What to Know When Renting Your First Apartment
It finally happened: you have decided to find your own place. A rented apartment is something that people usually choose as their first home, as it is easier and cheaper while thinking of something that they can call their own. Renting an apartment seems pretty easy. You are excited by the decision itself, so everything you choose seems good at first. A bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom in which you are the ruler – that is the dream, right? However, this kind of move demands a certain number of crucial things you will have to think about, to ensure your first home will keep you happy every day, sometimes for several years (or even decades). In this article, we are going to explore some of the main components you have to consider, in search of your perfect first rented apartment.
Sign a contract
This is an important step, as you are about to enter into what will likely be your first ever legally binding agreement. Make sure to read the rental contract carefully before signing it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or negotiate terms if necessary. It’s also a good idea to have a lawyer review the contract to ensure that all parties are protected and that the terms and conditions are fair. A rental contract protects both you and the landlord, so make sure to get everything in writing. In some cases, landlords may not require a written lease. However, it is always better to have one in case any disputes or issues arise during your tenancy. The question “Can I get my security deposit back if I never signed a lease” is a common one for many renters who may have moved into an apartment without signing a formal lease agreement. The answer can vary depending on state laws and individual situations, but having a signed lease can provide clear guidelines for both parties and help avoid potential conflicts in the future.
Match your new space with your taste
Sometimes, when you are looking for a new apartment, you may run into something that looks fabulous, completely new, and freshly furnished, but it doesn’t really speak to your personal taste. A real estate agent will find an amazing place, but you may not feel at home there. The best move is to sit and go over the room, feel if you personally find it cozy, relaxing, and see if you can really wake up there refreshed and ready for a new day. The same goes for the bathroom and the kitchen. See if you can easily move through it when you make your evening meal, ready to decompress after a long day at work.
Check if everything works
Even if you have found a completely new apartment, in a completely new building, it’s possible that there are some small flaws the owner may have overlooked or didn’t tell you about. Not to mention the situation when you rent an old apartment with used components. Check every room. Check the faucets, appliances, beds, and closets. Even check the floors and the walls. Some small spots on the wall? They may seem like nothing, but they may actually be moldy. Check the thermal insulation if you are planning on spending winters or hot summers there. If you are unsure of your own attention to detail, bring a friend, a designer, or even an inspector to go over every last part.
Location, location, location
When you are looking for a place to live, there are several location issues that need to be covered: how far is it from your workplace, your friends, family, favorite bar… Closeness to a park or a riverside is a nice touch as well. See if there are enough stores, pharmacies, and transportation options around. Also, don’t forget to see if the neighborhood is safe and clean enough. Checking all of these things is sometimes very time-consuming and stressful. This is why the best thing is to consider calling a reputable real estate agent and going over everything with them. Find an agent or a website that is local and well-recommended since they will know the area much better, as well as the market. For example, if you are living in Houston, Texas, but you want to move and start your new life in the same state, you are probably aware of which cities are best for young people to seek new opportunities. Texas is well-known as a place to develop new, successful businesses while a lot of young people also move there for quality schools and other kinds of education. Abilene is definitely one of those cities. If you want to start your new chapter in this place, look for apartments for rent in Abilene because there is a wide array of options to choose from.
Always be aware of your budget
At one point during your search, you may find a perfect place – well-located, supremely equipped, and stunningly designed, but it is a bit over your budget at the moment. And you have already fallen in love with the apartment. What do you do? You may think that it is wise to borrow some more money or find another job just to support this, but think again. That second job may fail or you may not be able to give back the borrowed funds in time. It would be best to look some more. When you least expect it, a perfect apartment may appear. Or your partner may chip in. Don’t rush. Your perfect home is out there. However, if you are set on renting the amazing but expensive one, there are also bank loans. There are some smaller loans that can probably help with the rent for the first year, and in the meantime, you can work on a long-term plan.
These are just some of the crucial things you will have to pay attention to when you start looking for your first rented apartment. Be patient, be careful. Make a plan. Take advice from experts. Use expert websites. All of this will eventually pay off, when you sit in that cozy chair, in your first home, relaxing and smiling away.
