Critical Issues to Consider When Renting an Apartment

Safety

The safety of the apartment is one major factor for you to consider. Look at the location of the apartment to see if it is in a safe neighborhood. Examine the outside to ensure that it is well lit at night. If the apartment is gated with security, this is an important point with examining. Smoke detectors are mandatory and a fire escape is useful for apartments without balconies situated on upper floors. Windows and doors with dead bolts are important too.

Another critical factor to consider when looking at an apartment is the location of the unit. Regardless of how nice the apartment is and how affordable the rent is, it needs to be located in an area that suits your needs. For instance, you may need a property that is very close to your work or to your extended family. Access to night life, your school, shopping and entertainment are important considerations for many renters.

Before you move into a property, walk through and look at the appliances. While you do not necessarily require the best and newest appliances available on the market, they must work. For example, find out if the refrigerator and freezer stay cool and that the doors open easily. Investigate to see if the stove is working and that the dishwasher does not leak, if you have one in the apartment. Examine outlets too; you need to have enough three-prong outlets to plug in your lamps, computer equipment and other electric devices.

Besides looking at the property itself, you also need to look at the terms of the lease. Find out how much the rent is and whether you have to pay for the first and last month's rent upfront. Look at the security deposit to see if it is in line with other properties that you have looked at. Find out what conditions must be met to get your security deposit back as well. Pay attention to other rules like whether pets are allowed and how much it costs if you lose your keys.