Everything You Need to Know About Renting an Apartment

You probably have so many questions running through your head, such as Can anyone rent apartments? How do you pay rent for apartments? Can I get a flat with a 500 credit mark? Worry no more because we are here to answer all these questions and tell you a bit more about flat rentals, lease and rental agreements, renters applications, and everything else you need to know to find the right place.

Start the Search for an Apartment to Rent at Least a Month in Advance

While you probably already have an idea of your ideal place to move into, finding something that will fit that notion might be tricky. Thus, it’s of crucial importance that you start your search for a place early enough before moving with long-distance movers. For instance, larger apartments are particularly tricky to find, so if you are looking for one, take enough time to actually find it. Here are some steps you should keep in mind when you begin your search quest.

New York City, being the largest metropolitan area in the country, is known for its high rental rates. In February 2021, the average rent for a studio apartment in New York was $1,261 per month, placing it among the highest in the US.

For those considering buying instead of renting, the costs are significantly higher. In 2020, the average price for a studio apartment in Manhattan was $577,500, which was about $230,000 more than the national average price of a new single-family home. While buying offers long-term investment potential, it requires a substantial financial commitment upfront.

Step 1 – Do You Know What You Need in an Apartment and What Suits You Best?

Before you start your search for your future home, you need to know exactly what you want and need. Depending on whether you’re hiring cross-country movers such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving for moving with kids, or a partner, or you’re doing it alone, there are some things to consider.

Determine how big or small a place you want – a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom flat? If you are moving for a job, consider how close your place needs to be to a new job you’ve acquired. Are there any grocery shops nearby? Can you afford it? Would you like to donate old appliances and find a place that comes with all the appliances you need? You are about to start a new life there, so be sure you have everything you need to make it feel like home.

Step 2 – Determine How Much Money You Can Allocate for Rent

Before you hire a long-distance moving company, consider your monthly income, and calculate how much money you’re going to need to afford it to plan your budget wisely. Ideally, you shouldn’t spend more than a third of your income on rent. Keep in mind that you might be required to pay a security deposit and first rent right away, so you’ll need even more money at the start, and you would maybe need some kind of loans or savings if your income alone doesn’t cover all of that. Thus, you should also take into consideration the cost of interstate moving as it will affect your budget, too.

Narrow Your Choice Down, Visit Potential Apartments, and Get Answers to All Questions

When you first go through the ads, there will probably seem to be quite a few places for you in a good neighborhood, but don’t get your hopes up too soon. Once you go into more detail on what each landlord in person has to offer and what you’re required to get the rental, the number of potential apartments will decrease. That’s good – it means you’re narrowing your choices down given the information and the terms you got and getting closer to what you really need.

Once you’re left with a couple of apartments, schedule a visit and take that opportunity to ask the owner all the questions that you need to be answered, especially what you need to rent an apartment. You may even want to try and negotiate the terms. Here are some of the questions you should cover.

Do You Need to Pay a Security Deposit?

One of the first questions to answer is whether you have to pay a security deposit. If you do have to pay for it, ask how much money it is and whether you’ll get it back if you leave the flat in excellent condition.

Check How Rent Is Paid – Do You Need to Pay in Cash or Credit Cards Are Acceptable?

Some renters have specific requirements about how you make the payment for the rent, whether it is a card, bank transfer, cash or any other method. Check whether you’re supposed to do so in cash, or your landlord is alright with cheques or credit cards. Paying with a credit card or via bank transfer might be much more convenient for you.

Are You Responsible for All Utilities?

Some landlords cover all utilities, some none, and some decide to include certain utilities in the rent and leave the rest to you as a renter to pay. This is very important information. Be sure you know precisely what your responsibilities are regarding utilities before you accept the offer and sign the lease. You have to count all of that in your monthly budget.

Is Subletting Allowed?

Not all landlords allow renters to sublet their space. More precisely, most prohibit it, so even if it’s convenient for you to sublet the space while you’re absent for a month or two to make some extra money, or at least not to lose money, for instance, check the terms if you’re allowed to do it.

Are Pets Allowed?

If you’re relocating your pets, too, it is of crucial importance to check whether your furry friend is welcome. If you’re allowed to take your pet, ask if there are any size restrictions and whether you’re supposed to pay some extra money per month for your animal companion.

