Conquering Your Apartment Search
Tips to Crush Apartment Hunting
- Ask what's included in the rent. Most complexes don't have utilities or anything included in the rent so always make sure if anything is included.
- Are there any pest issues? Regardless of how nice a property is, there are always circumstances where there are bugs. You usually have an indicator from reviews if there is an issue or not. But always ask just in case.
- How responsive is maintenance? I promise you, getting stuck in a property where maintenance is slow to respond are the worst! You could have your kitchen light out for weeks or a leaky faucet for a few days.
- Always, always, always check for specials. The leasing consultant (or any other office associate that gives you a tour and info) should tell you without asking but do so just in case so you can save money where you can! Some properties waive the app fees or have the deposit half off so it never hurts to ask.
- Call the local police department to get a summary of any safety issues or recurring issues in the area you want to move. The leasing office couldn't tell you (they're trained not to) so make sure to call the police department and make sure you're comfortable living in the area and be aware of the issues.
- Don't ask about the people that live there. If you ask any questions regarding about the composition of the residents at the property, you'll get a response similar to "Anyone over the age of eighteen that applies and qualifies, live here." It's absolutely against the law for us to answer any questions of that sort due to the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Some examples of questions would be: Are there kids here? What's the average age of people here? What's the main religion/race/ gender that lives here?
- READ YOUR LEASE. I have to make sure this is clear because not reading your lease can get you in trouble. If you violate your lease in any way, you could get a notice (sometimes with a fine) or even evicted. On the flip side of that coin, you want to make sure your leasing office isn't violating the lease either. This is a legal and binding contract that you would sign so always read all the good (and boring) information. Also, keep a copy in your home for reference.
- Talk about the utility situation. To bring it back to utilities, check with how the utilities are billed and how it's broken up. You need to know if you have to pay the office directly or to the utility companies for the bill. You'll also need to check if they're sub metered to the individual home or divided by the building. There is a chance you'll be paying for your neighbors forty five minute shower so it's good information to have.
- Read the reviews. With my first apartment, I wish I did this. Otherwise I wouldn't have walked into the god-awful complex. The reviews are important as they give you insight to the community life with the good and the ugly. Always take it with a grain of salt since plenty of the bad reviews are just furious residents venting (typically about money issues or bugs) and so I recommend Apartmentratings.com. It's probably the most truthful and gives the more accurate reviews.
- How does parking work? In apartment living, parking is a very common issue. You don't want to be making a long walk to your apartment from your car in the dark unless you can help it. Check if there's assigned parking, a garage, carports, or if the lot is open. Spend the extra money every month if you feel the need to get a better parking situation. It's honestly worth it!
- How do you pay rent? Now that we're in the twenty-first century, many complexes have an online payment system for rent. As many don't have checks and don't want to get certified funds, online is usually the easiest. Always check all the options at your disposal just so you are prepared for the first of the month.
- Smoking community? If you are a smoker (cigarette or marijuana) check your lease or with your leasing office on the smoking rules. Some are non-smoking and some are more relaxed about it. Living in Colorado, it's always assumed that just because marijuana is legal that every property will allow it. It's to the owner's discretion on what is allowed and to what extent.
Apartment searching can always be stressful but it can also be so much fun! I suggest Apartments.com, Apartment List, and Zillow. All are great and so helpful to narrow down to your favorites. Let me know if this helps! Leave in the comments some of your other favorite tips!
xo,
H.
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