| Finding an apartment, especially in a "landlord's | | | | office or guest room space. Of course if you |
| market" can be tough. With rental units being | | | | have children, the apartment must first permit |
| converted into condos and vacancy rates at | | | | them. And then additional space becomes a prime |
| all-time lows, it can be rough locating an | | | | consideration. |
| apartment unit that fits your budget and your | | | | Parking |
| needs. Before you start the search for the | | | | If you have a vehicle, parking is a concern. Before |
| perfect apartment, keep reading for a valuable list | | | | you sign a lease on that downtown loft, make |
| of factors to consider. | | | | sure there's somewhere you can park your car, |
| Location, Location | | | | even if there is a monthly fee for it. |
| Whether you want to be right in the heart of the | | | | Pets |
| city, a more suburban area or rural location that | | | | Depending on the tenancy laws in your area, |
| offers space and affordability is going to be your | | | | landlords can deny apartments to tenants with |
| first major decision. | | | | pets or put restrictions on the type of animals |
| While city living provides shorter commute times | | | | allowed in the apartment. Also, you may be |
| and city amenities to those who are employed | | | | required to pay an additional deposit if you plan to |
| closer to downtown, properties that are | | | | share your rental apartment with an animal |
| off-the-beaten path tend to cost less and offer | | | | companion. Pets pose sanitation and noise risks |
| more in terms of parking and space. | | | | that landlords must take into account. |
| If you enjoy the hustle and action of city life | | | | Landlord |
| where you work but prefer the solace of | | | | An apartment can seem great, the perfect |
| disconnecting from people afterward, you will | | | | location, the right price and all the amenities you |
| certainly want to weigh all the personal pros and | | | | need, but if the landlord is difficult to deal with, |
| cons of urban vs. suburban life. | | | | you could quickly find yourself living in a nightmare. |
| Price | | | | Remember, over the length of your lease, you'll |
| Ideally, you don't want your rent to exceed a | | | | need to deal with your landlord on a regular basis |
| third of your monthly income. If you're saving for | | | | - from paying rent to calling about repairs, they're |
| a down payment on a home or different | | | | going to be your point person and main contact. |
| investment, you should cut that figure down to a | | | | You wouldn't enter into an investment business |
| quarter of your monthly salary. As mentioned | | | | partnership with someone you didn't like, so why |
| above, given the benefit of proximity to many | | | | would you for your home? If have a bad feeling |
| amenities, appealing urban apartments are simply | | | | about a potential landlord, walk away. |
| going to cost more. | | | | Amenities |
| Space | | | | Laundry, appliances and utilities are all perks and |
| Depending on the size of your family, roommates | | | | sometimes necessities for apartments. |
| and the quantity of your belongings, you'll need to | | | | Remember, that fifth floor walk-up apartment ten |
| decide how much space you need. Today, many | | | | blocks from the nearest laundromat might not |
| couples are opting for rental properties with a | | | | seem so charming when you're lugging two loads |
| second bedroom or den that can serve as an | | | | of laundry down the street. |
