How to Find the Right Apartment

General Guidelines

Finding that perfect apartment means taking some time and coming up with exactly what you're looking for. Having a well defined list of must-haves and nice-to-haves will make your apartment search much easier.

1.  Investigate the areas you'd like to live in:

• Find out the crime rates in these areas

• If schools are important, find out how they rate in that area?

• Are shopping, services, health and recreation facilities convenient?
  (Check out Realtor.com's neighborhood search tool)

2.  Identify your top priorities

• Do you have pets?

• Do you need extra parking spaces?

• How many bedrooms, how much living area?

• Do you prefer to be on the ground floor?

• Is a view important?

• What amenities would you like - swimming pool, recreation or fitness room, tennis courts?

• Do you need laundry facilities?

3.  Evaluate the apartment

• Is the building in good condition?

• Are the grounds well landscaped and neat?

• Are the grass and plants green or dieing?

• Are common areas, both inside and outside, well looked after?

• Are steps, walkways, windows and doors safe?

• Visit the apartment at night. Would you feel safe in the parking lots, garages, walkways and hallways? Are they well lit?

4.  Evaluate the security

• Is there a private security service? If so, during what hours?

• Is there secured access to the grounds? To the building? If so, are doors and gates kept locked?

• Do the apartments have adequate locks on doors and windows?

5.  Ask the neighbors how they like living there

• It may take a little courage, but it is worth asking current residents how they feel about the building. See what response times are like for maintenance and repair requests. 

• See our section, The Right Questions

6.  Check out the amenities

• Who's allowed to use swimming pools, recreation and fitness rooms, tennis courts?

• What hours are they open?

• Is there additional fees charged to use those facilities?

7.  Ask about Utilities

• Does the owner or tenant pay the water bill?

• Are any utilities, such as gas and electric, included in the rent?

• Do units have individual thermostats to control heat and air conditioning?

8.  Examine the lease

• How much notice must you give before moving at the end of the lease term?

• Can the rent be increased? If so, by how much and how often?

• Are pets allowed?

• What provisions cover your security deposit and end of lease cleaning costs?

• What is the responsibility of tenants for wear or damage to property?

• What is the penalty for breaking a lease?

9.  Be prepared! Collect information to present to landlords and leasing agents before beginning your search. Include:

• Credit Report

• Application

• Pay stubs/tax returns

• References