s too late to back out.
Anybody that has experienced this will agree with me that it can be very annoying.
However, be rest assured. We are here to ensure this doesn’t happen to you. In this extensive list, you will find 20 things you need to consider before you rent an apartment.
So maybe hold off on signing that lease till after you have gone through this list.
- 1. The Location
- 2. Your Budget
- 3. The Condition Of The Property
- 4. Why Did The Previous Tenant Leave?
- 5. Convenience
- 6. Features And Amenities
- 7. Parking
- 8. Security
- 9. Length Of Tenancy Agreement
- 10. Neighbors
- 11. Utility Costs
- 12. Maintenance And Sanitation
- 13. Privacy
- 14. Accessibility
- 15. Is Your Agent or Broker Being Completely Honest?
- 16. Commute
- 17. Pets
- 18. Emergency Precautions
- 19. Can You Make Changes To The Apartment?
- 20. Check The Paperwork
- Conclusion
- Related Topics
1. The Location
This is a very important aspect when renting an apartment or any property. The location of the property could have significant effects on the price, accessibility, security, rules, and so much more.
If you are looking to rent an apartment and you already have a neighborhood in mind, stick to it. Don’t let a cheaper apartment in a terrible location fool you.
If you do not have a neighborhood in mind, walk through the area around the apartment and try to find out as much as you can.
Where is the closest bus stop? Is the area prone to flooding? Is there a supermarket nearby? Ask people who live in the area about any issues they may be having with the area.
If you want to rent an apartment in the city it will most likely be busy but you want to make sure it is not so noisy that you can’t get any sleep.
Consider the roads close to the apartment, are they major roads? Consider the properties around the apartment building, if there is a bar or club or anything that could cause a lot of noise? If there is, you may be better off checking for another apartment.
2. Your Budget
Considering your budget is a no-brainer before you rent an apartment. It’s simple to start your property search with a certain budget, but if you have no luck, it is not a bad idea to try raising it slightly.
However, you do not want to fall into a situation where prices begin to slowly rise, and you find yourself raising your budget just a little bit each time persuading yourself that you can afford a place that is actually impossible to afford.
When you want to rent an apartment, you need to calculate the monthly rent but don’t just stop there.
You should also find out how much the council tax will be and inquire about typical expenses.
Consider the cost of renovation and furnishing (if necessary), transportation, and other additional expenses.
3. The Condition Of The Property
Another thing you should consider before you rent an apartment is the condition of the property.
You should analyze the rental property with the same attention to detail as if you were about to buy it. If there are any problems, find out if they will be resolved before the start of your lease.
Do not buy an apartment in a rundown building because it’s cheaper, chances are you will end up paying the same price for repairs as getting an apartment in good condition.
There is no way to predict how an apartment will be in different seasons. You can rent an apartment that gets enough natural light and looks great in the summer and then winter rolls around and it is damp, moldy, and drafty.
Your best bet is to ask the current tenants, your agent, and the landlord.
4. Why Did The Previous Tenant Leave?
It is typically a good idea to find out why someone is selling or leasing out their property but you should also try to find out why the previous tenants moved.
It might not be anything, they may have moved for personal reasons that had nothing to do with the apartment but it is still a good idea to find out the reason. You can get valuable information from it.
Also read: How To Make Your House A Home
The fact that the tenants stayed in the property for a considerable amount of time before moving out to purchase their own home implies that it was both a good location to live and reasonably priced.
A lengthy history of brief rentals may indicate a bad home, a challenging landlord, or disagreeable neighbors.
5. Convenience
An apartment can be beautiful and spacious but still be a pain in the neck. When individuals think about apartments, convenience is a consideration that is frequently ignored.
A clean and attractive apartment won’t be attractive for long if it takes 20 minutes to get to the local grocery shop or you have to wait a week before you can get something fixed in the apartment.
When you want to rent an apartment, imagine yourself already living there, consider your daily routines and how convenient your routine would be in that apartment.
Look for factors that can make your life easier and more comfortable.
6. Features And Amenities
When considering renting an apartment, it’s important to take into account the features and amenities that are available to you.
