Things to consider before renting an apartment

Look for curb appeal, then make sure the building manager interacts in a friendly, calm, respectful manner and is willing to answer questions.

Also, on the inside of the apartment, see how old or new light fixtures are, countertops, and is the paint a simple white or is there at least some taste in painting.

Check for cross-breeze ventilation inside.

Does the location and size fit with your plans for the next year or two years? And if your circumstances remain and you're content in the apt can you see yourself living there long term?

Make sure that cigarette smoke from smokers in adjacent apartments doesn't leak into your apartment. I friend of mine is experiencing this problem and he hasn't been able to find and plug the leaks or get the landlord to do it.

Looking for an apartment to rent can be an overwhelming and tiring process. After looking at many different options, it's easy to be wowed by a place that shows well compared to the others. Just because a... keep reading →

Ask how much the utilities are going to cost you every month.

Besides what already mentioned, here's a few more that come to mind...

If top floor, what kind of ceiling insulation -- will it be an oven in summer? If a lower floor, what about noise suppression from people walking and thumping above?

Parking. Most apartments have totally inadequate parking for tenants. There should be at least one space for a studio, TWO (not one) for a one-bedroom, THREE (not one or two) for a two-bedroom apartment. What about guest parking? Street parking is usually not a good option.

Gardening and maintenance. Many landlords/managers will spruce up the building and grounds when there is a vacancy. As soon as the vacancy is filled, the sweeping stops, the plants die, etc.

Laundry room facilities sufficient for the building. Are the machines' timing set so that one cycle is sufficient to do a good job of wash and rinse? The dryer -- do they nickle and dime you so you have to put in more quarters for another cycle to complete drying?

Electrical wiring -- will it handle modern requirements for all the electronics and appliances? At least two outlets per wall, that are "hot" at all times (not wall-switch controlled) is a minimum.

Plumbing. Can the plumbing in each unit be worked on independently without having to shut down the water in the whole building just to replace someone's kitchen faucet?

Sufficient hot water. Circulating hot water, so you get hot water withing a few seconds rather than waiting for a minute or so after turning it on. Minimal pressure drop of the cold water in the shower when flushing the toilet to prevent scalding in the shower.

Can you get good satellite antenna placement for TV in case local cable sucks or broadcast reception now no longer works because it is now digital?

That's it for now, running out of time. I was, in a previous life, an apartment building (income property) appraiser.

I used to manage apartments as one of my numerous jobs when I was going to college as a returning adult student...and one of the biggest problems was "moving out" which ALWAYS should be understood before MOVING IN.

In other words, how do you break the lease? What condition does the manager expect you to "restore" the apartment to? Are you in agreement as to what the normal wear and tear condition is at the time of move in?

AND, do you have a back up plan should you experience a change in income, which happens more often than you might think and ALWAYS when you least expect it!!

PLEASE understand how a rentor can legally break a lease BEFORE you sign it.

Know your rights and responsibilities so you can leave with no problems!! =) Good luck!

Well im looking for a santa monica apartment and i was told to first see what type of neighborhood you would be interested in. Location is everything! It can be in a busy commercial type area or quiet suberbia area. Then see what the monthly rate is. if it's to much, you might have to make some financial sacrafices. Try to keep it within your budget. Once you find the place you are looking for, speak to the landlord directly. When speakiing to him/her be very polite and calm so that you can come off trustworthy, beacuase you are staying in there vacancy. If you feel a good connection with the landlord try negotiating the rent/deposite. I heard westsiderentals.com had great lanlords with great prices. They are easy to talk to and always negotiable.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE RENTING AN APARTMENT LOWELLWRITTER IS THE FOLLOWING....

1.WILL YOU BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE APARTMENT, EVEN IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOB?

2. IS THE APARTMENT IN A NEIGHBORHOOD YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LIKE AND FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH?

3. WHAT ARE THE BENFITS OF THE AREA. LIKE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, SHOPPING CENTERS, LOCAL SCHOOLS, ENTERTAINMENT ECT...

4. YOUR EVEN GET ONLINE TO SEE IF ANY REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS LIVE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

5. IF YOUR HAVE SMALL CHILDREN MOVING WITH YOU OR MIGHT COME TO VISIT. MAKE SURE THE HOME IS LEAD SAFE.