There are many factors to consider when renting a apartment. Listed below are some helpful tips pertaining to each decision:

1. Location: Where you want to live is key. Are you near your family and friends? Do you have transportation or do you need to be close to a bus line or within biking distance. Is the area safe? What activities are within the immediate area (Shopping, swimming, walking trails, bicycle trails?) Is it close to your work?
2. Price: Can you afford the rent. Have you done a budget to include everything you need in a months time, and is there enough left over for rent. Food, gas, and the bare necessities can take a big chunk out of your monthly budget. Will you need first and last month rent.
3. Security Deposit: Can you save enough money to afford a deposit? Will the landlord work with you and spread out the deposit payment? Is there a pet deposit? Are the deposits refundable?
4. Utilities: Is power, water, gas, trash collection all included in the rent or extra? Do you have enough money for deposits if you have to turn these items on.? Do you have good credit in order to get the utilities turned on?
5. Lease Terms: How long is the lease? What happens if you break the lease, are you held responsible for the remaining term of the lease? Do you have a room mate and if both of you are on the lease, what happens if he leaves and you can’t pay his portion of the rent.?
6. AC & Heating: Does the property have good ac & heat, is it a older building that will take a lot of energy to heat and cool. You would be surprised at how much your electric bill will cost you in a older inefficient apartment.
7. Size: Is the apartment big enough for you to live in. Does it have enough storage for your furniture, bicycle and other items.
8. Children: Are children allowed?
9. Eviction: What right does the landlord have to evict you. Just because you may not like something the landlord is doing or not doing, does not give you the right to not pay rent. It is important to follow the proper protocol when disputing something in your lease. Once you have a eviction on your credit history, it will be very hard to find another place to rent.
10. Document: Make sure you take a good look at what you are renting. If there are things that are broken or damaged, make sure you document this before signing a lease. If you need repairs or have other needs or request, make sure you document this in writing to you landlord.
11. Parking: Is there ample parking for your and your guest.

These are a few of the items to consider when renting an apartment. Never sign anything you do not understand. There are local agencies that will help you through this process, don’t be afraid to ask for help.