It’s not likely that you’re going to find your perfect apartment on the first viewing. Depending on where you live and what’s available, searching for an apartment could take anything from a mere week to several months. In a recent survey, 56% of respondents said it took more than three weeks to find a new apartment. That can mean a lot of apartments to compare and contrast. So what factors are the most important to look at to make the process simple?
When it comes to looking for an apartment, one of the main deciding factors for renters is price. After all, if you can’t afford it, what’s the point?
Is an apartment ticking all your “must have” boxes? Maybe it even ticks a few more that you didn’t even know you wanted. Great amenities can certainly help with weeding out apartments that just won’t be suited for you. Take a look back on your list of "must haves" and "nice to haves" to ensure it's meeting your standards.
Ever wondered what actual tenants are saying about where they live? Apartment Guide has got you covered with Certified Resident Reviews. Just click on the star rating of any property you’re looking at and scroll down to see real opinions from real renters just like you.
With overall ratings and specific ratings on things like value, facilities and location, these ratings can help narrow down exactly what you’re looking for and help you steer clear of what you don’t. One key thing to look for while reading the reviews is how the apartment management is responding. Do they tackle anything negative? How do they respond to praise or complaints? Seeing the reaction can tell you a lot about the community you might want to move into.
Do you have more questions on the renting process, finding that perfect apartment or what to do after you've signed the lease? Check out Apartment Guide's Renter's Toolkit — it's everything you ever wanted to know about renting all in one place!