Save yourself the trouble of learning the hard way and clue in to these five tips on finding the best apartment. Whether you’re hoping for advice on how to negotiate apartment rent or you’re hunting for no credit check apartments, you’re better off by being aware of all your options. Not only will you be glad you paid attention, you’ll likely end up with a better living space that you imagined.

Tip #1:  Take an extended tour of the property

The best way to decide whether an apartment area is ideal for you is to tour the property. Property managers are generally more than happy to lead potential customers on a tour of the best features a complex has to offer. This usually includes a small business service center within the main office, a glimpse at a pool or workout area, and a walk-through into a staged apartment.

Take note:  this tour is just the first step. Property managers intentionally take prospects on a walk that highlights the best the complex has to offer – and hides the worst. For example, the staged apartment may look homey and comfortable, but what you really need to know is whether the apartment you’ll be living in is just as well-kept.

After the regular tour, ask for permission to walk around the grounds a bit. If the property manager is uncomfortable letting you do so, ask him or her to accompany you. Your goal is to look at the general upkeep of the areas that aren’t used for show. Stroll through the parking lots, the laundry facility (if there is one), and even peek at the upkeep of dumpster stations.

Finally, if at all possible, ask to walk through the apartment you’ll be renting once it becomes available. Do this before you sign any rental agreement. After all, you want to be absolutely certain the place you’ll be living is clean and appropriate for your needs.

Tip #2:  Be upfront about utilities

Too often, new renters assume utilities are included in their monthly rental fee. While this is the case at some apartment complexes, it’s not a hard and fast rule. Some apartment managers pay certain utilities while assigning you payment for the rest. Others expect you to pay separate bills for all utility expenses, on top of your rental payment.

When touring an apartment complex, ask the property manager directly about utility expectations. Clarify which utilities you’re expected to pay, and then ask for estimates on the average monthly cost of those utilities. Cover basics such as water and electricity costs, and then ask whether things like telephone, cable, or internet connections are included in your rental fee.

For any utilities not included in your rent, ask whether the apartment complex has special deals with specific companies. You may be able to get in on a group discount by utilizing preferred service providers.

Above all, make sure utility expectations are included in your rental agreement. If the property manager states that your rental fee includes payment of specific utilities, don’t sign any paperwork until that condition is listed in black and white.

Tip #3:  Clarify parking guidelines

Parking at apartment complexes can be tight. Inquire about parking guidelines for residents, and then ask about fees. Ask whether residents are limited to a certain number of vehicles per apartment. Find out whether you’ll have assigned parking or whether parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.

It’s also important to ask about enforcement policies when it comes to parking. If you’ll have an assigned spot, what happens when someone else parks there?  How does the apartment complex enforce a limited number of vehicles on its grounds?  Essentially, you want to determine whether parking policies are fair and enforced.

Tip #4:  Find out about security practices

For your own safety and the safety of anyone who will be living with you, ask about security policies. If the complex employs a security officer at night or during the day, ask about the background and training of the officer. Is he or she simply an hourly employee in a security uniform, or did he or she actually undergo law enforcement training?

You should also look for signs of a secure dwelling within the apartment you’ll be renting. Double-bolt locks are a good indication of a well-secured front door. You should also take the time to look for quality locks on windows and any porch doors your apartment may have.

Tip #5:  Ask about creature guidelines

Often, new residents fail to ask about both pet requirements and extermination guidelines. It’s important to find out whether a complex allows pets, and if so, whether they require a monthly fee or deposit, before introducing a furry friend to your new home.

On the same note, you need to know whether or when extermination checks are done on the property. If left unchecked, varmints and rodents can quickly become problems at large apartment complexes.

Finally, if you do plan to have a pet in your apartment, you should take care to ask how extermination visits are handled. Make certain your apartment won’t be visited without notice to you first. After all, if your new home is going to be sprayed for pests, you want to be sure you can put your pet in a safe place until the extermination process is complete.

Above all, communicate

The bottom line to remember when shopping for apartments is that it’s crucial to communicate. For example, if you’re hoping to negotiate apartment rent that’s lower than usual or that doesn't get increased annually, you won’t know whether it’s a possibility unless you ask. The same rule applies to locating a no credit check apartment – if that’s what you think you need, ask the property manager if there’s a way around a credit check. Exceptions to rules are made all the time as long as you make your case politely and clearly. So be upfront, honest, and civil. Doing so might just land you an excellent apartment-living experience.