8 Tips For Renting The Right Apartment
By dan the roommate man, Fri Dec 9th

So, you're looking for an apartment to rent or share with aroommate. Whether you're a first-timer or an experiencedapartment-hunter, it's worth taking the time to decide what'smost important to you in where you live and to plan your searchstrategy accordingly. With that in mind, here are eight tips toconsider:

1. Make a list of your top housing priorities.

Do you need extra parking spaces? A place that welcomes pets? Alarge kitchen or linen closet? A ground-floor entrance to yourhome? Or what? Thinking through your needs ahead of time canhelp you find an apartment that meets those needs, instead ofone that just strikes your fancy at first glance.

2. Check out the property.

In addition to examining the condition of the for-rent unit,walk through the property to see whether it appears to bewell-maintained. Is the landscaping healthy or dying? Nicelytrimmed or growing wild? Are any windows, steps or railingsbroken or dangerous? Do the access doors open easily and shuttightly? Walk through at night, too. Are the parking areas andpathways well lit? What about the stairwells and hallways?

3. Talk to the neighbors.

If you're serious about a particular apartment, knock on a fewdoors and ask your potential neighbors whether they're satisfiedwith the building's amenities, management's responsiveness torepair needs and other issues of concern to you. Ask: Would youtell a friend to move into this building?

4. Examine the lease.

A lease is a legal obligation to pay rent for a specified lengthof time, and every lease has variations on the terms andconditions of tenancy. How much notice must you give beforemoving at the end of the lease term? Can the rent be increased?Are pets allowed? What provisions cover your security depositand end-of-lease cleaning costs? If the terms of the leaseagreement don't suit your needs, negotiate or reconsider rentingthe apartment.

5. Consider security.

Does the building have controlled access? If so, are theexterior security gates and doors closed? Are the locks inworking order? Does your individual unit have secure door locksand window latches? (Some states have specific laws regardingminimum security devices for apartment units.) Does the buildinghave a security service? If so, is a guard on duty 24 hours ordoes he or she just drive by periodically?

6. Ask about shared facilities.

Does the building have a swimming pool? A recreation or fitnessroom? Tennis courts? Laundry facilities? Who is allowed to usethose facilities and during what hours? Is there an extra feecharged for use of the facilities? Where are the facilitieslocated in relation to your prospective apartment? Do you reallywant to live poolside or near the laundry room?

7. Ask about utility costs.

Is the water bill paid by the owner

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or separately by thetenants? Are electrical or gas utilities included in the rent?Is there a single thermostat for the entire building? If so, whocontrols it?

8. Take notes.

Before you move in, document the condition of your unit and makenote of any nonfunctioning doors or windows, leaking plumbing,missing fixtures, stained carpets and so on. Ask your landlordto initial a copy of your documentation to prevent disputes whenyou eventually move out. Better yet, take pictures or make avideo of the premises before you bring in any of your furnitureor belongings.

About the author:Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000's of people findroommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 orwww.roommateexpress.com