3. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD
You need to develop a budget before committing to renting an apartment. Monthly rates for each apartment complex have many determining factors including location, utilities included and number of tenants currently living there. Knowing your budget will help you when speaking with the landlord of the complex about monthly rates and allow you to negotiate with them. Some questions to consider about monthly rates include the following:
What is included in the monthly rent? Ask whether or not utilities are covered and if partial utilities are covered, which ones?
What date is rent due? This will help you determine a payment schedule if need be and also allow you to look at your work schedule to see whether or not it will work with your payment cycle at work.
Is there a down payment? Down payments on apartments tend to be a deposit and first month's rent but some places differ so be sure to ask this question.
Is there a deposit for pets? There are some apartment buildings that require an additional deposit if you have pets.
Is maintenance included? Is the price of apartment maintenance, such as broken garbage disposals, included in the rent or will there be a charge every time you need to call them?
If the apartment is more than you can afford you can ask the landlord if they offer discounts if tenants repair and improve the apartments. Be sure you have the ability to make improvements if you consider this option.