These can have a significant impact on your comfort and quality of life while living in the apartment, and can also affect the rental price.
Be sure the amenities available suit your needs before you rent an apartment. Many apartment complexes offer amenities such as a fitness center, a pool, laundry facilities, and parking.
Choosing an apartment with amenities that match your lifestyle can make your life more convenient and enjoyable.
You’ll probably have to make some sacrifices if you’re on a limited budget, like walking to the laundromat or putting up with a longer commute. Regardless of the compromise, be certain it is one you can live without.
7. Parking
Before you rent an apartment, check what the parking situation is like. This is important because it can have a significant impact on your daily life.
You don’t want to end up lugging groceries the distance from your car to your apartment or waste time looking for a parking space on the street.
Apart from it being inconvenient, parking on the street can be risky, especially if you’re in an area with high crime rates.
You might also need to pay for a permit to be able to park on the street, which can be expensive.
Apartment buildings usually have a parking lot with an allocated parking space, but not always, so it’s something you should check for before you rent an apartment.
If the apartment you are looking to rent does not have a parking lot, you could visit in the evening before signing a lease to determine how many open spaces are available for both tenants and guests.
You could also check for garages close to the apartment where you can park your car.
8. Security
When planning to rent an apartment, your security should be of utmost importance. You want to make sure that you feel safe and secure in your new home, and that your belongings are also protected.
Do your research on the area where the apartment is located to make sure it has a good safety record. Check crime rates and ask around to see if there have been any recent incidents.
Check the building’s security measures, are there security cameras? Are the security personnel available 24/7? Also, consider whether the building has well-lit hallways and common areas.
You should also check the locks on the doors and windows in the apartment, and make sure they are secure.
Consider adding additional locks or security devices, such as a doorstop alarm, if you feel it’s necessary.
9. Length Of Tenancy Agreement
This typically depends on your preferences. If you are looking to rent an apartment for a brief period with the option to extend, both you and the agent or landlord may determine if you’re a good fit.
Also read: Certificate Of Occupancy – Meaning, Uses & Benefits
It allows you the freedom to move on if the property doesn’t live up to your expectations. Every time you decide to extend your lease, though, you can also be required to pay renewal fees.
On the other hand, if you are looking to rent long-term, let the realtor be aware and ask about your possibilities.
10. Neighbors
One thing you absolutely want to avoid when renting an apartment is a terrible neighbor. You can’t really pick and choose when it comes to neighbors but you can try.
Before you rent an apartment visit the apartment at different times of the day to get a sense of the type of neighbors you have.
Your neighbors can have a significant impact on the noise levels in your apartment. If you have noisy neighbors or live in a noisy area, it can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
Also, check if the neighbors are friendly. Living in a friendly community can greatly enhance your quality of life.
11. Utility Costs
Before you rent an apartment you should consider the utility costs. Utility costs can significantly impact your monthly budget, and overlooking them can lead to financial strain.
You do not want to end up with a large utility bill at the end of the month with no way to pay it.
You could ask the landlord or property manager for the exact utility services you will be paying for or past utility bills, so you can get an idea of what to expect.
Look for apartments that have energy-efficient features such as Energy Star-certified appliances, low-flow toilets, and LED lighting.
These features can help reduce your utility bills.
12. Maintenance And Sanitation
You should consider maintenance and sanitation before you rent an apartment. A poorly maintained or unsanitary apartment can pose health and safety risks to you and your family.
Mold, pests, and other issues can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. A clean and well-maintained apartment is essential for your health and well-being.
It also makes the apartment a comfortable living space. It’s easier to relax and feel at home in a clean and well-cared-for environment.
On the other hand, an apartment that is poorly maintained can be uncomfortable and may make you feel on edge.
An apartment that is poorly maintained may end up costing you more in the long run. A leaky faucet might not be so bad now but it could lead to major problems later on that will be more expensive to fix.
13. Privacy
Before you rent an apartment it is essential to ensure that the apartment provides the necessary privacy that meets your expectations.
Check the windows from outside the building and try to see if you can see into the apartment, consider getting blinds or curtains for additional privacy.
