When searching for an apartment there may be several things you will want to research before leasing a home from a landlord or property management company.  Some of these matters may include the leasing agreement, rules and regulations, maintenance procedures, or the neighbors that you will have once you move in. To help you find the apartment of your dreams, here are some renting tips that you can use to do research before deciding which apartment is right for you.

Never sign a lease agreement without inspecting the property. Make sure the apartment lives up to your expectations before signing a lease and moving in! It’s a good idea to walk through the apartment to confirm that it is what you want before you put in an application and sign a lease. When you start to move in be sure to inspect and list anything that is not functioning or was previously damaged inside your apartment. Inspect every outlet, light socket, plumbing fixture, and appliance upon moving in to make sure they all function properly, as well as windows and doors. Survey the ceiling, floors, and walls, then make note of any damages or possible leaks. Inspecting your new home will prevent dilemma when you move out by establishing what damages were they before you moved in.

Read through the agreement before you sign the contract. Once you sign the lease contract, you have an obligation to fulfill the agreement until the end of the contract. You should not take it lightly. Your lease agreement will include rules and regulations regarding conduct, parking, pets etc. so it is important that you read through it before you endorse it and move in. Your lease should also include a section on move out procedures to insure that you get a refund of your deposit. If there are parts of the contract that you do not understand or have questions about, you should bring up the concern before signing the agreement.

Develop a relationship with people associated with the property. It is important to establish a friendly relationship with the owner or property manager. This will ensure that if you have maintenance requests or other issues you can effectively communicate with the property manager of your apartment. By keeping a positive relationship you can prevent difficult interactions in the future as well as build trust and confidence with the manager.

Renters insurance is always advised. Whether the property management company requires you to obtain renters insurance or not, it is always recommended. While the homeowner will hold insurance, it does not cover your possessions within the apartment or any damages that were caused by tenants or guests. By having renters insurance you ensure that all of your belongings will be replaced in the event of a disaster as well as protect yourself in the event that anyone get hurt while at your apartment. Renters insurance is generally about $15 to $30 a month and can offer you peace of mind and the security of knowing that if something unexpected happens, you are protected!

You should abide by the rules written in the lease agreement. It is always resourceful to know the rules that are stated in your lease agreement so that you do not violate them. If for any reason you violate the leasing contract under any circumstances, you may acquire penalty fees or even an eviction notice.  If this happens, you may find it difficult to find a new place to live because evictions have a negative impact on your overall credit score as well as your rental history record.

If you already know what you want and know how much the apartment will cost, you can make your choice now. In the event that you are still looking for an apartment, browse the vacancies on our website or call our office at (417) 337-RENT (7368).