5 Helpful Tips To Renting An Apartment

At  CarLotta Credit and Car Sales, we know that sooner or later everyone needs to look for an apartment or move from the one they live in now. Here are 5 tips to make this process a little easier.

1) Depending on your income, and the area you live in ...there may be some assistance available to you in the way of rent subsidies. Check out this website for general info Section 8 Housing assistance.   You can also go to this website for a listing of the County Housing Authorites that administer this program.

2) How much does it cost? It is not just the cost of the rent, are you responsible for anything else? Is heat, electric or any maintenance your responsibility? This stuff can add up. What is your budget? Try to establish a budget and stick to it.

3) What are the schools like in the area you are looking at? How far are the schools away from the apartment? If they do after school activities, the closer the better. If your kids will be riding the bus, where is the bus stop? School quality can make a huge difference in your kids future.

4) Review the lease and/or rental agreement. How long does it last? What are the conditions that could lead to you being asked to leave? Noise, cleanliness, garbage, rental deposit, pets? Read it, if you are unsure of what to look for, have someone you trust read it.

5) Is the apartment safe? Does it have smoke detectors, fire escape (if second floor), proper exits? Is the electrical service up to code, stove and furnace been serviced? Do the locks on doors and windows work and who has the keys?

These are just the basics, but they can save you time and trouble. Good hunting.
Carlotta, http://www.carlottacredit.us/