What Is an Apartment?
An apartment is a room or set of rooms used as a residence. It can be referred to as a studio (one room), a one-bedroom unit, or a two- to three-bedroom suite. Apartment units are usually grouped together in an apartment building, and these buildings can be grouped together in an apartment complex.
Many apartment homes are available fully-furnished. More commonly, however, units are semi-furnished with kitchen and laundry appliances. Depending on the location and architecture, apartments can have heating and air-conditioning, hot and cold water, fireplaces, patios, carpets, blinds, walk-in closets, and cable television connections.
Some of the more exclusive four-star apartment complexes provide various amenities, including clubhouses, pools, whirlpool baths, tennis/volleyball/basketball courts, fitness centers, playgrounds, picnic areas and car wash facilities.
What Are the Advantages of Renting an Apartment?
When you buy a house, aside from having to shell out a hefty initial outlay, you will be personally responsible for all the upkeep and sprucing up of your property. And no matter if you own or rent a house, you need to mow the lawn, prune the trees, wash the windows, and shampoo the carpet. When you rent or lease an apartment, the manager of the complex takes care of these chores for you, and the cost is covered by your monthly rent.
Attending to landscaping and structure maintenance, including plumbing, electrical and appliance repair or replacement, the apartment management makes sure that you are safe and comfortable as a resident of their complex.
Without having to worry about usage fees and maintenance, you can enjoy amenities like swimming pools, spas and sports facilities. Some complexes are gated for increased security. Some even provide free cable and Internet connections. Many sponsor community functions exclusively for their residents, like weekend lunches, holiday parties and poolside movies.
Steps:
- Find the Apartment Unit You Like.
One of the ways to avoid spending too much time, effort and gas on apartment hunting is by going over a copy of the local apartment guidebook. The guidebook is free, published per city, and can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants and hotels. Various "apartment-for-rent" magazines are also locally distributed for free. If you want to search online, you can search Web sites like Apartment Guide, Rent.net, Apartments for Rent or Apartments.com. The newspaper classifieds are also a great place to look for apartments. If you're looking for a very small or very cheap apartment, you may have a tougher time if you are searching only the apartment guides. When looking you should compare the features, rates and locations of the many apartment complexes available so you can narrow your search down to a short list of apartment homes you want to inspect in person.
- Visit the Apartment Complex.
Do a visual inspection of the most promising apartment on your list. Note how far it is from your place of work. Drive around the complex. Is it the environment and type of neighborhood you and your family will feel at home in? Ask the manager to give you a tour of the different units they have. Ask about the rental rates, amenities and occupancy terms and conditions. Don't decide until you've seen the other apartment communities you've listed.
- Submit an Application.
When you've decided on which apartment you want to rent, fill out the application form. This is a formality that allows the manager of the apartment complex to check your identity and credit standing. You may be required to pay an application fee at this time.
- Pay the Security Deposit and Advance Rent.
Most apartments require a security deposit (refundable subject to conditions) and a month's rent due before your move-in date. Some complexes charge for additional parking space, additional cable subscriptions, pool views and pets.
- Sign the Rental or Lease Agreement.
Although most of the rental or lease terms will have been discussed by the manager, be sure to read all the fine print in the lease agreement. Take note of specific regulations on parking, recycling, garbage collection, security, use of facilities, alterations, maintenance, pet policies and move-out procedures.
- Move In
On the date you had agreed on, move into your apartment with your belongings, and begin to enjoy your new home and community!
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