Q: After recently graduating from college, I moved back in with my family to settle down. Now that I’ve found a good job, I’m thinking of renting an apartment for the first time. I don’t know what I don’t know, so my girlfriend’s mother, who had been reading my column, suggested I consult with her.How can I be sure to find the right apartment? — Alisha
answer: It’s always nice to see someone educate themselves before taking any significant action. Knowledge is power, and asking questions and doing research is a great way to gain power.
Renting an apartment is a big decision, as signing a rental agreement is a long-term agreement. Renting comes with important legal obligations and costs to move in and decorate.
When looking for an apartment, you should consider three main concerns: location, grounds, and landlord.
position
To find the right location, drive around the area where your intended apartment is located at different times and days of the week. Find out about noise, activity, crime, available parking, and more. A quiet community with plenty of parking at 2pm on a Tuesday may turn into a party center on a Friday night. Check the internet for crime statistics. Make sure your favorite restaurants and supermarkets are nearby.
Also, think about how you want to live your life. For example, if you like going to the beach, finding a nice place an hour’s drive from the sea is not the best choice.
On the premises
When looking at potential apartments, be sure to use a critical eye. Make sure it is well maintained, clean, and cared for. Find out if your landlord does regular maintenance and pest control, and ask how broken appliances and other repairs will be handled.
Apartments are in the best condition when the landlord is looking to rent them, but if things aren’t good now, it’s only going to get worse.
landlord
Finally, you should research your landlord. A rental agreement is a long-term relationship, so you need to make sure you have a landlord who takes their role seriously. This is relatively easy to do on the internet. Consult with a real estate appraiser to find out if the other party is actually the owner. Also check with the court to see if there have been any issues with foreclosures, neighborhood associations, or previous tenants.
If you find anything, ask your prospective landlord about it. For example, evicting someone doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the landlord, but hearing her answer about what happened may make you realize what type of person you’re dealing with. You can find out what’s going on.
Gary Singer, a certified real estate attorney, writes about industry legal issues and the housing market. To ask him a question, email gary@garysingerlaw.com or visit SunSentinel.com/askpro.