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- đŠApartment hunting for the young, broke, and fabulous!
đŠApartment hunting for the young, broke, and fabulous!
Red flags to avoid before you sign that lease
My First Move
October 03, 2024
đBet you thought apartment shopping would be fun.
Unfortunately, searching for your first apartment can be like trying to find something to watch on Netflix â a bunch of options, most are probably not worth your time.
But thereâs always one indie flick that has the potential to blow your mind!
Whether youâre moving across the country or down the street from your parents, weâll help you find a spot that makes sense for you.
âŠoh and Google Street Viewđ is going to be your new best friend.
Pick of the week: This 6-tier bamboo tree bookshelf doesnât just hold booksâit turns your living room, office, or bedroom into a mini art gallery.
APARTMENT HUNTING
đ”ïžââïžHow to Find an Apartment in Any City
Whether youâre moving across the country or looking for a new spot around the corner, hereâs what to do:
1.) Figure out your priorities (& budget)
Before you start falling for apartments with rooftop pools and sleek kitchens, check yourself. First, nail down what you really need:
Budget: Know your limits, or your wallet will let you know later.
Neighborhoods: Do you need safety, proximity to work/school, or walkable cafes? Find what matters most to you.
Must-Have Amenities: Need parking, a washer/dryer, or pet-friendly digs? Jot down those non-negotiables.
Reminder: View the place in person (or have someone look for you). Make sure the âwasher and dryer includedâ isnât just a sad pair from 1992 on their last spin.
2.) Go solo or realtor?
This oneâs tricky.
Realtors are great if you're on a time crunch or just moved to a new city. Theyâll handle the paperwork and negotiations.
But they can also limit your options â especially if youâre after something unique like that cute mom-and-pop duplex.
If youâve got time to dive into listings yourself, go for it!
3.) Timing is everything
The best time to find an apartment?
September to April.
Why?
Most people donât want to brave a winter move, so landlords often throw deals your way.
Plus, moving companies drop their rates.
4.) Start with the safest neighborhoods
Google âsafest neighborhoods in [insert city here]â and dig deep.
Sites like Nextdoor, NeighborhoodScout or Niche are goldmines for safety and neighborhood vibes.
Once you have a few options, look into the lifestyle stuff: parks, nightlife, gyms, public transit.
Safety matters, but so does enjoying your new city!
RENTER RESOURCES
Whether a 2-bed or studio, rental prices are higher than ever.
If you're moving to live on your own for the first time or want to get a new place before the year ends, your search has to start now.
The Apartment Search Assistant helps you to compare apartments and prioritize the things that matter most to you.
Inside the Apartment Search Assistant:
Add apartment viewings to your calendar
Track recent visits, favorites, and new listings
Record application fees, lease length, pros & cons
Questions to ask the landlord to uncover red flags
5.) Apartment search tools
If youâre a fan of making things easier (who isnât?), bookmark these:
Apartments.com: One of its standout features is the ability to filter apartments by specifics such as pet policies, floor plans, and amenities.
Zillow: Has a large database of rental listings and often includes user reviews and photos.
Apartment Finder: Specializes in helping users find apartments within their budget.
Reminder: Use those filters! Why waste time browsing places without your must-haves?
6.) Go Sherlock on âem
Before you sign anything, trust me â do these last two things:
Google Reviews: Read what current renters say. Are there issues with management or sketchy maintenance? If you see patterns, proceed with caution.
Google Street View: Take a virtual walk around the neighborhood. That âquiet residential areaâ might be right next to a 24-hour tire shop.
Reminder: Check the Image Capture date at the bottom of the street view. If the date is stamped over three years ago, know the neighborhood may look a lot different now.
7.) Tour, Chat, and Trust Your Gut
Once youâve narrowed it down, schedule some tours.
And if you see a current resident on your way in? Ask them about their experience.
People tend to spill the real tea when management isnât around.
Hereâs what you need to ask on your tour:
How quickly does maintenance respond to issues?
Are there any known pest issues in the building?
Are there specific noise regulations or quiet hours?
Are utilities included in the rent, or are they separate charges?
How secure is the building?
Whatâs the parking situation?
Whatâs the average cost of utilities?
Are there any hidden fees (e.g., move-in fees, pet fees, parking fees)?
And remember: trust your instincts, do your research, and donât rush the process. A little extra effort upfront can save you headaches down the road.
Got any apartment horror stories or genius hacks to share? We'd love to hear them! Drop us a DM on Instagram or TikTok and weâll share them in our next issue.
APARTMENT NEED TO KNOWS
đïž Rent Stabilization: In NYC, if your building has 6+ units and was built before 1974, you might be in a rent-stabilized apartment. This means your landlord can only raise your rent by a set percentage each year.
đž Document Everything: Before you move in, take timestamped photos of your apartment's condition. This digital paper trail can save your security deposit when you move out.
đŠ Package Theft Prevention: As online shopping increases, so does package theft. Ask about secure package rooms or smart lockers that notify you when a delivery arrives.
đ« Eviction Moratorium Aftermath: Post-pandemic eviction protections have largely expired, but some cities still have renter assistance programs. Check your local housing authority for resources if you're struggling with rent.
đŸ Emotional Support Animal Loophole: Even if your building has a "no pets" policy, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals under the Fair Housing Act. Just be prepared with proper documentation.
Turn Your First Place Into Your Happy Place
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