6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Comparing Apartments

By Elise Nelson on November 19, 2017

This article is brought to you by CORT Furniture Rental. We take the hassle out of furnishing your new place so you can do more important things like read this article. Learn more about why furniture rental is the best way to get a great looking apartment.

Sometimes it’s hard enough to find just one apartment you’d like to live in. Other times you’ll find too many apartments — that doesn’t sound like such a bad thing, does it? It’s good to have options … until you can’t make a decision.

You’re caught between two or three apartments and they all seem too good to be true. It’s time to weigh the pros and cons, but where do you begin? Compare apartments by asking yourself these questions.

1. Can you comfortably afford to live in the apartment?

Don’t rent an apartment that will break your bank, especially if you might have cheaper options. You should create a detailed chart that includes all costs associated with your choices before you decide where to live.

When comparing the costs of living in each unit, be sure to look at more than just rent per month. Your top choice may seem cheaper at first glance but that may not account for utility bills or other added expenses.

Some apartments include only some utilities in rent costs, such as electric, while heat is an added expense. Other apartments leave utilities out of rent entirely. Check out this guide to breaking down apartment costs!

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Once you know how much you will pay for each living space, you should evaluate your budget. Compare your salary to the cost of each apartment. Then add in day-to-day expenses, such as gas and groceries. The apartment that you choose shouldn’t force you to cut too many costs elsewhere in your budget.

2. What are the lease terms of the apartment?

Read through the lease agreement and be sure that it meets your needs, especially the length of the agreement. Does the landlord allow pets? Are there any added fees outlined in the lease? The terms should be clear so you know what you’re getting into.

Make note of anything missing in the lease that might become a problem, such as a subletting clause. While bringing in a subtenant may seem like something you’ll never have to do, you never know what life will throw at you. You may have to move unexpectedly, and subletting will help you.

If there is something important missing from the lease, consider asking the landlord about it. If they really want you to rent their apartment, they may be willing to negotiate, and that’s a point in their favor.

3. Will you benefit from living in this neighborhood?

Your new neighborhood is just as important as your apartment itself. First, investigate the overall safety of the neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to ask other residents what they think of the area. You can also search the area on a map and research crime statistics. Check out the apartment complex’s safety features, such as security cameras and an alarm system.

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You should also keep convenience in mind when investigating the neighborhood. What will you benefit from in the community? Measure the distance from your complex to your job as well as possible traffic areas along the route. See some local shops that you see yourself visiting in the future, like coffee shops, grocery stores, or gas stations. If it helps, make a list of what you’d like to find and go from there.

4. Is the apartment furnished?

Furniture can be a huge cost to factor in when renting an apartment. Will you have to provide your own bed, sofa, or dresser? You could bring some furniture from your old apartment with you, but be prepared to pay for a moving van or two. Buying new furniture will add up to a hefty total as well.

If one of your top choice apartments is already furnished, that’s definitely an advantage. However, if paying for furniture is your only option, renting is the cheapest way to go. In this case you should choose an apartment with a rental facility nearby to cut back on delivery costs.

5. Does the apartment have what you’re looking for?

Write up a list of all the features and amenities you’d like your apartment to have. Then, write down your apartment options and put checkmarks next to the features that match your list. Amenities shouldn’t be your top priority, of course, but they could be the deciding factors in apartments with similar prices.

Start with what you’ll find in the apartment itself, keeping your comfort needs in mind. How many bedrooms are there? Is there ample lighting? Do you have enough space for storage? Think about how long you’ll be living in the apartment. Will your needs be satisfied the entire time?

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Next, think about the other perks that come with the apartment. Is there a washer and dryer in your complex? Will you have your own parking space? Does the complex have its own gym? If one of these amenities is not included, you should consider what convenient alternatives exist in the area.

6. Do you feel at home in this apartment?

Above all, your happiness in your new apartment is what counts. Whether it’s temporary or for the next two years, you’ll have to get used to living there, and that task will be much easier if you’re in love with the place.

It’s not always easy to find somewhere you feel at home. So if it was love at first sight with any of your options, that is the ultimate comparison point.

Looking for an easy way to furnish your off-campus apartment? Renting furniture from CORT saves you time and money. See how easy it is to get great looking furniture without breaking the bank.

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