How to Choose Your First Apartment
Moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, from location to budget to amenities, it's important to take your time and do your research to find the perfect place to call home. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the apartment hunting process and choose your ideal first apartment.
Determine Your Budget
Before you start looking at listings, figure out how much rent you can realistically afford each month.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your housing costs at or below 30% of your take-home pay. Use an online rent calculator to determine your price range based on your income and expenses.
Don't forget to factor in upfront costs like security deposits, application fees, and moving expenses. Stick to your budget to avoid financial stress down the road.
Consider additional monthly expenses beyond rent, such as utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet), parking fees, pet rent, and renters insurance.
Some apartments include certain utilities in the rent while others don't, so clarify this with the landlord.
Ask for an estimate of typical utility costs for the unit to get a more accurate picture of your total housing budget.
If you're having trouble finding apartments in your price range, consider cost-saving options like living with roommates, looking in a different neighborhood, or negotiating with the landlord.
Some landlords may be willing to lower the rent price if you sign a longer lease or offer to pay a few months' rent upfront.
Decide on Your Must-Haves
Make a list of your top apartment priorities, such as location, number of bedrooms, in-unit laundry, parking, pet-friendliness, etc.
Divide your list into non-negotiables and nice-to-haves.
For example, you may need to live close to work or school, but could compromise on stainless steel appliances.
Knowing what's most important will help you quickly narrow down your options.
Think about your lifestyle and how you will use your space.
If you work from home, you may need a dedicated office area or good natural lighting.
If you love to cook, you may prioritize a gas stove and ample counter space.
If you have a dog, you'll want to look for a pet-friendly building with green space nearby.
Be realistic about your must-haves and willing to make some compromises, especially if you're on a tight budget. You likely won't find an apartment that checks every single box, so focus on your top priorities and be flexible on the rest.
Use Online Apartment Finders
Take advantage of apartment rental websites like Zillow, Trulia, Apartments.com, and Zumper to search available listings in your desired area.
Filter results by price, number of bedrooms, amenities, and more. Set up email alerts for new listings that match your criteria.
Utilize your social network as well - post on Facebook or ask friends if they know of any apartments opening up.
When looking at online listings, pay attention to photos and descriptions, but don't rely on them entirely.
Photos can be deceiving and may not show the full picture of the apartment's condition.
Read reviews from current or past tenants to get a sense of the building's management, maintenance, and overall living experience.
Beware of rental scams, especially if a deal seems too good to be true. Red flags include a landlord who wants you to sign a lease or send money before seeing the apartment, or a listing with no address or vague details.
Always tour apartments in person and meet the landlord or property manager before handing over any money.
Tour Apartments in Person
While virtual tours are convenient, it's crucial to see apartments in person before signing a lease whenever possible.
Schedule tours to get a true feel for the space, check for any damage or issues, assess noise levels, and explore the surrounding neighborhood.
Come prepared with a list of questions for the landlord or property manager. If you can't visit in person, ask for a live video tour where you can see every part of the unit.
During the tour, take note of the apartment's overall condition.
Are there any visible signs of damage, pests, or mold?
Do the appliances and fixtures appear to be in good working order?
Is there sufficient storage space for your belongings?
Pay attention to details that could impact your daily life, like the amount of natural light, the water pressure in the shower, the soundproofing between units, and the cell phone reception.
Ask about the building's policies on things like guests, quiet hours, and maintenance requests.
After the tour, take some time to explore the neighborhood.
Walk or drive around to get a feel for the area and look for nearby amenities like grocery stores, parks, and public transit stops.
Evaluate the Location
Consider how the apartment's location will impact your daily life.
Is it a convenient commute to work or school?
Are there grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and other amenities nearby?
Do you feel safe in the neighborhood?
Drive by at different times of day to get a sense of the area.
Use tools like Google Maps to map out your commute and Walk Score to see how walkable the neighborhood is.
Think about your transportation needs and preferences.
If you rely on public transit, look for apartments near bus or train stops.
If you have a car, consider the availability and cost of parking in the area.
If you enjoy walking or biking, prioritize neighborhoods with good sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails.
Don't forget to factor in the social scene and overall vibe of the neighborhood.
If you're a young professional, you may prefer a more lively area with plenty of bars and restaurants.
If you're a student, you may want to be close to campus and other student housing.
If you value peace and quiet, look for a more residential area away from busy streets and commercial zones.
Read the Lease Carefully
Before you sign on the dotted line, thoroughly read the entire lease agreement.
Make sure you understand the rent amount, due date, late fees, lease term, security deposit, guest policies, and other important details.
Ask the landlord to clarify anything that is unclear.
Look for any red flags like high upfront fees or vague clauses that could lead to issues down the road.
If needed, have a friend, family member or legal professional review the lease with you.
Pay special attention to the lease term and any penalties for breaking the lease early.
Most leases are for 12 months, but some may be shorter or longer.
If you're not sure how long you'll be staying in the area, ask about month-to-month or subletting options.
Make sure you understand your responsibilities as a tenant, such as paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean and undamaged, and following building rules and regulations.
Know your rights as well, such as the right to a habitable unit, the right to privacy, and the right to get your security deposit back if you leave the unit in good condition.
Get Renter's Insurance
Many landlords require tenants to have renter's insurance, but even if yours doesn't, it's a smart investment.
Renter's insurance is affordable, costing around $15-30 per month, and protects your belongings in case of theft, fire, or other covered damages.
It also provides liability coverage if someone is injured in your apartment.
Shop around and compare quotes from a few different insurance providers.
When choosing a renter's insurance policy, consider the value of your belongings and how much coverage you need.
Make an inventory of your possessions, including electronics, furniture, clothing, and valuables, and estimate their total value.
Choose a policy with enough coverage to replace everything if necessary.
Read the fine print and understand what is and isn't covered under your policy.
Most policies cover damage from fire, smoke, wind, hail, and theft, but may exclude damage from floods or earthquakes.
Consider adding extra coverage for high-value items like jewelry, art, or musical instruments.
Plan for Moving Day
Once you've found your perfect apartment and signed the lease, it's time to start planning for moving day.
Make a checklist of everything you need to do before, during, and after the move. This may include:
Notifying your current landlord and utility companies of your move-out date
Hiring movers or renting a moving truck
Packing your belongings and labeling boxes by room
Arranging for utility services to be set up in your new apartment
Updating your address with the post office, banks, and other important contacts
Cleaning your old apartment or hiring an apartment cleaning service and doing a final walk-through with your landlord
Unpacking and setting up your new space
Simple Tips for Choosing Your First Apartment
Moving can be stressful, so give yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare.
Ask friends and family for help, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks, including hiring a professional cleaning service to tidy up your new space.
Consider hiring professional movers if you have a lot of heavy furniture or are moving a long distance.
Choosing your first apartment is a big decision, but by following these steps, you can feel confident that you've found a great place to start this new chapter.
Remember, your first apartment doesn't have to be your forever home—focus on what matters most now and you can always upgrade in the future. Happy apartment hunting!