6 Tips for Choosing the Right Apartment to Rent


6 Tips for Choosing the Right Apartment to Rent

Choosing an apartment or condo unit to rent is one of the most stressful yet exciting things you will ever do in your adult life. Nothing beats finding the one place that has all your must-haves, from a convenient location to affordable lease terms. But regardless of whether you’re searching for your first apartment or your tenth one, you probably already know that apartment-hunting is not simple. If you’re on a tight budget, you may have to rule out some favorable characteristics to prioritize non-negotiable factors. Still, finding the perfect property doesn’t have to mean reaching for the stars. Here are some apartment-hunting tips to help you find the space that suits you best:

 

Check the Cost and Lease Terms. Needless to say, your choice of apartment will primarily revolve around your capacity to rent the property. Setting a realistic budget depends on factors such as your income and the cost of living in the area. Generally, you should consider properties that don’t eat up more than half of your income. Most leased properties also exclude water, electricity, and internet connection expenses, so you need to factor in utilities in your budget.

 

With all these in mind, you should carefully assess the terms of the lease as presented by your potential landlord. For instance, your landlord may ask for double or triple your monthly rent as an upfront payment before you move in. Advance payments and security deposits can be quite hefty and leave a large dent in your savings. You can opt for properties with more flexible lease terms or explore options for reasonable cash loans to help you pay for these one-time costs. That said, it’s always a good idea to check with your prospective landlord to have a clear idea of what is and isn’t covered by the amount you’re paying.

 

Determine the Amenities You Prefer. Typically, your landlord pays association dues to the property manager so their tenants can access in-building amenities. That said, depending on your lease terms, association dues may already be included in your rent or billed separately.

 

When choosing a property, you may want to consider what amenities are present such as swimming pools, gyms, parking spaces, clubhouses, laundry rooms, gated access, and 24/7 security. Amenities are not the immediate priority when it comes to apartment-hunting, of course, but it would be nice to have the added perks.

 

Analyze the Area’s Accessibility, Convenience, and Safety. Most renters opt for leased properties because they want the convenience of being located within a prime location. However, proximity to the city center often comes with drawbacks in terms of rent costs and floor area. If you’re on a budget and need to be as close to your office as possible, you may have to accept the fact that you won’t have as much space to work with.

 

Alternatively, commuting or driving every day may not be an issue for you. As such, you may have no qualms with choosing larger and more affordable units that are farther from your workplace. Regardless of distance, it would be ideal to stay in a location with good access to roads, public transport, and crucial establishments such as hospitals, pharmacies, eateries, grocery stores, and laundromats.

 

It would also be a good idea to stay in neighborhoods you’re already familiar with. That said, if you’re moving to an entirely new area, it’s best to research the neighborhood and visit it beforehand to help you know your way around. You may also want to learn about the area’s susceptibility to calamities, especially in the Philippines where some areas can be prone to landslides or flooding.

 

Identify the Layout That Suits You. One of the first things you need to consider when picking an apartment is the type of property you’ll be renting. Before embarking on the hunt, do a bit of research on the apartment layouts you gravitate towards. It would be a good idea to know how many square meters of space you would need to accommodate your daily activities as well. For example, if you’re working from home, you may want to have separate areas for working, sleeping, and accommodating guests. If you have mobility issues, you may want to choose properties on lower levels or those with provisions such as wheelchair access.

 

That said, most single professionals on a budget are fine with one-bedroom apartments or studio-type units that provide enough freedom for space optimization strategies. You can always get creative in your interior design even if space seems to be a downside.

 

Know the Property’s Renovation and Damage History. Dressing up apartments or condo units is a common trend among landlords to entice new tenants. Some properties are even being leased as fully furnished spaces and come complete with appliances in exchange for higher rent. If you need to tighten your purse strings, you may want to go for a bare, unfurnished unit and fill the space with your own furniture.

 

One common mistake that renters make upon moving is not checking for damages. When viewing the property, take note of potential damages such as cracks or leaks. You should also consider taking pictures of such damages to present to your landlord. This is important because these damages could determine whether or not your landlord will return your security deposit when you need to move out.

 

Learn About Building Regulations. Rules and regulations can be glaring dealbreakers in an otherwise perfect apartment. Before moving in, make sure that you have a clear idea of the rules involving you and your guests. Some apartment buildings are strict when it comes to overnight guest stays or deliveries made directly to the doorstep. Some properties also prohibit smoking and don’t allow pets, which may be a downside. This will be particularly true for those who have pets or need service animals like guide dogs. Having a clear idea of these rules will help you decide on the right property—and keep you out of trouble as well.

 

Finding the One Doesn’t Have to Be Impossible. Choosing the perfect apartment to rent takes as much effort as finding your next home. But while it does take a lot of work, the prospect of finding a space to call your own will always be rewarding in the end. As long as you know how to get your resources and what you’re getting into, you can make the journey towards the next chapter of your life as smooth as possible.

 


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