Article Written By: Alexa Cooper
In many cities, rental markets are cyclical. For a few years, there's a boom of renters scuttling for any studio available, after which a surplus of available units follow. Either way, anyway, the most desirable units remain to be in high demand. If you're looking for a decent apartment to live in, primarily do your homework.Present a good fiscal image for yourself by preparing a renter's resume. In it, indicate your current address together with your five previous addresses. Specify the name and numbers of your landlord, your employer and length of employment. Include your salary, other sources of income, your preferences and other information. Don't forget your credit report as well. Look good on paper to have an advantage over other applicants.ou can look in newspaper classifieds, college bulletin boards, apartment hunter journals and online. Ask friends or colleagues if there are vacancies in their buildings. Determine your budget. How much can you afford to pay for a monthly rent? Thirty percent or less' worth of your monthly take home pay is a good rule of thumb.Narrow your search by enlisting a rental agent, which may be a free service (paid for by the landlord). Or else, the service would cost you a share of the rent if you settle in the apartment. Look for a roommate to have cheaper rent, and be specific about what qualities and habits you prefer and don't like in a roommate.Inspect if there are damages in the property, or you might end up being blamed for it when left unnoticed at the start. Have problem areas addressed in the lease. You can either agree to live with it or the landlord would agree to have it fixed at a certain date.Consider how much privacy you want. If there are more common walls, it means there will be more noise. Take into account about the common entrance to the units as well. What about amenities in the complex? Are you looking for an enclosed garage or parking, a pool, a gym or tennis, laundry facilities, storage or concierge service?If you happen to like an apartment, but the rent is beyond your budget, ask the landlord if there are responsibilities you can take on to reduce your rent. For instance, you can take deliveries or cut the lawn. If a great apartment lacks services, ask the landlord.Be particular about the details of the lease. How long is the notice before moving? How much deposit do you need to hand in? What about the provisions for getting the deposit back when you leave? Are there cosmetic changes that needs to be done to the unit, such as wall painting, shelving or other structural modifications. If you intend to buy the unit eventually, you can also consider a lease option agreement.
This Article Has Been Published on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 and Read 258 Times