5 Things To Do Before Renting An Apartment

Renting an apartment can give you a comfortable place to dwell whether you are looking for long or short-term renting. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a one-bedroom apartment for rent.

1. Look at the place in person. 

Many people pick apartments as temporary dwellings, especially if they are moving a long distance. While you can get to know a lot about an apartment by looking at it via pictures online, there is no comparison to an in-person visit. You get a better feel for the layout of the space by actually being there. If you can wait to secure a place to live after you get where you are going, it is totally worth it to make sure you are happy with the apartment you end up renting.

2. Take a walk through the neighborhood. 

You can tell a lot about the "feel" of a neighborhood by taking a stroll through the neighborhood where the apartment is located. Walk around the grounds, see what is in close proximity, and pay attention to noise levels in the area. If you spot any neighbors, stop and strike up a conversation to ask how they like living in the area.

3. Get familiar with the pet policy. 

Many modern apartment complexes do allow pets, but there are still some that do not. You may not have a pet now, but it is nice to know the policy if you ever do decide to add a dog or cat to your family after you move in. 

4. Find out rules for tenants. 

All apartment complexes are going to come along with some rules for tenants. These rules can be as simple as how many vehicles you can have in the parking lot at any given time to how long a visitor can stay at your place before they have to be added to the lease. Rules are in place to protect the property and protect the tenants that live on the property as well. 

5. Look at parking. 

Parking is a huge thing when you share this space with other tenants. You'll find a lot of apartments that have a sizable parking lot, and you may find some that have two or more spots for each tenant. Another thing to consider is security in the parking area; how well is the area lit and is it concealed from the street?