The Fundamentals of Renting and Living in an Apartment
By Ron Leshnower, About.com Guide to Apartment Living / Rental
Are you considering renting an apartment? Are you wondering if apartment life is the right thing for you? Here are some resources to help you answer these questions and decide if you really want to be an apartment dweller. First, you'll need to figure out what you want so you can find a place that's suitable for you -- and maybe some roommates. You'll also need to be prepared to deal with landlords and understand your apartment lease. Finally, you'll of course want to make sure you find a rental that fits your budget and know how to deal with common problems that may arise during your tenancy.
- Finding What You Want
- Answering the Roommate Question
- Landlords and Leases
- Affording an Apartment
- Dealing With Common Problems
Finding What You Want
Ask people who truly enjoy apartment living why they're happy, and they'll probably tell you they knew exactly what they wanted before they started searching, then got it. The perfect apartment for one renter may be a disappointing choice for another. Here's help on determining what type of rental is best for you and making sure you find good candidates.
- Find the Right Apartment Without the Stress
- How to Find an Apartment in a Certain Building
- Mention Pet at Start of Apartment Search
- Avoid Illegal Steering When Looking for an Apartment
- Search Multiple Apartment Listings at Once
- Find Privately Owned Subsidized Apartment at Lower Rents
Answering the Roommate Question
Now that you know what you you're looking for in an apartment, should you find another person who shares your criteria to enjoy your new home with you? What type of roommate is best? Or is it better to avoid roommates altogether and live alone? Here are tips to help you decide.
- Should You Live With Roommates or Live Alone?
- Find a Roommate You Can Live With
- Roommate Compatibility Versus Likeability
- Who Makes the Best Roommates?
- Before You Choose to Live With Roommates
- Find the Right Roommate Using Online Roommate-Matching Services
Landlords and Leases
If you rent an apartment, you must come to an agreement with the landlord, who owns the building. Your agreement, often memorialized in a written lease, outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as those of your landlord. Find out how to make the most of the relationship with your landlord and handle common issues that arise with apartment leases.
- Negotiate Rent With Your Landlord
- How to Break a Lease
- Get Results from Your Landlord
- Get Your Apartment "Broom Clean"
- Check Apartment Lease Before Buying a Pet
- Fixed-Term Lease or Month-to-Month Rental Agreement?
- Guarantors FAQ
- Don't Pay Sublease Rent to Your Landlord
- When a Landlord Asks for a Letter of Employment
Affording an Apartment
Finding the perfect apartment is one thing -- affording it is another. Learn how to create a effective budget so you know how much you can afford for rent, utilities, and other living expenses. Plus, read some tips and tricks for saving money and lowering expenses while in your apartment, so that your rental stays affordable.
- How to Create a Budget
- Get Motivated to Create a Budget
- Renter's Insurance FAQ
- Should You Pay Rent by Credit Card or Check?
- Keep Your Heating Bill Down With Low-Cost Purchases
- Zero-Cost Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill
- Find Privately Owned Subsidized Apartments at Lower Rents
- Tax Credit Housing FAQ
Dealing With Common Problems
Every endeavor comes with its own set of common problems, and apartment living is no different. But with the right information and resources, you can be equipped to handle common problems that are likely to arise while you're an apartment dweller -- if not avoid them altogether.
