Adulthood will call you at some point to learn how to live on your own. There’s something so liberating about having your own space where you can do anything. Luckily, people now have numerous housing choices, especially if you’re only starting out like renting an apartment. It can be a little daunting, but if you know the things to consider before going solo, trust you won’t be lost.
Your budget
Who doesn’t want to live in an apartment veiled in luxury? That’s the dream of many of us! But we can’t also ignore that not everyone’s blessed with a hefty monthly paycheck. Before you start your apartment hunting, you must already have a set budget in mind. Rule of thumb: your rent should not be more than 30% of your income. If you can’t afford that, get a roommate or explore other options. There’s nothing wrong with living within your means, folks!
Location
Is your soon-to-be home close to your workplace or school? Are there malls, restaurants, hangout spots, or markets nearby? If the answer’s no, find a better location. Imagine traveling more than an hour to grab lunch or a cup of coffee? That’s impractical and a waste of your hard-earned money.
Size
Not all apartments are built the same. Some are spacious enough to host at-home parties, while others can only accommodate a few pieces of furniture before it starts feeling cramped. Remember, this is the home you’ll stay in for at least a year (the minimum lease for most places), so consider how compatible the space is with your lifestyle. For example, living in a shoebox might not be an issue when you’re spending most of your time out of your place, but if you’re working from home, you might want more breathing room.
Access to public transportation
Is your apartment near the train station, bus terminals, or other PUV stops? Having easy access to public transport is crucial. It’s also good to check if your area is prone to traffic congestion and flooding.
Features and amenities
Built-in cabinets and drawers are just some of the things to look out for before renting. Sure, you get what you pay for, but if there’s a chance of getting an apartment where you don’t need to worry about storing your clothes or personal essentials, much better. It would be nice if you also enjoy access to amenities like a gym, a parking space, and swimming pools.
Pet policy
Many landlords don’t allow pets in their apartments for a multitude of reasons — fear of property damage, disturbance to other tenants, or simply because they don’t like animals. Before signing that lease contract, read all the rules and regulations to avoid getting into trouble. We know pet-owners love their furbabies, and if you’re one of them, save yourself the hassle and look for a pet-friendly apartment.
Neighborhood
Your safety is more important than anything. Do some research about the neighborhood first and see if there are red flags you need to be aware of. Is the area clean? How’s the security? Can you hear karaoke blasting from one of the houses? You need to feel at ease whenever you step outside your apartment because if you don’t, it would be difficult to have an enjoyable and peaceful stay.
Condition of the property
You now found the apartment that ticks all the requirements on your list, but there’s one more thing you need to check before moving in — the property’s current state. Make sure to physically visit the apartment before signing anything. Just because it looks nice online doesn’t mean it’s real (read: Photoshopped). Once you see cracks on the walls, poor ventilation, and bugs everywhere, that might not be a home but a disaster waiting to happen.
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