Renting your first apartment is a nerve-racking endeavor.
How do you know what’s included in the rent?
What does the landlord expect from their renters?
Read more about the basic apartment amenities to look for before signing a lease.
Kitchen Appliances
Apartments typically come with a refrigerator, oven and stovetop, dishwasher, and microwave. You’ll rarely find a rental without these appliances. That said, it’s important to communicate with the landlord to ensure each of these items is included. If not, you’ll need to provide these appliances yourself.
Utilities
What utilities can you expect to be included in the rent, and which will you pay separately? The basic utilities for apartments are trash services, electricity, water, and sewer.
Before signing a lease, check for these basic apartment amenities. The average cost of utilities each month is around 250 dollars. Add this cost to the rent per month to determine if you can comfortably afford it.
Washer and Dryer
Everyone needs a washer and dryer to clean their clothes and linens each week. All apartments differ, so you must ask where you’ll wash and dry your clothes.
Some apartments offer in-unit washers and dryers, so you aren’t responsible for providing the items. Others have hook-ups for the appliances, but you must purchase them yourself.
And lastly, some apartment complexes don’t have washers or dryers in-unit. Instead, you must use a community laundromat or find the best laundromat in town.
Pet-Friendly Units
Not all landlords accept pets. If you have any pets, this is a deal-breaker for many apartments you’ll tour. You should also consider if you plan to adopt any pets in the future.
While this amenity may not matter at the time you sign the lease, it may matter in a few months when you’re ready to add a furry friend to your home.
Internet Access
Some rental properties include internet service in the rent, so it won’t cost you any extra money. But other properties will require you to contact an internet provider and sign up for services. It’s up to you to make the payments each month to have internet access.
Furnished Units
Many student-living apartments are fully furnished. These apartments allow university students to save money on furniture. The costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to understand what furnishings they supply.
Parking
Street parking or an open parking lot? A covered garage or assigned parking spaces? There are many different options apartment complexes offer for parking.
If you’re looking for a home in a big city, you’ll probably have to use street or garage parking. Apartment complexes in more open spaces have more parking capabilities than those in busy towns.
Ask questions about the security precautions the landlord takes to prevent theft or damage to the property. You never want your vehicle and belongings exposed to potential threats.
Image Credit: portrait of female real estate agent giving apartment tour By Seventyfour FILE: 447298261
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