20 Apartment Hunting Tips You Should Know Before Viewing Properties (2024)

  • Knowing apartment details ahead of time can help you make a better decision about where to live
  • We have apartment hunting tips to help you ask all the right questions
  • Read through this list before you look for apartments so you are prepared to find the perfect home for your situation

Before you begin apartment hunting, you will want to prepare your budget, checklist and questions.

Finding the perfect place to live can be a little harder than people expect.

The home of your dreams is out there, you will just have to do some work to find it.

Your first consideration will be the location you want to live in and what you can afford in that area. Make sure to also think about the type of apartment you are searching for or if you want to live with roommates. There are a lot of decisions that can affect your search, so we came up with some apartment hunting tips to help guide you through the process.

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1. Plan your expenses

The very first thing you should do before you start apartment hunting is to budget what you will spend on your apartment. This includes your rent, all utilities, groceries and any move-in costs you expect. Also remember any other payments you might have like gas, parking, phone bill, internet, credit cards and any other debts or obligations. It is common practice to keep your rent payments under 30 percent of your monthly income. This allows you to save and plan for your other monthly expenses.

It is important to note that there are amenities that can make an apartment more or less expensive. For example, it is typically cheaper to live in the middle of an apartment building because people will pay more to live on top or bottom floors. Also, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms greatly impacts the price, so consider the amount of space you need to live and don’t go overboard.

If you are having a hard time budgeting what you can spend, a great tool that can help is a rent affordability calculator. This considers what kind of apartment you want and tells you what you can afford based on your income.

2. Consider the season

Most people like to move during the summer months because the weather is more favorable. During these months, more units are available, but the demand for apartments increases the price. Think about moving during the winter when rent prices are lower and you are more likely to strike a deal.

3. Perform self-inspections

When you enter any apartment that you are viewing, you should be sure to check for anything the owner might want to hide. First, check inside cabinets and on top of shelves for animal droppings. Also, check that all sinks and showers run clear. Finally, be sure you bring a phone charger to make sure that the outlets work. Many of these problems often get swept under the rug, so check thoroughly.

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4. Bring a tape measure

You will want to make sure that all of your favorite furniture fits in your new apartment. Bring a tape measure and be sure to measure the building entrances and hallways, as well as the apartment itself.

5. Ask questions

Ask whoever is showing the property as many questions as you can during your walkthrough. Here are some questions you should ask your property manager:

  • Is there a garage and is there a parking fee?
  • How do I request a maintenance order?
  • Are utilities included in the rent payment?
  • Are there income requirements and if so, do I need a guarantor?
  • Does the building have a laundry room?

Once you have these questions answered, you should have a better idea about what the apartment and building include. Next, you will want to ask one of the most important questions of all.

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6. Ask about pets

Something that many people will want to be certain to ask about is if their pets are allowed.Pet policies vary among different apartment complexes and most will not allow them without a fee.

7. Don’t rush

Be sure to take your time as you go through the complex and the unit. When property managers show their units, they often have a lot on their minds with other tour groups, current tenant issues and operations to take care of. They may try to take you through the viewing as fast as possible.

However, this is their job and you can take as long as you like to view the apartment. Take some of their time to make a connection by talking about yourself and asking questions so they remember you. This might make them more likely to choose your application over another.

8. Check cell reception

Oftentimes in homes and commercial buildings, there are places where the internet does not work. Any room in an apartment can have signals interrupted for countless reasons. Make sure to go through each room to check for service and locate any dead zones in the unit.

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9. Consider roommates

If you haven’t already, you should think about living with roommates. Living with roommates will allow you to get the most out of your time and money. Roommates can make living more fun and much more affordable. Many people live with roommates for years after they need to so they can save money for future living expenses.

10. Make a checklist

Oftentimes people get overwhelmed while apartment hunting and forget to check the places and items they had prioritized. Try making an organized list of all your wants and needs in an apartment. You can check off your list as you go through your tours and use that information to create pros and cons that will help you finalize your decision.

11. Read reviews

Some apartment complexes and real estate agencies are known for bad practices. Most people are very vocal online when they find something they really like or really don’t. Be sure that you Google the company and read reviews to gather background information before your tour.

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12. Find the best contact

Most listings will always give you a general place to reach out to if you are interested. However, if you are serious about the listing and want to get moving quickly, you should use any contact information that is listed. Many times there will also be a phone number of the person showing the apartment that you can reach out to directly.

13. Negotiate within reason

If you feel that there is room to do so, you should try to negotiate the price of rent. A good time to negotiate prices is when the unit has a lot of problems that need to be fixed. You can also negotiate if the building or unit does not include the amenities that you desire. The property manager might be willing to sacrifice some of the rent if it means you will sign a lease.

14. Know when to capitalize

You should also know when you have to capitalize on a listing before you lose it. If you are searching to rent during popular months, then odds are you won’t be the only one looking at the unit you desire. It is important to follow-up with the property manager frequently because apartments can get taken so quickly and you want them to know that you are interested. If you see an opportunity that is too good to be true, it probably is and you should jump on it.

