Are you getting ready to go look at your first apartment? Do you know what to look for in order to be sure that the apartment will be the right one for you? You've probably already figured out what sort of budget you can afford, helping to narrow down the potential list of apartments to something that is more manageable. But going from there to deciding which apartment is your ideal new home isn't always easy. Some of the most important things that you should be looking for include:
Security features: Check all of the doors and windows for each of the apartments for rent that you view. Ensure that they lock securely, preferably with more than one kind of lock. Try to imagine getting locked out of the apartment - would you be able to get back in easily, perhaps by one of the windows, or would you have to call a locksmith? If you think you could get inside easily, then a burglar would also be able to enter your home with relative ease. A determined burglar can be extremely creative, so choose a different apartment if you have any doubts.
Amenities: Even if you're not planning to actually use the swimming pool, gym, or other amenities yourself, always make sure to take a look at them when viewing apartments for rent. If the complex has a communal laundry room, make sure to take a look at that as well. In some complexes, the apartments themselves may look nice upon first inspection, but the communal areas are dirty, broken, or otherwise not at all maintained. And if the more public areas aren't being maintained, that doesn't bode well for the plumbing and other private maintenance issues. Even if the apartment looks attractive, it's best to choose a location where management keeps up with routine maintenance.
Storage space: It's so easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of an apartment that you forget about how big the apartment actually is. Not all apartments with the same number of bedrooms are created equal. Some 1-bedroom apartments can have more floor space and storage area than 2-bedroom apartments elsewhere. If you already have a couch or other large furniture, make sure to take measurements before you go touring any apartments for rent. And make sure that you bring a measuring tape with you while viewing these apartments. Otherwise, you could find yourself renting an otherwise lovely apartment but without being able to actually bring your furniture inside.
