Apartment communities today are built with the renter in mind and boast attractive amenities and large floorplans. This doesn’t makes apartment hunting an easier task, unfortunately. Your decision will be much easier, though, if you remember to ask these 5 crucial questions during your apartment search.
1Does it Match My Wish List?
Image via Flickr AngryJulieMonday
To begin with, it’s a good idea to make a wish list of what you want in an apartment. Such a list would include things like number of bedrooms and baths, eat-in kitchen, office space, pool, community and exercise rooms, proximity to public transportation and security features. This gives you a point of reference during your search.
2Is the Video Tour Accurate?
Unless the complex was recently built, relying on video tours isn’t the best way to apartment shop. Remember, the videos you see are promotional videos and may portray pools, common areas, laundry rooms and playgrounds in a pristine state. Likewise, the apartments you view will most likely be the “models,” and not the actual apartments.
Models do have the same floorplans offered within the community. But you want to see the actual available apartments — the window views, problematic areas, age of appliances, tile cracks and other small, yet fixable items. Reviewing the outside of current residents’ patios may help determine the type of neighbor you may get, whether they’re clean, sloppy, quiet or noisy. The same holds true for amenities: An in-person visit reveals upkeep and maintenance attention.
3How is the Location?
Image via Flickr ryarwood
Where you choose to live should be a first priority. For example, let’s say you’re searching for Chicago IL apartments. Like many large metropolitan areas, Chicago has many neighborhoods, each with their own distinctive flair. Performing an Internet search of neighborhoods in the city is a must to learn about demographics, schools, employment, and medical facilities. The time it takes to commute back and forth to work and the grocery store should also play a role when choosing an apartment.
4What are the Apartment Fees?
Most apartment complexes charge fees and for a good reason — overhead. Along with the offices and models they maintain, they also employ managers, leasing agents, housekeepers and other full-time staff. There are also upkeep costs for common areas.
Some fees are necessary where others may depend on the apartment management company. Security deposits will almost always be required, for insatnce, but there are other fees to ask about including:
- Move-In fees
- Cleaning deposits
- Pet deposits, monthly fees, and pet fines
- Utilities
- Lock-replacement fees
- Application fee
- Garbage fees
- Redecorating fees
- Late rent fees
- Common area fees
Inquire about which fees the community charges and if they’re negotiable. Rent Law is a great resource to learn more about “reasonable fees” by state.
5Will You Have Enough Storage Space?
Along with closet, cabinet and utility room spaces, does the community offer additional storage cages or rooms dedicated to renters? Does the apartment community charge fees for extra storage? If you have to rent storage at another facility, look for a community that offers the amount of storage space you require.
Apartment hunting doesn’t have to be difficult if you don’t make solid decisions and ask all the right questions. But above all else, be sure to read the entire rental agreement before signing.
