7 Essential Features to Consider When Looking for An Apartment for Rent
Finding the perfect place, whether a large townhouse or a studio apartment, is crucial.
Here are some essential features to consider if you are renting an apartment for your new home or business:
1. Location
Location is critical in every rental situation. Think about how near or far you want to be from your place of employment and catchment areas, as well as what places – such as shops, parks, and schools – you need to be within walking distance of regularly.
2. Building Type
One-bedroom apartments will range in size from 450 square feet (for properties without balconies) to 900 sq ft (for those with). Two-bedroom apartments will range from 650 to 1,100 sq ft.
If you’re a student, remember that single bedrooms are generally smaller than double and two-person bedrooms, at least 900 to 1,000 sq ft (minimum).
For example, if you are looking to move to Nagoya city, one of the most populous urban areas in Japan, and you want to invest in a luxury Nagoya apartment for rent with a decent-sized balcony, it’s advisable to look for balconies that are no larger than 2.5 ft (91 cm) square and no more than 6 ft (1.8 m) high. The wider the balcony matting is made, the more substantial it is and the greater its value.
3. Security
Basic security features to look out for include:
- A flat and heavy key
- An electronic door lock
- A deadbolt lock that requires a key from both the inside and the outside
These security features will go a long way to protect you from intruders.
4. Flooring
Carpeted and tiled floors are the two most common types of flooring for rental properties.
Carpeted flooring generally comes in three choices: basic shag or Berber, plush carpeting, and velvet carpeting, while tile comes in ceramic, stone, or marble.
The tile is preferable to carpet as it is easier to maintain, clean, and lasts longer.
5. Pet Policy
Some properties will not allow pets on their premises, especially seniors residences or properties located in older buildings that are not pet friendly.
Others will require a pet fee every month, while some will not charge anything but have other restrictions (such as breed restrictions).
6. Parking
You will also want to consider parking and storage space when looking for a rental property. Parking spaces are usually provided for one car.
However, you may occasionally be able to negotiate a lease for two spots if you have a family or own more than one vehicle.
If there is no parking near your unit, consider negotiating extended or overnight hours for parking outside your home or nearby.
7. Lease Term
During your lease term, you will only be responsible for paying rent and utilities, while the landlord does all the repairs and maintenance on their side of the deal.
Work with your landlord on a timeline and contract to ensure that they keep their end of the bargain in repairing any issues that might arise.
In Conclusion
Renting an apartment is an exciting prospect for many people interested in moving to a new location. So, let's say you are moving to Houston, Texas, for example. The costs of apartments for rent in Houston TX (or any other place for that matter) can be considerably lower than purchasing a home to live in.
However, a critical aspect of renting that you need to always keep in mind is that you should be clear about what you want in a rental property beforehand, understand what you are getting yourself into (your obligations), and know how much savings you can expect if you choose to rent instead of buy.
