Renting an apartment is a scary and exciting experience. You want to make sure you’re getting the best place for your money, but you also don’t want to pick the wrong place and regret it later. There are many things to consider before signing a lease, so here are some tips for finding a good apartment that’ll keep you happy for years to come:
Is it a pet-friendly space?
First, you’ll want to make sure that your prospective apartment is pet-friendly. A landlord may not be willing to accept a pet if other tenants in the building have allergies or other reasons for not wanting pets living there. If you’re not sure whether your new apartment will be welcoming of your furry friend, it’s best to ask before signing the lease.
Additionally, some landlords charge an additional fee for pets and restrict what kinds of animals are allowed on their property.
location
Location is the first thing you should consider, and it can often be the most important factor when choosing an apartment. The location directly impacts your commute, lifestyle, and cost of living.
Location affects how long it takes to get from point A to point B via public transportation. If it’s too far away or there aren’t many transit options available, you’ll have longer commutes, which will consume your time and energy. If you work at home or don’t drive, then this isn’t as big a deal, but if you do drive, then distance becomes even more important.
What kind of amenities are included?
Amenities are a huge factor in your decision to rent an apartment. They can include a gym, pool, and other common areas. These amenities can be included in the rent, or they can be extra. If there’s no gym on-site and it matters to you, then you might want to look elsewhere. Amenities are something that should be taken into consideration when looking for apartments for rent in Washington DC because they can add value to your living experience. Plus, it can help determine if it’s worth paying more than another apartment complex with less appealing amenities nearby.
Is there a parking spot?
Parking is a big deal for many people. If you don’t own a car, this section can be skipped. But if you do have a car, parking is an important consideration in apartment hunting. Parking can be expensive in some areas and difficult to find in others.
If you’re looking at apartments that are far away from public transportation or your workplace, having a parking spot will be crucial—and it might even make up for the higher rent of an apartment with a spot versus one without.
Are there security features?
This is a very important question to ask because if you rent an apartment from someone who isn’t honest about the safety of the building, you could be in danger. Security features can include:
- a camera system that records activity outside of each unit and allows tenants to view footage online
- a buzzer system that requires visitors to identify themselves before being allowed access into the building or individual apartments
- keyless entry systems for each apartment, or shared entranceways with locked doors like those found in hotels
If a landlord doesn’t have security features, it may be because they haven’t invested in them yet. This can be an issue if you need immediate access to your apartment when you move in or want to feel secure while living there.
Conclusion
So, it’s a lot to take in, but we hope that this post helps you narrow down what you’re looking for in your next rental. We know the housing market can be stressful, so we hope this guide helps you find your next place to call home. Here’s to a happy and safe move.
