Whether it’s your first rental experience or your last, locating the perfect apartment that fits both your lifestyle and budget isn’t going to be easy. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Before you sign that lease, keep these 10 very important considerations at heart while apartments in edmonton hunting.
The Price
To start with, is it possible to reasonably afford to reside in here? Before seriously considering an apartment, you need to earnestly think about your budget. Conduct somewhat of online research to obtain a sense for the normal rental rates in a nearby. If you’re willing to pay a high price for a certain location, then you’ll need to find different ways to lessen on expenses. Or you may want to find roommates to help cover the expenses. Also, keep in mind that if an apartment’s rent is unusually low (read: too good to be true) in comparison to other rentals in the area, then this can be a large red flag. Bottomline: ensure you know the market before looking at apartments and negotiating a price.
The Quality
Don’t trust those pretty pictures you observe online. Before you rent a flat, you should arrange to see the place in-person. Take into account that cosmetic issues, such as broken blinds or scratches on the wall, can be fixed – possibly because of your landlord. But deeper problems may be a sign that the apartment hasn’t been properly looked after. When you peruse the apartment, look for health insurance and safety issues, such as bug problems, rodents, leaky faucets, water damage and mold, lead paint, asbestos, dirty air filters, mold, broken heat and air-con systems, rust, broken windows, and electrical problems.
The Landlord
Your landlord can make or break your renting experience. If you have an awful landlord – one with a negative ethics or too little boundaries – you might end up in your own rental nightmare (or worse – a courtroom). To prevent this from happening, make an effort to meet with your landlord or (at the very least) chat with her or him on the telephone. If you’re moving into an apartment with roommates already, then make sure you ask them about their overall experience with their landlord.
The Roommates
Before getting into a flat with total strangers, I suggest getting to know them beforehand. Chances are, they’ll want to screen you as well. Take into account that you don’t need to be close friends with your roommates, but you do have to respect each other. Make sure that, for the most part, your lifestyles are a good match. If you need a 9 p.m. bedtime plus they want to party late in to the night, then your living situation could quickly spiral downhill.
In addition to your roommates, carefully consider the actual neighbors. If meeting potential roommates, inquire further about their experience with their neighbors. In case the roommates commence to complain about various neighbors, my suggestion is RUN. Nobody wants to cope with inconsiderate neighbors.
The Lease
Before signing a lease, I strongly suggest having an area Realtor or lawyer look over the lease to ensure it’s a) a typical lease with no surprises and b) legitimate. Study the lease to ensure it fits the needs you have as well. For example, if you plan on subletting your apartment in the foreseeable future, does this lease allow you to get this done? Make sure to also check: whether the lease is a 6-month, twelve months or month-to-month kind of lease; what date the rent arrives every month; whether roommates are allowed; who’s in charge of the maintenance; any parking rules; and whether your deposit is refundable.
The Pet Policy
Contained in the lease should be your landlord’s pet policy. When you have a pet or anticipate obtaining a pet, this small detail is vital. Be sure to check: whether the landlord charges a pet deposit; if the deposit is refundable; kind of pets allowed; and weight limitations on the pet. For example, if you stay in a flat or condo building, you might only be allowed to have a cat or dog up to 20 pounds.
The Utility Costs
Don’t forget about utility costs! As well as the monthly rent, you’ll probably have to pay for various utilities throughout the time your home is there. These utilities include water, gas, air conditioning, sewer, garbage and electricity – among others. Your lease should evidently construct what utilities you are in charge of covering. Some utilities may be contained in the rent. When you have any questions about who pays for what, make sure to double-check with your landlord before signing the lease.
The Amenities
When choosing accommodations apartment, make sure you consider the area’s amenities. If you’re renting in an apartment building, you’ll need to make sure the amenities fit with your thoughts. For example: would you desire a doorman or extra security? Do you need an elevator? Does your building have a gym or is there an inexpensive gym located nearby? Does the apartment have a dishwasher? Will there be a washer and dryer in your apartment building? How is the commute? Will there be a laundromat nearby? Is there restaurants or shops in a nearby? Chances are, if you’re with limited funds you’ll have to make a few compromises, such as walking to a laundromat, or enduring an extended work commute. Long lasting compromise, be sure to can live with the problem before signing a lease.