Looking for a new apartment to rent can be an exciting venture. It can also be a confusing one if you do not have a plan in place before you start your apartment search. Since apartments can range in size, price, location and amenities, it is important to know what you are looking for before you start actually looking at places to live.

What to Look for When Renting an Apartment

 
First, you should sit down and make a list of things that you are looking for in an apartment. Separate this list into two columns. One column should be the “must haves” and the other column should be the “would like to haves.” Under the “must haves” column, list all of the things that the apartment you want is required to have. In the “would like to haves” column, list the things that you would like the apartment to have, but are not requirements. This type of list will help you to narrow down the apartment options that you will have to look at. Based on your list make a list of apartment complexes and places listed for rent that you think or know will fill your criteria and then schedule appointments to see the apartments.

Outside Conditions
 
While you will be spending the majority of your time inside your apartment you should also consider the outside areas of the apartment, home or complex that you will be living in. Look for the cleanliness of the halls, walkways, and common areas such as the pool, gym, etc. Also look to see if they have sufficient lighting so that when you are coming home at night, it will be safe to walk from your car to your front door. Look at the front door of the apartment to make sure that it is secure as well. Check to see what kind of lock it has on the inside and the outside of the door.

What to Look For in the Kitchen 

Check the kitchen for any type of animal droppings (such as roach or mice). Also be on the lookout for dead bugs. Droppings or actual dead bugs may indicate that there is a bug or rodent problem with the apartment, and that is probably something that you will want to stay away from.
 
Next, check the refrigerator and stove. Make sure that all of the burners work on the stove and that the oven also works. Listen for any weird noises coming from the refrigerator like humming or rattling.
 
Check to make sure that there is enough counter space and enough electrical outlets for you to work in the kitchen. If you do not have a dining room you may also want to see if there is enough room to fit a table and chair set inside the kitchen area.

Living Room Considerations

The living room is the room where you will probably spend the most amount of time in your new apartment or home. Again, make sure that there are enough electrical outlets to plug in all of your electronics like the TV, DVD player, stereo, etc. You should also review the layout of the room to make sure that the furniture you have will fit into the available space.

Bathroom Check
 
Check the bathroom for mildew or mold. Flush the toilet to make sure that it works and does not run continuously after flushing. Turn on the hot and cold water faucets in the sink and in the shower to make sure that everything is functioning properly.

Bedroom  Check

Your bedroom should be a place for peace and tranquility so that you can get a restful night’s sleep. So the first thing that you should check is how thin the walls are. This is especially true if you are going to have roommates or if your bedroom shares a wall with a neighboring apartment. Make sure that your bedroom windows open and close properly and that there are secure locks on the windows for safety. Check the closet space to make sure that there is enough room for you to fit all of your clothes and other items that you will need to store in your room.
 
Identify the Total Costs Involved in Renting the Apartment
 
There are varying costs associated with renting an apartment so it is important to find out from the landlord or apartment leasing agent exactly how much the monthly rent is going to be and what costs are included in the monthly rent. Some apartments do include the cost of electric, cable and water in the rent payment. Most do not include these costs, so it is important for you to understand the exact cost and what is included. If the electric, water and cable are not included in the rent, then ask for an estimate of costs based on the number of people that will be living in the apartment.
 
Many landlords require a cash deposit, as well as the first and last month’s rent, so be sure to inquire as to what amount you will owe when signing the lease.
 
Ask about parking. Is there an assigned space (or spaces) for your apartment or is it random parking? Also find out if there are a sufficient amount of parking spaces for tenants and find out where the guest parking is.

In Writing Please

Be sure to get everything in writing so that there are no headaches later on in the process! It should be a red flag to you if a landlord does not want to have a written lease or put certain items in writing.