Getting an Apartment

Off Topic
1

Hey,

So, I’m looking for an apartment for the first time in my life. To be honest, I really have no idea how to go about doing so.

I’m in Atlanta, Georgia. Well, going to be, I’m not there yet. It’s just going to be me, no one to room with, and while cost is a concern I’m not entirely strapped for cash or anything.

Does anyone have any good tips on how to find a decent place to live for a good price?

2

This is what I have used for the 2 different apartments I have lived in.

www.rent.com

Easy to use, and you’ll be able to find alot of different places to look at. Good luck!

3

Get an upstairs apartment–less break-ins and more quiet.

4

Here’s a checklist for you. I’ve been in property management and have been through the apartment search process myself:

  • Price shouldn’t be the only thing you look at. Quality of life is as important if not moreso. That’s where the value of an apartment community comes into play. Is your rent really cheap if your apartment has so many problems that it affects your everyday life (work, school, overall productivity)?

  • Definitely go back to the communities you’re interested in during off hours and interview residents about their quality of life and what they think of the leasing staff.

  • Don’t ask the leasing agent questions about crime and resident demographics. It’s against fair housing law for them to answer these questions.

  • Find out how responsive and efficient the maintenance staff is.

  • If they’re offering major price specials in the summer and fall (busiest seasons of the year), stay away. It’s a major red flag and you’ll pay for those concessions with a major rent increase when you’re up for a renewal.

  • Make sure you know what utilities are included and what monthly payments (aside from rent) that you have to make (ie trash fee, parking, etc). Also ask about parking rules for residents and guests as they vary widely from community-to-community.

  • Unless the community was built like a condo, be prepared to hear noise from your neighbors. Most apartments aren’t well insulated for sound. If your aparment was built solid like a condo, expect it to convert into a condo in the near future.