15. Consider what you are willing to compromise

It can be hard to find the perfect home with all of your desires. There will most likely be some sacrifices and compromises made. If you are searching with friends or especially a spouse, you might have different ideas of what you want in an apartment. In the end, it is typically best to know when to compromise so that you can sign a lease and make your partner happy.

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16. Fill out applications

If you find an apartment that you are confident about, look to see if there is an application available before you go. Some apartments will post their application online, or you can ask the manager. This way if you like the apartment when you get there, you’ll already have your paperwork ready. It might even put you ahead of someone who did not fill out the paperwork before viewing.

17. Get renters insurance

Renters insurance is much more important than people think and it is very affordable. This protects everything you own inside of your apartment in the case that something happens like a fire or burglary. This can be done in as little as one to two phone calls to a local insurance agent. Just be sure that before you call you estimate the total cost of all your belongings that will be inside of the apartment, as this is the only non-personal information you typically will have to provide.

18. Take pictures

You will want evidence of what your apartment unit looked like when you moved in. Oftentimes the owner will try to take a larger portion of the security deposit than they need to. However, if you can provide pictures of what the apartment looked like when you moved in, they will usually back down.

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19. Check out the area

Be sure that before you sign anything you drive around the neighborhoods and make sure it is a town you want to live in. Drive past the schools and local restaurants to really give yourself a feel of the lifestyle you will be living. Also, look to see what people say online about the area and check the crime reports to ensure you are moving into a safe neighborhood.

It can also be helpful to check out the area at different times of the day or week. A neighborhood will look very different at noon on a Wednesday compared to rush hour on a Friday. Will there be parking when you get home after work? Does the neighborhood get noisy when the local school gets out? These factors are good to be aware of ahead of time.

20. Plan ahead

If you’re not in a hurry to find a place to live, then there is no reason to rush the process. Give yourself plenty of time to decide on what you want in an apartment, then go find it. Moving to a new home is a big deal, so you really want to make sure that you are ready.

Find your perfect apartment today

Finding a home can take a lot of time and travel, but when you find the right one, it’s worth it. People spend so much time dealing with housing setbacks. Now that you know these apartment hunting tips, you should feel confident to start your search for a new apartment without any hesitation.

Sources: HumaneSociety | TheMortgageReports

20 Apartment Hunting Tips You Should Know Before Viewing Properties (2024)

FAQs

How should I look for an apartment? ›

Find a friend in the area, or check out websites or apps that match users with other people searching for roommates.
  1. Decide Which Location Is Best for You. ...
  2. Consider the Time of Year. ...
  3. Determine Which Amenities You Want. ...
  4. Decide If You Need Somewhere Pet-Friendly. ...
  5. Request a Showing. ...
  6. Make Sure You Get the Apartment You Want.

How in advance should I look for an apartment? ›

As a general rule, you should start searching for a new apartment 30 to 60 days before your current lease ends. This period is important for several reasons: You will have enough time to properly go through the listing descriptions for every unit that catches your eye.

What are the most important features of an apartment? ›

When looking for a house or apartment to rent, these are some of the most important features that tenants consider:
  • Safety and security. ...
  • Parking. ...
  • Cleanliness. ...
  • Appliances. ...
  • Newness. ...
  • Storage space. ...
  • Outdoor space. ...
  • A decent landlord. This is a variable you have complete control over, no matter what.
Jun 9, 2020

What I Wish I Knew Before Getting my first apartment? ›

17 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Moving Into My First Apartment
  • Creating a Cleaning Schedule Is Key. ...
  • Don't Bring Your Best Cooking Equipment. ...
  • Your Roommates Don't Care If That's Your Favorite Mug. ...
  • Yes, You Can Overcrowd Your Freezer. ...
  • Claim a Shelf in the Fridge ASAP. ...
  • Dirty Dishes Are a Thing—So Get Over It.

Why is apartment hunting so hard? ›

A lower supply of new properties and increased demand for rental units also results in increased rental costs. This means that fewer people can afford the monthly apartment rent, making it hard for average earners to find an apartment.

How do I stop being discouraged when apartment hunting? ›

Bring a trusted friend. A trusted friend can be an important source of support during the apartment search. Someone who understands your priorities can reduce stress and give you the ability to take a step back from the sense of urgency.

How do you successfully hunt an apartment? ›

10 Most Important Apartment Hunting Tips
  1. Set your budget.
  2. Make a list of non-negotiables.
  3. Consider the neighborhood.
  4. Create a spreadsheet.
  5. Make a list of questions.
  6. Take pictures and observe the details.
  7. Understand the lease.
  8. Walk around the area.
May 29, 2020

What time of month do most rentals become available? ›

The lowest rental rates are found during the winter months—October through April—with demand and prices reaching their nadir between January and March. An apartment search should begin in the middle of the month prior to the target move month.

How soon is too soon to look for a house? ›

The best practice is to start house hunting about five or six months before your lease is due for renewal. This will give you time to get pre-approved for a mortgage and look at potential homes.

How much should you spend on rent? ›

PayProp notes that it is generally accepted that rent should equal no more than 30% of a tenant's take-home pay – that is, their salary after tax and other deductions.

