Tips for finding the perfect apartment to rent

Look for lower rental costs

There are several things you can do to find a lower monthly rent:

• Looking outside an urban area. While living downtown may seem like a priority, it doesn’t mean much if you can’t pay your rent. Instead, check out apartments in the suburbs that are within convenient commuting distance.

• Consider transportation costs. Urban areas generally require a smaller transportation budget, as you can likely take public buses or the metro to get around. However, you still need to factor in transportation costs, whether it’s a bus pass or gas money, if you choose to live far from the city center.

• get a roommate. You can cut the price of any apartment in half simply by sharing it with someone. You need the landlord’s approval before doing so, but having a roommate can significantly reduce the financial pressures of renting. Just make sure you have a written agreement with your roommate that sets out all the obligations.

• think small. Square footage is at a premium in an apartment, particularly in the number of bedrooms. Choosing a studio or one-bedroom apartment may mean losing some space, but it makes up for it in big month-to-month savings. Evaluate how much space you really need based on your lifestyle, visitors, pets, and storage. You may find that you are happy to pay less for a smaller venue.

• Deal. Unless you’re looking for an apartment in a popular area with low tenant turnover, many landlords are willing to negotiate. Check out rates for comparable apartments with similar amenities in the area and bring your research for a better deal. You can also offer to pay rent for a longer part at a time (the landlord can lower the rate if you pay three or six months at a time) or choose to sign a longer lease to get a better deal overall.

Start hunting early

Do not leave the apartment search for the last minute. In a perfect world, it should start about three months before your “must move” date. Many current tenants have to notify their landlords of vacancies in advance; most areas require renters to give at least 30 days notice, but many give more.

While the features you want in an apartment are specific to you and your lifestyle, there are several basic things to look for:

• Transportation. If you currently do not have a car, check the proximity of each prospective apartment to public transportation. An apartment may be well priced and in a great neighborhood, but if you have to spend most of your time walking or hailing a cab, it may not be as appealing. Also, you should factor the cost of transportation into your budget to get a realistic picture of how much an apartment really costs.

• convenience. Choosing an apartment that is conveniently located can make your life much easier. Find a place that is close to work, shopping, transportation, and conveniences like laundry.

• Safety. An apartment must not only be in a safe neighborhood, but landlords must make an effort to ensure that their tenants feel safe inside. Proper locks on each door, private entrances, and security should make you feel better about renting.