This weekend was dedicated to apartment hunting for our place together. CB and I spent an entire afternoon visiting 6 apartments and walking around the surrounding areas. We found one place that we both loved and is in our budget. I am crossing my fingers because we were the first and (as of the time I spoke with the manager) the only applicants for the place.
Based on my experience apartment hunting, here are five items to make the whole process just a little bit easier (note: I have no idea if this advice applies to renting in New York City, which is a whole another beast altogether. I have nothing but respect for the fortitude of NYC apartment-hunters.):
1. A map of your apartments. I created a map in Google My Maps, and had the location and address of each apartments I wanted to check out. I made different color-codes for apartments with appointments and apartments that I’d like to see if we had time. A map is also a useful tool to gauge how much time you need to give yourself when going from one viewing appointment to another.
2. Printed copies of apartment rental ads. I printed out a copy of our apartments so that I had their address, pictures, and contact numbers. I also took notes on those papers.
3. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water. There’s a lot of legwork to do in apartment-hunting – literally! There’s no better way to see a neighborhood than walking, so be prepared to walk, see apartment, and then walk some more.
4. Checkbook. When you see an apartment that you’re sure you want to apply for, it’s a good idea to submit the application on the spot and pay the credit check fee. I forgot my checkbook today, but luckily we scraped together all the cash we had on hand, filled out the applications and submitted the credit check fees right then and there.
5. Camera. After seeing so many apartments, I couldn’t remember in detail what each one looks like. It would have been helpful if we bought a camera and snapped pictures as we went along.
What else would you bring?
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I would also take a list of questions for the landlord. Apartment hunting is very similar to job interviews. Ask the landlord things that may not be written in the ad, or ask about things you see that might be broken, need painting etc..Always ask if there's any way to get a reduction in rent too. For example, if you cut the grass, can you get $10 off per month (or whatever).
Not really an item to "bring" per se, but I do like to ensure I am well dressed and look presentable to potential landlords – it's just like a job interview, and you want to present yourself in the best way possible.
One thing I like to ask is regarding smoking habits of the previous tenants (if it's a house, if anyone in the house, not just the previous tenant is permitted to smoke indoors), and if the venting is shared throughout the building, if there are any units that are smoke-free.
I also like to bring a critical eye, and look at the problems, not just the things I like. Having information about the neighbourhood (including nearest grocery store!) is also helpful.
"I have nothing but respect for the fortitude of NYC apartment-hunters." Ha! I didn't find it soo bad – I guess you have to go into it with an open mind. I was about to create my own google maps just like until I came across this neat little tool: mapthatpad.com
Maybe a bar of chocolate or something, just in case you are dying of hunger
:D:D
Chocolate (^) YES!! haha… this is a great list of things to bring. I am about to start the big adventure of apartment hunting. I am ready to take it to the next level and “go see” the places I like. I stumbled onto your blog at just the right time. Thanks so much!!