Renting an apartment can be a little tricky, so paying attention to details in this process will make the difference when you close the deal. Some of the common issues that tenants have are with parking, rules, and terms in the building, or too thin walls. Checking the building, the apartment, the neighbor, and the noise in the building are some of the things you should be careful with to avoid having future problems.
Here are some of the most important points to consider when you’re renting an apartment.
Set your budget
The first priority when you’re looking to rent a place is to set your budget. Looking at your financial situation is the first step to take. Our tip here is to write down your income, realize what you can afford — remember your rent should be one-third of your income or less —, and then start searching for what type of apartment you want.
Research the building
When looking for apartments, make sure to search online about them, and see what kinds of reviews or issues they have. If there is anything wrong with the complex, you can find that information on google. If there is any problem with the electricity or water pressure, you should know before signing the lease.
Parking space
If you are a car owner, having all the information about parking is very important. Some buildings don’t have a garage or parking space for every renter, so make sure you get all the information you need at this point to avoid unwelcome surprises when you park your car.
Negotiate
Negotiating terms and prices is a smart move to make when you’re renting an apartment. Get fully informed about the place — issues, how long the place has been on the market, how the neighbors are, all this can help you get a discount on the rent.
Check how thin the walls are
Living in an apartment, you’re going to have neighbors all around you — to the left, to the right, above and below, so if you appreciate quieter places, this tip is for you. Some modern buildings have soundproof walls, but old ones don’t. So if this is an issue for you, our tip here is to schedule an open house during the morning, when everybody is getting ready for work or school, and you will experience the normal level of noise. Another good time is on the weekends when people are usually at home.
Now you have the knowledge you need to rent an apartment and not have any unexpected surprises!