If you are planning to live independently and you still cannot afford to buy a house, then living in an apartment seems to be a practical choice for now. Apartment hunting can be a tough task to handle if you have no idea where to start, what to look for, and what to do. This feeling is normal for first-timers; that is why you need a guide to make things less overwhelming. Here are some tips to get you started.
Know your budget
How much money are you willing to spend on rent alone? Ideally, it should only be within the 20% bracket of your monthly net income. You need to have a clear view of your monthly budget. You can write down all of your expenses on a piece of paper and determine how much money you can allocate for rent. Remember that you still need to think about other costs as well. You can check out flats to rent in Brentwood which are perfect for new tenants. If you want to live in a more expensive place, then you need to adjust some of your expenses.
If you want to save money on rent, here are some things that you can do.
- Get a roommate and split the rent evenly
- Check out urban places where rent is relatively more affordable
- Try getting a smaller space, especially if you live alone
Prepare some money for the deposit
If you can decide on what apartment to choose, you need to prepare some money for the deposit. The majority of landlords ask for three months worth of deposit. As much as you would like to pay by cheque, some owners prefer cash instead. If you prove that you have a good payment history within the next few months, then you can ask if it is okay to start sending monthly cheque payments.
Get feedback from current tenants
Taking time to talk to the current tenants will help you make a good impression on your landlord. This gesture gives them an idea that you have a friendly personality and you are someone who can get along with neighbours. You can ask about the current living conditions, safety and any outstanding issues that may concern you. Most tenants will not mind answering your questions, so better take advantage of the opportunity given to you.
Inspect the place thoroughly
Before moving in, you need to make sure that everything in the apartment is in good working condition. Check the walls, floors and ceilings for cracks or damage. Also check the electrical wiring, lighting, taps, drains and the toilet bowl to see if it is all working well. In case there is something that needs repair, make sure that your landlord is aware of this.
Lastly, keep in mind that before you sign a lease contract, address all of your questions to the landlord. Once all of them are answered sufficiently, then it is time for you to close the deal.
No Comments