Check with the landlord or property management company regarding their privacy policies.
Ensure that they follow regulations regarding privacy, including access to your apartment, maintenance, and repairs.
Check the noise level of the apartment, and ensure the walls and ceiling are not thin enough for you to hear what goes on in your neighbors’ apartments.
If you can hear what your neighbor is saying or doing, chances are they can hear you too.
14. Accessibility
This is mainly for people with mobility issues, but it can also affect people without mobility issues, so it is also something you should check for before you rent an apartment.
Imagine having to use the stairs to get to your apartment on the tenth floor.
Also read: Complete Guide To Finding Houses Online In 2023
The accessibility features to look out for include things like wheelchair ramps, elevators, and wide doorways.
If you or someone you live with has mobility issues, accessibility features can help prevent falls and other injuries.
Depending on where you live, there may be legal requirements for landlords to provide accessible housing.
15. Is Your Agent or Broker Being Completely Honest?
This is an important thing to consider before you rent an apartment. You should always take whatever a real estate agency or broker says with a grain of salt.
Ultimately, they are just trying to get you to rent an apartment, and most times they will say anything to convince you.
This may not always apply to all agents, but it’s better to remain skeptical than rent an apartment you will later regret.
16. Commute
So you found the perfect apartment, it’s in a good neighborhood, and the price is within your budget; but there is just one issue, you now have 45 minutes added to your commute time.
It may seem like a small issue, but over time, it becomes quite tiresome. Having to get up hours earlier to meet up with things and increased transportation costs are enough reasons not to rent an apartment.
Before you rent an apartment, don’t forget to take your commute into account. Measure the time it takes you to and from work by visiting the complex during morning and evening rush hours.
17. Pets
This is an important thing that both pet owners and people who don’t own pets need to consider before renting an apartment.
If you are a pet owner, you want to know if pets are allowed in the apartment and what types of pets are allowed.
Some apartments allow dogs and cats, but it may be more difficult to find apartments that allow other animals.
If you do not own pets and don’t want to live around pets, you also need to find out if pets are allowed in the apartment.
18. Emergency Precautions
Another important thing to consider before you rent an apartment is the emergency precautions in the building to ensure your safety and well-being in case of an emergency.
Ask about the building’s emergency preparedness plan, including fire safety and evacuation procedures.
Check to see if the building has smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and ask about the emergency exit routes. Ensure that the building meets local fire codes and regulations.
Depending on your location, consider the risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.
Check if the building is designed to withstand such disasters or if there are evacuation plans in place.
19. Can You Make Changes To The Apartment?
This is another thing you must consider before you rent an apartment. Most buildings that have recently been renovated do not allow any alteration, right down to things like hanging pictures on the walls.
On the other side, slightly older homes that might not be in the best shape have a lot more potential and are frequently more amenable to renovations, painting, and even the presence of pets.
Your decision depends on how uniquely customized you want your home to be and how much work you’re willing to put into it.
Many people believe that choosing a less developed location is worth it for the freedom to make improvements to their property.
Some might simply desire a nice place to live with little effort.
20. Check The Paperwork
Renting an apartment involves more than just finding a place to live. It also requires completing paperwork and signing a lease agreement.
Before signing anything, it’s important to carefully consider the paperwork involved. You don’t want to end up signing a lease with absurd restrictions.
Also read: 10 Must-Have Important Property Documents In Nigeria
Firstly, make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. A lot of us are guilty of signing documents without fully reading or understanding exactly what we are agreeing to.
Before you rent an apartment, you should read through the document carefully and ask the landlord or property manager if there is anything you don’t understand.
The lease agreement should outline the rental period, rent amount, security deposit, and any late fees or other charges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, renting an apartment is a significant financial and personal commitment, and it’s important to make informed decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
Related Topics
Top 20 Most Expensive Cities To Live In The United States
Homes For Rent In the US: Look Out For These 9 Shady Things
Flipping Houses In New York: A Complete Guide (2023)
Flipping Houses In Utah: How and 8 Quick Tips
