Finding a new place to live can be overwhelming. There are many factors that people consider when they are looking for a house or apartment to rent. For some, the most important factor might be price. While others need something close to work or a certain school district. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before you get started. It’ll make the process go much smoother and you’ll enjoy looking so much more.
Consider the Location
Most people want to be close to work or school. This makes commuting easier and decreases stress. You might love an apartment, but you’ll want to make sure you’re up for the commute. Most people are fine with 30 minutes or less, but when you get close to an hour, it gets challenging. There are plenty of apartments for rent in Phoenix, so you should have no problem finding something that meets your needs. Some rentals are tucked away from main roads, while others are right off the highway. Think about how much road noise you want as well. It may not seem like a big deal, but it can be stressful when you’re trying to sleep.
What Amenities Do You Want?
Do you want a dishwasher? What about a swimming pool? Do you need a gym to be open 24 hours a day? Is it close to the things you like to do in Phoenix? These are just some of the questions you should ask. The more amenities that you have on site the more likely you are to use them. Think through your list of wants and needs and prioritize them. It’s important to be flexible. Because even if they don’t have everything you want, there might be a gym or pool close by for you to use instead.
Do You Need Pet-friendly Options?
Unless you have a service animal, rentals can determine if they want to allow pets on their property or not. Finding a pet-friendly apartment or house can be tough. This is especially true if you have a larger dog or one that’s considered a dangerous breed. Take this into consideration when you’re trying to find a new place to live. Ask up front about animals and what their restrictions are. Most apartments require proof of shots and breed from a veterinarian to ensure the health and safety of all their residents.
What’s Your Price Range?
This is at the top of most people’s list, but you need to know how much you can afford. Rentals often require proof of income to ensure you make at least 2.5 times the rental amount. While you might think you can afford a particular unit, you might not be approved based on the income you make on paper. You can ask about their rates and income requirements to make sure it fits not only your budget, but also their needs.
What’s The Parking Like?
There is nothing worse than getting home late in the evening to find that there is no parking near your apartment unit. Some places have first-come-first-served options while others offer assigned parking spaces. Some have parking in abundance, while others have limited spots. If you prefer covered parking spots, that’s something you’ll need to ask about as well.
What Are The Rental Terms?
Apartments often rent for terms of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Some will only do 1-year leases. If you want a shorter lease, it’s important to ask about that option. Read through the lease terms carefully to ensure you understand the conditions and consequences if you need to break the lease. You might be able to get out of the lease if you find a renter to take over what’s left of the lease. There might also be the option to sublease.
Do You Like It?
While all of the other considerations are practical, this one is more of a feeling. Is it close to the parts of town you frequent? What did you think about the apartment and the property? What did you think about the apartment layout? Could you see yourself living there? If you have a lot of choices, this can be the question that makes or breaks your decision. It’s important to like where you live, if possible, because it’s the place you’ll come home to each day after work. If you like it, and it checks all the other important boxes for you, it might be time to put in your application before it’s gone.
