Renting a Home:
Finding a Home to Rent
Comparing Rental Units
This section is in reference to renting an apartment in a multifamily building or apartment complex. If you are thinking about renting a house, read the Renting a House Section.
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| Comparing Rental Units |
Compare at least three places. It is important to keep a record of places as you look. Several days later it will be difficult to remember which apartment had the appliances you liked and which one had the great closets. This information is important for comparison of costs and features. Use the Comparing Rental Units Work Sheet to record the information about each unit. If you have a digital camera, you may want to photograph key features for your records.
Write down the initial and monthly expenses for each unit. Check with the utility companies for seasonal operating costs. You can compare the costs to see which unit is the most energy efficient. Make notes about the space and facilities. As you look at each unit, ask yourself if there is enough space. Does the apartment allow everyone to do what they want and need? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Can everyone get up, get ready, and get off to the day's activities without running over one another?
Take a tape measure to record important dimensions. Will your furniture and other belongings fit into the apartment? Can you get your furniture through the doors and up the stairs? Mentally decorate the apartment. How will your things fit? Does the apartment look like you and your family? Also, if you visit an apartment that is currently occupied or one that is a model unit, be sure that you react in terms of your needs — not to the furniture or the décor.
In addition to recording information about cost, size and features, take notes about the quality of the general environment. You might not fit in where there are shift workers or late night parties.
Make additional notes on the checklist such as your first impression and the appearance of the neighborhood. If the first impression is not good, you may not want to consider the apartment. You can contact the local police or sheriff's department to check on crime statistics in the area.
A poorly maintained and unattractive building is not likely to improve. Look for signs of problems in the unit. Check for leaks (including inside cabinetry), water damage stains, presence of roaches or ants, mold or mildew and broken fixtures. For instance, peeling paint may be caused by excess moisture, which might indicate a mold problem. As you walk through a unit, check the operation of appliances, water faucets, toilets and electric switches. Living units and the buildings should be equipped with smoke detectors and sometimes carbon monoxide detectors, fire sprinklers, fire escapes and lighted exits, emergency lighting, security systems and deadbolt locks. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
You may want to ask current tenants about how well they think the property is managed. Some possible questions include:
- Does the landlord/manager see that repairs are promptly and professionally made?
- Can you easily hear people in adjacent apartments?
- Are there other noises such as clanking pipes?
- Are there problems with the behavior of neighbors/children?
- Are there problems (tractor trailer rigs, RVs, overcrowding) with parking?
- Are there any security concerns?
- Are there problems with pets?
You can check with the local Better Business Bureau to learn if there is a record of complaints about a real estate rental company or an individual landlord. If there is a record, it will show what effort, if any, was made to settle complaints.
Once you find a desirable apartment, you will need to fill out an application. If nice, affordable rental units are scarce, you may have to fill out applications at several apartments.
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