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Apartment/Housing Tips
Melissa Cambronne ‘06
No matter how old you are, moving is a big deal. It is an even bigger deal when you are moving out on your own for the first time. There are so many things to consider that you have never really had to think about before. Some of the biggest issues are deciding where to live, what type of apartment/house to live in, signing a lease, and many more.
When it comes to deciding where to live, it is very important to do your research. The Internet is a great tool to do this. Sperling’s Best Places (www.bestplaces.net) has lists of the best and worst places to live for almost any category you could ever imagine, from hurricane hot spots to high gas prices. If you are unsure of a particular city to live in but have ideas of what you do and don’t want in that city, visit www.findyourspot.com and take the quiz to receive a list of 24 cities that best match what you want. Other good methods of research are talking to family and friends, Chamber of Commerce website, local newspapers, travel books (if a large city), and Bennie and Johnnie alums who currently live in that city (use the CANE files in the Career Resource Centers).
Here are some important points to consider:
· Cost of living – What is the average rent? What is the average utilities cost?
· Lifestyle – Do you prefer a vibrant social scene with great night life or a quiet, family friendly community?
How important is theater/music/sporting events to you?
· Climate – Do you love the winter or do you prefer long, hot summers?
· Quality of life – Statistics in crime, pollution, traffic, etc.
Now that you’ve decided where you want to live, it’s time to look into the type of place in which to live. Again, it is important to do your research before making a decision. Look at many different place and compare prices and what is included. Don’t let the landlord pressure you into signing the lease, especially if you’re at all unsure if that’s where you want to live. Remember, the lease is a binding legal document, so you don’t want to be stuck in a place you don’t like.
Some points to consider are:
· Cost – Most experts recommend you do not spend more than 33% of your take home pay on housing.
· What utilities are included? – Electricity, water, heat, garbage
· Will you have a roommate? – Can help split up costs
· Laundry Facilities – In each apartment, in the building, or nearby Laundromat.
· Location – What is the neighborhood like? Check with co-workers or friends familiar with the area because you probably won’t get a straight answer from the landlord/leasing agent.
· Transportation – Is parking included? Is it close to any public transportation?
· Pets – What kind, if any, are allowed? Will you have to pay extra?
· Length of the lease
Also keep in mind what features you would like to have in your apartment. Commonly desired amenities are a dishwasher, air conditioning, a washer and dryer in the actual apartment or at least in the building, adequate storage space either in the apartment or somewhere in the building, a patio or balcony, and an elevator. Other important details for safety reasons are secure access to the building (meaning a locked main entrance) and living on the second floor or higher.
Take your time to find the right apartment for you. There are many good resources to use in your apartment search. Word of mouth is often the most useful because you can talk to people who are familiar with the area. Other methods are the newspaper, driving around the area in which you are interested, and using the internet.
Some useful websites are:
· www.rent.com,
Each of these allows you to search throughout the U.S.
Once you have chosen your apartment, be sure to read the lease carefully and make sure you understand all the terms. If you are unsure about anything, ASK!!! You don’t want to sign the lease to find out later it required you to baby-sit your landlord’s children (Okay, this is an extreme example and probably would never happen, but you get the point).