 |
by Laura Holm |
| Here it is, the moment you've been dreaming of for so long... You are finally getting place of your own, renting an apartment for the first time. But be careful. Finding a place that you are committed to for a substantial period of time is not something you want to rush. Keep an eye open and you'll be sure to land a nice spot. |
First, it's great to get an idea of what's available in your price range. Visiting leasing offices gives you a good idea of several floor plans and what the interior will look like. But don't let the trip to your leasing office be the only time you swing by. Try to go by some weekday around 5:30 in the evening, when everyone is getting home from work, going out to dinner, and playing with their kids. This will show you how your apartment complex really operates. Are there people drinking beer out of the back of some guy's truck? Do people talk to each other? Do they even acknowledge one another? Then ask what sort of community YOU want. Maybe you like a place where no one knows who you are. But also get a feel for if these neighbors will come to check things out if you're screaming in the middle of the night. Maybe even check it out one evening after dark too. Get out of your car and walk around. Take note of how safe or at home you feel. Do you feel like you could hang out there on a patio for a while? Did you even make it out of your car? Notice how much noise is coming off the streets and highways. Do you think you could sleep well? All these little things can make big impacts on how much you enjoy living there.
Once you find the right spot, it's good to talk to your landlord or management company. Look at the lease. READ the lease, even the fine print. What happens if you decide you want a pet four months into the year? What does the landlord cover in case of a flood or fire, and what are you liable for? Then look into renters' insurance. Take it from a bad experience- You don't want to be caught with a stingy landlord who hasn't called anyone to fix the very leaky pipes and realize that if it floods, your new furniture isn't covered. While insurance seems like something you can put off for a few months, don't chance it. Moving in can be expensive, but it is worth the money now.
And about that stingy landlord or management company... It's okay to be persistent. Ultimately, they might have the power in making decisions, but you have the right to live in a peaceful, relaxing, healthy environment. One of the perks of renting is that you don't have to worry about paying for repairs. You just have to report them, and hopefully they'll be fixed in a timely manner. But if they aren't, it's alright to be persistent and assertive. Ask if they've called the plumber or handyman, ask when they're coming. If you don't get a satisfactory response, keep asking. You pay good money to live there, and you have the right to be in-the-know.
Speaking of money, you might want to set aside some funds for moving in, whether it's your first move or your 32nd. Think of all those unforeseen expenses that come with getting your new pad all set up. I'm not talking about furniture or new dishes. It's those trips to the store to pick up paper towels, sponges, picture hanger hooks and A/C filters. It can add up quickly. Maybe you'll need a vacuum, maybe you'll need floor cleaner. But trust me, you'll need the extra money to offset the cost.
And lastly, a final word of advice to renters, first time or otherwise, about the neighbors. Be cordial. Sure, in an age where we communicate more through text messages and MySpace, it might seem weird or lame to send your neighbor a wave and a friendly "hello." But I think you'll find that most neighbors are happy to know who is living next to them, and that their new neighbor seems to be a reasonably well-adjusted person. It also opens the door to asking if they can watch your cat next weekend or help move a desk upstairs. But let's be honest, there are more horror stories about neighbors than fairy tales. Being friendly might just make your neighbor a lot more sensitive to your presence and so they won't invite their band over for a jam session at 2:00 am on Tuesday.
Getting into your first apartment might seem a little nerve-wracking, but the rewards are worth it. Having a space that's all your own is great and the independence it affords is priceless.
Laura Holm is a freelance writer in Austin, TX. She has been published in several local publications and on several online sites. When she's not freelancing, she blogs about her passion for food, wine and travel.
The exclusive article above may not be re-printed online or offline or published without permission from iHomeConnect.
