Keep in mind, though, that even though this option will lower your rent, it isn’t always recommended since your circumstances can change. Before you start apartment hunting, you’ll need a list of things your apartment must have—that is, those that you’re unwilling to compromise on. For example, if you have a pet, your apartment building must be pet-friendly.
The potential landlord will also conduct a background check to make sure you don’t have any prior convictions. They also want to know if there are any pending issues to be concerned about.
If you’re allowed to have an animal, you’ll most likely be charged some kind of fee or deposit for the right. This could be either a move-out cleaning fee or a “pet deposit” charge, similar to the security deposit, from which any post-residential pet damage costs will be deducted. Another option is that the pet deposit fee is completely non-returnable.
Read more about Clover Management here.
If you want to keep your budget under a certain price, want to live closer to the city, and don’t need as much space, then an apartment may be the better option. Then, the local public housing agency will pay the remaining portion of rent on your behalf each month. The list of eligible renters is often much longer than the number of available apartments. HUD estimates that as many as 4.8 million U.S. households receive assistance through the program. The agency also estimates that another 1.3 million families remain on a waiting list. Property managers can also receive incentives for developing income-based properties.
Reading and writing accurate apartment reviews can save you time and money
To avoid that situation, pay your rent on time, and always keep things clean and civil. Say, for example, the landlord has a 30-pound (13.6-kilogram) weight limit on pets, and your dog weights 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms). That just means they don’t want large, potentially messy dogs — you can probably compromise on that. And if you plan to get a pet later on, tell your landlord, as you may need to pay a fee upon move-in or renegotiate the lease upon the animal’s arrival.
Be wary of the bad reviews
No sense in letting someone else swoop in and steal that perfect unit from you! Remember to keep up your stellar reputation, so that the process is every bit as smooth the next time. You can also choose to include a cover letter to explain any extenuating circumstances that might result in a rejection.
Usually, the security deposit is returned to the renter when he or she moves out — or at least most of it. This is a fund your landlord will dip into to fix any damage incurred during your residence. If you happen to put a hole in the wall, and it costs $100 to fix, your security deposit of $300 will be returned to you at $200. Especially with the rental market heating up, apartment applications can be competitive too. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned professional, we layout everything you need to know on how to get approved for an apartment. Contact your local housing authority if you’re interested in learning more about income-based apartments, including how much rent you can expect to pay.
Find affordable apartments on Realtor.com
Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for renting all types of stylish, practical spaces, including apartments. We offer you access to apartments in cities across the globe owned by local hosts who are happy to offer assistance if you need it. You should pay close attention to the rules of the apartment complex.
Signing a lease longer than a year often comes with a more affordable price. This is a great option if you’re a student planning on studying in the same city for a couple of years or you really enjoy the property.
