How Do I Find an Apartment?

Do your research! Where do you want to live? How much can you afford for monthly rent? Do you want to share an apartment with a roommate? What type of
lease you should sign? Renting an apartment can be very expensive. Not only do you have to pay for your rent each month, but you also have to pay for a number of other expenses. These can include internet, cable, water, heat, electricity, gas, trash, and parking. Make sure your monthly income includes these charges, and other things you need and want to spend your money on, such as food, gas, and entertainment.

• • Contact apartment complexes you are aware of to see if they have any free apartments
  • Ask friends and family for recommendations about apartments Look in newspapers or online at websites designed to list apartments for rent
  • Check with the local police department on the safety and security of the neighborhood.

If possible, look for reviews of apartments online. Many times, reviews can let you know if there is anything good or bad about the apartments that you might want to know ahead of time.

You should always meet with a manager or landlord of the the apartment to ask questions.

• • What’s included in rent?
  • Are any utilities included?
  • What’s the average monthly cost of utilities?
  • Does the apartment have a laundry room? If so, where is it and how much does it cost?
  • Is parking available? If so, is there an additional cost?
  • Are pets allowed? If so, is there an additional cost?
  • Is public transportation close by if I need it?

You should also ask to tour an apartment and any additional spaces, such as parking or laundry.  That’s a great way to see if you would like living there.