Kelcie Kieth

Daily Egyptian

Head: How to avoid renter’s regret

Deck: Tips for apartment hunting

For many apartment renters there is nothing worse than settling into a new place and realizing it isn’t as great as expected. Students who are on the search for an apartment should keep some helpful tips in mind to avoid regret.

First, make sure to schedule an appointment with the property manager. It’s almost like buying a car; you wouldn’t want to buy it without taking it for a test drive. Scheduling an appointment with the landlord for a tour of the apartment allows a renter to see every detail versus if they were to make a decision based on a picture of the apartment online. However, checking out the company’s website and reading the information they provide can help the renter understand the leasing processes, requirements and general policies.

Most importantly, make sure to ask the landlord plenty of questions about security deposits, utility estimates, maintenance, parking, possible deductions, security features, fire protection and any additional concerns. A recommendation from friends or a talk with past tenants of the apartment about their living experience can be helpful as well. Renters may want to ask the past tenants if they experienced any unfinished repairs, hidden expenses, rent increases, noise problems, computer/internet connection problems or any other hassles.

After several questions are asked, it’s important for the prospective tenant to consider how the apartment’s location and layout will affect them. Sometimes apartment hunters may feel pressure to sign a lease, but don’t forget that once the lease is signed, there is no turning back.

Apartment hunters can follow these tips to avoid “renter’s regret” but first, need to decide where to start. Students may decide where to begin the apartment search by checking out advertisements in the newspaper for the best apartment deals in town.