Are You Allowed to Make Alterations?

If you don’t like the color of the walls or you’d like to replace the counters, it would be best to ask for permission. Some landlords will allow you to make any alterations you want as long as you leave the apartment in the same condition as you found it, but some are more strict when it comes to even small apartment ideas. This may even cost you your security deposit and more. You need to ask in person before you decide to authorize the agreement.

Before Renting an Apartment, Make a Comparison and Choose the Best Offer

Before you invest in packing services, you need to be sure you’ve found an apartment that fits all your requirements. Thus, it is advisable to take time to compare several apartments and weigh the pros and cons of choosing each of them to be sure you have made the best decision. Once you put your name on the dotted line, there’s no turning back. Pick the best offer to be happy in your new home, and don’t be afraid to go into every small detail. Then you can start developing a packing schedule and start looking for boxes and packing materials.

Before Filling out the Rental Application, Check Your Own Credit History

Just like you want a good place and a decent landlord, your future landlord will want to be sure that you’re the right person to live in their place and that you can afford it. Not anyone is an eligible applicant and passes the personal credit score. Know that some communities are rather strict about credit score requirements and credit history, they might even want to know if your income covers monthly expenses. Thus, it might be difficult to get a place with, say, a 500 credit score, but it’s still not impossible.

One of the most common solutions in this situation is to get a cosigner with better credit, and it is a good card to play. Positive references from old landlords can also help you a lot. Just do not forget that your landlord will check all the information about your credit history to be sure you’re an eligible applicant, so you might as well check it yourself and do what you can to make it better before applying for an apartment.

Don’t Forget to Check if Your Landlord is Paying Rental Tax

As it is transparent on your side, you should also learn if your landlord is paying taxes for the apartment too. If he can’t provide you with an answer to that question, chances are there is something shady going on. Landlords who don’t pay rental income tax usually skim on many other things, they could raise your rent at any time or neglect to keep the lease agreement on their part. Of course, you can always sue for that, but who needs to spend their money and time on that?

The Difference Between Rental and Lease Agreement

To make sure you know what you’re signing, you need to learn the difference between a rental and a lease agreement. The main thing that will help you distinguish between the two is that rental agreements are usually signed month-to-month, while a lease agreement lasts for a longer period. Keep that in mind if you plan to pack the apartment and go live in a larger house any time soon.

Lease agreements are convenient if you find the best place that will get your money’s worth and you know you do not plan to leave it anytime soon. So, depending on how long you’re planning to stay in your chosen place, make a deal with the landlord and sign what you find more convenient. Whatever kind of agreement you decide to confirm, verify all the terms.

One More Thing to Consider Is Renters Insurance

It is as simple as this when it comes to renters insurance – you need one on your checklist of important things. Whether you are leasing a house or a condo, it is always a good idea to ensure your personal belongings. The owner of your condo may have the whole building insured, but your personal items are surely not in the policy. There are three categories that are the main concern in a renters insurance policy:

• Personal possessions. Ensure your belongings from break-ins, vandalism, theft, explosion, fire, natural disasters, etc.
• Liability insurance – for the damage that you, your family, or your pets cause to someone else’s belongings.
• Additional living expenses that cover various scenarios. For example, when your place gets damaged and you have to live elsewhere until it is in a livable condition again, if ever.

Get All the Necessary Information

Follow every step of this guide to find the right place and do everything right when renting your dream flat. Hire professional long-distance moving services to be able to focus on getting all the things you need for your first apartment. Let experts take care of auto transport and help you ship your stuff for you, make time to find your new home, and get everything ready for moving in. You can get all the information and a free quote.

Make Your Move to an Apartment Easier With Our Auto Transport Company

Renting an apartment can be a complex process, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can find the perfect place to call home. From setting your budget to understanding rental agreements, making informed decisions will ensure a smooth transition into your new space. Don’t forget to ask all the right questions, compare options, and consider additional protections like renters insurance.

Once you’ve found your ideal apartment, let Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving handle the heavy lifting. With our expert moving services and other reliable cross-country moving solutions, you can focus on settling into your new home. Contact us to get a free quote today and make your move stress-free with our moving and car shipping company!