5 Factors to Consider When Renting an Apartment

Living on your own is a big step in every person’s life. Whether you rent or buy your own place, the satisfaction will be immense. Century West Properties recommends considering the following factors before renting:

1. Location, location, location: yes the phrase it true. Location is one of the main factors that influence your decision. Ask yourself, where do you see yourself living? What neighborhood or area fits your lifestyle and budget? Consider nearby places depending on what you like to do for hobbies or on your free time. If you have children, check out the local schools in the area to make sure you are content with them going there. 
2. Price: you need to find a place that fits your budget. Consider location, size, parking, neighborhood, utilities, and everything else that may be included in the rent. It is recommended that a rental fee not exceed 30% of your monthly income, but you can decide with your regular monthly expenses what you can afford. 
3. Utilities and amenities: consider which utilities are included and which ones are left to you. Always ask if you have gas heat or air conditioner. Also, make sure to know about the amenities you need, like a furnished apartment, dishwasher, pool, washer and dryer, etc. 
4. Building rules and unit policies: if you have a pet or see the possibility of getting one in the near future, this is a required question to ask. Some buildings or landlords have pet restrictions or additional fees for pets if you have them. If you are a smoker or are allergic to cigarette smoke you also need to ask about the smoking policy.
5. Lease and landlord: read the lease very carefully and ask for help if you don´t understand something. Don´t be afraid to ask as many questions as you´d like, because leases are binding and breaking them could mean you’ll be out of a large portion of your bank account. Be very aware of the responsibilities for each part and get everything in writing.

Visit Century West Properties today and take a look at our amazing Westside rentals!

How Much Rent Can You Really Afford?

 By Trulia

Before you choose your dream rental, you'll need to calculate how much rent you can afford to pay. Of course, there may be a difference between how much you feel you can pay, what a landlord thinks you can pay, and how expensive a given area's rental market is.

To avoid signing up for a lease you can't afford or losing out on properties that interest you because the landlord wants to see more income, you'll need to familiarize yourself with three prices: What you personally feel you can pay for rental housing; what local landlords think renters can pay (typically, landlords like to see rent not exceed a particular proportion of your gross income and use that proportion to screen applicants); and what average apartments and rental homes cost in your particular area. Depending on where you are in life and where you live, the proportion of your income that you pay for rent can vary.

Read the complete article: www.trulia.com

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