What tenants want most? ›

What Tenants Want: Top 11 Features Tenants Look For In a Property...
  • #1 Good location. Location is a big priority for people looking to rent. ...
  • #2 Safety and security. ...
  • #3 Outdoor space. ...
  • #4 Tenants want open-plan space. ...
  • #5 Transport links and parking. ...
  • #6 Storage space. ...
  • #7 Fitted appliances. ...
  • #8 Well-built and in good condition.
May 31, 2022

What are apartment features? ›

Here are some in-unit amenities that you should familiarize yourself with during your apartment search. In-unit Laundry. Air conditioning. Storage Space or Large Closets. Patio or Balcony Space.

What are examples of amenities? ›

Some examples include:
  • Swimming pools.
  • Clubhouses.
  • Tennis courts.
  • Fitness facilities.
  • Parking.
  • Covered parking.
  • Parks.
  • Common areas.

How do you negotiate lower rent? ›

It's a good time to negotiate lower rent
  1. Know your market. Find out what similar properties in the area cost to rent. ...
  2. Sell yourself. Every landlord wants consistent, decent, quiet tenants. ...
  3. Consider signing a longer lease. ...
  4. Find out how long the property's been empty. ...
  5. Throw in free labour. ...
  6. Just negotiate.
Sep 15, 2008

What do you do when you first rent? ›

Your first-time home renter checklist
  1. Get your finances in order.
  2. Do your research on properties and locations.
  3. Make sure you have saved your deposit.
  4. Be focused on viewings.
  5. Understand your tenancy agreement, fixed term, and notice periods.
  6. Take care of your rental property and stick to the terms of your agreement.
Oct 5, 2021

How fast can you move into an apartment? ›

You can secure and move into a rental property in as little as 1 week. In more extreme cases, it may take 1 to 2 months to be able to move into a rental property. Securing a rental property is way faster than closing on a home.

How many months in advance should you rent an apartment? ›

90 days from move-in date

The rental market is best when you're looking 1-2 months in advance of your expected move-in date. If you start looking for an apartment 3 months in advance, you'll run into the problem of availability.

Why is finding housing so difficult? ›

The imbalance between supply and demand resulted from strong economic growth creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs (which increases demand for housing) and insufficient construction of enough new housing units to meet demand.

How do I stop looking at houses? ›

6 House-Hunting Lies You Need to Stop Believing
  1. Never splurge for the most expensive house in the neighborhood. ...
  2. Spring is the best time to house-hunt. ...
  3. Follow the five-year rule. ...
  4. Never offer the asking price. ...
  5. A 30-year fixed mortgage is always the best deal. ...
  6. Don't buy the first house you look at.

How do I cope with not getting the house? ›

How to Cope After Your Dream Home Gets Away, According to Therapists and Real Estate Agents
  1. Let yourself grieve.
  2. Adjust your price range.
  3. Consider an escalation clause.
  4. Remember, no home is perfect.
Aug 27, 2020

How do you manage stress in house hunting? ›

A Less Stressful House-Hunting Experience
  1. Research your local housing market. ...
  2. Start house hunting sooner rather than later. ...
  3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage loan (if applicable). ...
  4. Get a real estate agent on your side. ...
  5. Don't get too attached to a home just yet. ...
  6. Be flexible in terms of location and property features.
Jul 25, 2020

What month is rent the cheapest? ›

The cheapest months to rent are between December and March, or early winter to early spring. Compared to peak months, rental prices during this period tend to be 3.4% lower, with dollar savings coming in at $38 to $139 less for one bedroom apartments and $47 to $176 less for two bedroom apartments.

What is the best day to move into an apartment? ›

Ideally, you should plan your moving day for a Tuesday or Wednesday, if at all possible.
  • The reason: most people plan their moves on weekends. ...
  • The reason: people often use days that they're not working to move into new homes. ...
  • The reason: you will save the most money and have the most resources available to you.

Can you negotiate rent? ›

Dealing with the landlord directly, as well as having persuasive arguments, can help you successfully negotiate your rent. However, If there is a high demand for the rental property, for example, the landlord may be unwilling to negotiate with you, but you may be able to get a discount if you can prove your case.

How many months in advance should you rent an apartment? ›

90 days from move-in date

The rental market is best when you're looking 1-2 months in advance of your expected move-in date. If you start looking for an apartment 3 months in advance, you'll run into the problem of availability.

How fast can you move into an apartment? ›

You can secure and move into a rental property in as little as 1 week. In more extreme cases, it may take 1 to 2 months to be able to move into a rental property. Securing a rental property is way faster than closing on a home.

How soon can you make the apartment ready to move in? ›

Answer: If an apartment you wish to rent will be ready before the first of the month, you and your landlord may agree to start your lease earlier. It follows that you should then owe rent for just part of that first month of occupancy.

How do apartment viewings work? ›

The Process

The agent will either ask you to meet him/her at their office or at a public space (ex: coffee shop, street corner) close to the apartments they'll be showing you. At this point, they will have most likely asked you to fill out the Fee Agreement and the Broker Disclosure Form we mentioned earlier.

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