When looking for a new apartment, you must ensure that it meets all your needs. You should take time when seeking a place to move into, as this ultimately becomes your next home for a certain period. Carrying out this activity haphazardly often leads to disappointment, and the process of identifying another place to shelter oneself kicks in sooner than expected. To avoid all these inconveniences, below are questions you should ask yourself before renting.
Table of Contents
1. The Surroundings
What surrounds your potential new home matters as much as the home itself. Each individual has a preferred setting in which they would be most comfortable. While one may prefer an urban environment, another may prefer a laid-back suburban neighborhood. On the other hand, if you are a student in a nearby university, renting a house off-campus may better suit you; for example, if you are attending the University of North Carolina in Asheville, UNCA housing is an appropriate better option for you. The facilities near your place of residence also matter a lot. An individual may, for example, prefer to be housed near a health facility. Taking the time to tour the area surrounding your potential place of residence is critical before deciding.
2. Your Long Term Budget
Quite a substantial amount of money has to be parted with when renting an apartment. Rent is the first cost implication when moving in, and it is of essence to ensure that what one makes or receives monthly from a source can comfortably cater for that. In addition to this, up-front costs must also be allocated in one’s budget, including things like deposit and application fees. Other cost implications include utility costs charged alongside monthly rent and tend to differ from apartment to apartment. Expenses like electricity, internet, and water are examples of utility costs. Hidden costs of moving should also be factored in as one has to hire movers to transport their household items.
3. Housing Needs
It is critical to list your needs and ensure that all of them have been fully met by the space you are renting. Each individual has their preferences, and to wholly own a place like a home, one has to be fully satisfied. Ultimately, your new space should relieve you after a stressful day and be one that is welcoming to your visitors. Wooden floors, large closets, a well-lit room, a dishwashing machine, or a spacious parking lot are some preferences that one may have when looking for an apartment. One’s furniture should also tally with the apartment’s dimensions; else, one is forced to discard and buy new furniture, which adds unnecessary costs. It is of essence to have one’s wants and deal-breakers at the back of one’s mind at all times before settling. Students or civilians should always value and not compromise their wants.
4. Apartment Rules
Having a face-to-face conversation with your prospective landlord, landlady or caretaker is very necessary. It allows one to familiarize themselves with rules and decide whether they are ready to abide by the regulations. Visitor policy, whether one is allowed to decorate their apartment, parking policy, usage of shared facilities such the gym or swimming pool, and rent due date should be very clear to an individual before one settles in. Procedures such as issuing notice before moving out are also essential, along with the rules pertaining to pet ownership.
5. Your Commuting Schedule
The place where one chooses to settle should offer convenience in terms of how far one is willing to travel to and from work or school. Some prefer that the distance be a walkable one, while some may not mind commuting by public or private means. However, this does not apply to everyone as one may have a work-from-home job. The distance between the residence and essential facilities such as shopping malls, restaurants, or a health facility also matters a lot.
Looking for a new place to move into is a thrilling and fun activity, but necessary precautions must be adhered to. Staying within one’s budget is also crucial; else, one over-spends and is left in financial limbo for a while. Being patient and putting one’s needs first allows one to find a place that suits them best.
