Apartment Search Checklist

• Category: Apartment Living
• One comment so far...

Finding a new apartment can be very stressful, and confusing. After evaluating dozens of apartment communities, they will usually all start to run together. The following is a checklist to use to keep your search organized.

• Evaluate what you are looking for in your new apartment. List all of your priorities for your new apartment including size, amenities, features, location, and community features.
• Set a price range for your monthly rent. When establishing this price range, consider the cost of utilities-for example, if a community includes utilities or provides a utility package, you might be able to spend more on the monthly rent.
• Make an apartment search folder where you can keep your budget, list of priorities and list of locations you are considering.
• Search for apartment communities online. Apartment search websites such as www.apartmentguide.com, www.rent.com, www.move.com, and www.apartmentfinder.com can be very helpful. All of these websites will allow you to inquire about availability directly from the website.
• Pick up apartment search books that are offered at no cost at most convenience stores and grocery stores. Look for communities that seem to fit your criteria.
• Write a list of apartment communities that you saw online and in books that seem to fit your criteria.
• Ask your friends and co-workers for suggestions. They might live in a community that would be perfect for you, or, they might tell you to avoid the community they live in. 20% of new residents in Berger Rental Communities were referred to their community by satisfied residents.
• Start calling and/or e-mailing the communities on your list to ask questions relating to your specific needs and priorities.
• Cross communities off of your list as you eliminate them. When your list of contenders is narrowed down, make appointments to visit the communities.
• Visit apartment communities to get a feel for which one you might want to live in. Items to take with you may include:
  - Your list of apartment priorities
  - Information on the property you are visiting
  - A list of questions to ask
  - Pen and paper to take notes
  - A digital camera to take pictures
  - A friend for a second opinion
• After visiting the communities, continue to narrow down your list.
• Visit www.ApartmentRatings.com to see reviews of the apartment communities you are considering. Berger Rental Communities has established our own reviews website at www.BergerReviews.com. On this site, our prospective residents can see real feedback from real residents-the good, the bad, and the ugly feedback as well.
• If you are still considering more than one community, weigh the pros and cons of each. Remember that a warm and welcoming management and maintenance team is very important. If more than one community meets all of your needs and priorities, select the community where the team seemed to be the most knowledgeable and helpful.
• Gather the application materials you will need to apply for an apartment. These may include:
  - Your checkbook or credit card
  - Social Security Number
  - Rental history information-list of previous landlords and dates of residency.
  - Pay stubs or bank statements to verify income
• For information about common apartment deposits, read Understanding Apartment Deposits

One Response to “Apartment Search Checklist”

1. claiminsurance says:

   August 9, 2010 at 12:52 pm

   I have been searching for this information and finally found it. Thanks!