Before You Rent An Apartment, Follow These Helpful Tips
If you're looking for an apartment to rent (such as one from Meadowdale Apartments), there are plenty of things you can do to protect yourself and make sure you're getting the best deal possible. Many renters don't know that they can do a few things to help ensure that they don't get a raw deal from their landlord. Here are few tips to help you find the apartment of your dreams and one that you will be able to enjoy for many years without drama.
Negotiate
Just because a set rent amount is posted in an apartment advertisement, it doesn't necessarily mean that's what you will have to pay. Do not be afraid to ask your potential landlord if they'd be willing to come down in price a bit on your rent. Sometimes landlords just want to fill an unoccupied unit quickly and they would be willing to reduce the cost to get someone moved in. You can also talk to them about negotiating other things like the length of your lease or possibly having a pet deposit waived.
Ask Around
If you've found a building you like, ask other tenants a few questions about the place. Find out how long they have lived there and if they enjoy being there. Ask them about other neighbors and what the parking situation is like. Drive by the apartment during the evening to get a feel for how the community is at night. If the place is busting with a lot of people and you hear loud music and you prefer a more quiet environment, it may be time to look elsewhere. There are also online reviews of some apartment communities, so it's a good idea to read those if you can find them in order to get a feel for how you will fit in and if you'll be happy there.
Document Your Move
Once you've found the right apartment for you, be sure to take plenty of pictures of the apartment when it's still empty. Take photos of the walls, the carpeting, and the kitchen. If you see any damage, note it right away and let the landlord know immediately. You don't want to be left holding the bag when you move out and lose your deposit money, so having everything well documented ahead of time can protect you. Remember to always get everything in writing, including all future correspondence with the landlord. These simple tips can help you find a great place to live and keep you from dealing with any issues in the future.