When looking for a new place to call home, asking the right questions before signing a rental agreement is essential.
Choosing the right community for your personal and professional lifestyle requires examining a wide range of factors. From where the apartments are located to amenities, the local neighborhood, and more, you should take your time during your hunt for a new home to carefully select the perfect destination.
If you are searching for a new apartment, this guide is for you! We will cover some key questions to ask when renting an apartment. Take these into consideration as you’re browsing through listings in your area.
Is a Long-Term Lease Right for Me?
Most apartment communities offer standard 12-month leases as their default option for renters. However, in some cases, leases can extend as far as 24 months depending on one’s preferences and what the property manager’s office can offer.
For many, a lease that lasts this long does not prove suitable for their needs. Instead, you may prefer a monthly or short-term lease that better aligns with the reasons why you’re searching for a new apartment.
Short-term leases are ones that last for fewer than 12 months and are a perfect option for individuals that are looking for temporary housing when relocating to a new city or are on an extended stay for work-related reasons. If you are looking for a living space for these types of reasons, be sure to ask if the property you’re considering can offer these more flexible options.
What Amenities Does this Apartment Offer?
As you look through listings, pay close attention to what amenities each apartment includes. For example, some communities may have a resort-style pool while others will have a 24-hour fitness center.
Some apartments will offer in-unit washers and dryers include while others require residents to use on-site laundry facilities. If you have pets, you’ll want to make sure that the community you select is pet-friendly and understand any associated pet fees during your residence.
What Will My Total Cost of Living Be?
Standard rent payments typically cover a renter’s right to occupy their apartment for the duration of their lease and will also go towards property maintenance and community amenities. Some apartment communities will also offer other financial incentives such as all or some included utilities.
Beyond occupancy rights, you should ask if the rent also covers:
- Maintenance services
- Certain utilities
- Resident fitness center
- Laundry
As a general guideline, rent should cost no more than 30% of your monthly income. Calculate your total monthly income, compare it against the cost of rent for the properties you are considering, and factor in the average costs of any other expenses you will have to furnish while living there. This can help you estimate your total cost of living for that location.
Costs of living can also be further reduced if you want to live with a family member, friend, or coworker as a roommate. If you decide to live with a roommate, be sure to look at the floor plans of the apartment community you are considering to see if the layout is something that could benefit both renters.
Is the Geographic Location Right for My Needs?
The location of an apartment is just as important as the floor space and amenities included inside it. If you are working downtown, for example, you will want to find a place that is close enough to your office so that your commute time is reasonable. Conversely, you may want to find a community near a highway if you travel out of the immediate area for work on a regular basis.
You should also take into account the surrounding neighborhood when considering where to live. Is it family-friendly? Is it close to desirable shops and restaurants? What is the average age of the residents in that area? Scouting the neighborhood before you decide on renting can help you feel more comfortable about choosing where you ultimately decide to call your new home.
Rent a Luxurious Apartment in Downtown Saratoga Springs
At Saratoga Market Center, we are committed to providing the most luxurious living experience in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, NY. We offer 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3-bedroom options for apartments for rent in saratoga with modern amenities such as in-unit laundry, on-site parking, and a community fitness center along with a pet-friendly renting policy!
If you are ready to experience the difference that luxury apartment living can make, view our floor plans or contact us today to schedule a tour.
