8 Important Things to Consider When Apartment Hunting

It is important to know what to look for when searching for a new apartment. Here are 7 things you should consider when apartment hunting.

Keyword(s): apartment hunting

Many cities in the U.S. are seeing new apartment buildings opening up on almost a daily basis. The number of apartments is continuously growing giving many people quite a few options to choose from.

This is exciting for those of us that are ready to find one and start calling it home. However, before you start looking around or signing your new lease, there are a couple of things that you should consider when going apartment hunting.

Here are 8 things you're gonna want to know before starting your search!

1) Not All Apartments Allow Pets

This is a big one. You might have the cutest dog in the world, but not all apartment buildings accept pets. It's not just dogs either. Whether you're a cat person, turtle, rabbit, snake, or any other type of pet, some apartments just don't allow them.

On the flip side, there is plenty of apartments that do allow them, however, they'll charge you an extra fee. This is usually some sort of cleaning fee.

So just remember as you begin your search for a new apartment, check the box that allows you to search for places that allow your fur baby to move in with you!

2) Create Your Budget & Consider Downpayments

The second thing you'll want to think about when apartment hunting is how much you're willing to spend. Not just on the apartment itself but things like monthly bills, parking, and other amenities that might come with the apartment.

Depending on the apartment, they may include or charge extract for things such as:

• Trash
• Water
• Electric
• Gas
• TV
• Wifi

When you're looking at the different pricing remember to factor these things in!

In addition to that, some apartments will require a downpayment as well (usually a first and/or last month's rent). So if you don't have a ton saved up, that's something else you'll need to factor in.

3) Location, Location, Location

Another thing you'll want to consider when apartment hunting is the location. Not only of the apartment but what's around it.

• You'll want to think about things like:
• How long of a commute do you have to work?
• Are there any good restaurants or grocery stores nearby?
• What's the crime rate like in that area?
• Is it a safe neighborhood?

These are all important factors to consider when narrowing down your apartment options. If you have to commute far for all of these things, it can take up more of your time every single day and cost you more in gas! And we all know how expensive gas is right now.

4) Apartment Size & Layout

This is another big one that you'll want to think about before signing a lease. How much space do you need and what kind of layout are you looking for?

Do you need:

• A one-bedroom apartment?
• A two-bedroom apartment?
• Or even a studio apartment?

These are all things you'll need to consider. In addition to that, you'll also want to think about the layout of the apartment.

• Is it an open concept or is each room secluded from one another?
• Do you like that type of set up or would you prefer something different?

Knowing these things ahead of time can help you narrow down your search and help you find the best apartment for you more quickly.

5) Apartment Amenities

This is another big factor to consider when apartment hunting. Does the apartment complex have any amenities that you're looking for?

Some people might want an apartment that has:

• A gym
• A pool
• A sauna
• Wifi in common areas
• An elevator (if there are multiple levels)

These are just a few examples, but there are many more apartment amenities out there. Just think about what you're looking for and make sure the apartment complex has it before signing a lease.

6) Inspect The Apartment

Once you've found an apartment that you're interested in, you'll want to schedule a time to go and inspect it. This is important because it will give you a chance to see the apartment in person and make sure it's everything that you wanted it to be.

Sometimes pictures can be deceiving or they can be really old.

You'll also want to bring along a friend or family member so they can help point out anything that you might have missed. It's always better to have a second set of eyes when looking at something like this!

7) Read The Lease Carefully Before Signing

The last thing you'll want to do before officially moving into your new apartment is read through the lease carefully. This is important because it will outline all of the rules and regulations of the apartment complex.

You'll want to make sure that you're okay with everything that's in the lease before signing it.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask the apartment complex manager so you can get a clear understanding. The last thing you want is to sign a lease and then realize later on down the road that you're not happy with something.

8) Consider Your Landlord & Neighbors

Last but not least, you'll want to consider your landlord and neighbors when looking to rent an apartment.

This is important because you'll be living in close proximity to them and you want to make sure that it's a good fit.

You can talk to the apartment complex manager to get a feel for what they're like and you can also try to meet some of your potential neighbors before signing a lease. This will give you a better idea of what it would be like to live there.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when apartment hunting. By taking the time to consider all of these factors, you're more likely to find an apartment that you love and that's a perfect fit for you!

Time to Go Apartment Hunting

If you're apartment hunting and looking for the best options, be sure to check out Morgan Hill Apartments. We offer a variety of floor plans and amenities that will suit your needs. In addition, our complex is located in a great area with plenty of things to do.

Contact us today to schedule a tour!