Getting an Apartment

Resources Great site put out by the US Postal Service: –Comprehensive and efficient. It will also give you an idea of what you should think about prior to your move (packing, change of address, etc.) Two of the biggest national apartment websites are: &

Spread the Word Tell people youre looking for an apartment. –Youll be amazed at how many apartment never make it onto the rental market. –Tell everyone. –You never know.

Up front payments Depending on the city that youll be moving to, you may need a lot of money up front to get a place. At a minimum, most new apartments require at least one months rent up front. Other can require the first month, last month, security deposit, and a brokers fee. This works out to: four months rent up front!

Apartment Lingo and Abbreviations Walk up – no elevator Duplex – two level unit Alcove – partly enclosed area connected to a room Studio – one room or one room connected to a kitchen Junior one-bedroom – tiny room off the living room which may only fit a bed. h/w – hardwood floorsDW – dishwasher EIK – Eat-in-kitchenWIC – Walk-in-closet W/D – Washer and dryer

Brokers In some cities, youll have to use a broker. In other places, they dont even exist. Brokers can serve as a great source. Always low ball your price. If you can only pay $800, tell the broker you can only pay $600. Youre going to hear: Wow I dont have a lot of listings in that price range, but I do have apartments for $200 more.

Brokers Do not put your full faith in one broker. Use many. Youre going to pay one a lot of money. Make them work a little bit for your cash. Dont feel bad saying no 100 times. Theyre used to it.

Things to Check Make a list of things to check. Remember: –Light switches –Air conditioner –Appliances –Noise level –Hot water –Proximity to subway –Elevator –Heat –Leaks under the sink –Windows –Damages –Parking

Things to Check Return to the apartment later and ask the current tenant or a neighbor a few questions. Youll get your first unbiased, honest answers all day. Is the apartment loud? Does the super (superintendent) own a wrench? Make sure you feel safe in the neighborhood. Visit in the day and night.

Signing the Lease – Things to Look For Make sure the length of the lease is expressly written in the contract. Do not accept a month-to- month contract, or youll get booted. Determine who is responsible for fixing appliances. Confirm that your apartment will be cleaned (and damage assessed) prior to your arrival. Confirm that your security deposit is going into an interest-bearing deposit. Make sure your privacy rights are spelled out. Make sure everything is in writing.