Just the fact that you’re doing something for the first time is enough to raise your blood pressure.
When you first get into the private leased sector, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid being duped and to guarantee that your rental is secure and safe.
Sit back and continue reading if you’re a first-time apartment tenant. And always focus on the bright side of your new apartment which may be at sakara villas tempe az.
Tenancy Contracts
Though they tend to be long, confusing and full of legal jargon, it is important to avoid the temptation of just skipping to the end and signing it without reading. A tenancy contract is a legally binding document that mandates your landlord to do certain things that you definitely should be aware of to avoid being taken by a rude surprise.
Upfront Costs
It’s easy for first-time renters to forget that aside monthly or yearly rent, there are also upfront costs of renting an apartment and you’ll almost always have to complete the payment of the costs before you can move into the apartment. You should prepare and plan ahead for these costs to avoid a rude shock in this area.
Long Term Costs
Aside monthly or yearly rent, there are other utility payments like electricity, water etc. that you have to consider. You need to be sure if certain utilities are covered by your rent and provided for or if you will have to either source for them or pay for them.
Take a Meter Reading Before Signing on the Dotted Line
Landlords are fond of passing on previous electricity bills to new and unsuspecting tenants. Ensure you are not a victim of this by taking a meter reading of the electricity meter when you come to inspect the house. You can also request to see evidence that electricity bills have been paid to date and there are no outstanding bills left for you to shoulder. Please ensure you do this to avoid being charged by PHCN for electricity previous tenants used.
Safety and Appearance of the Neighbourhood
Many first-time renters often get carried away with the excitement of renting their first apartment and forget to assess the safety of the neighbourhood their renting the apartment in. Please ensure you do not make this mistake. Landlords will hardly be truthful or sincere about the safety of the neighbourhood of their apartments, so you have to ask around and make necessary enquiries. You can talk to one or two people who live and work around the area to get information about what the area is really like.
Parking Lot
Whichever apartment type you choose, you should check if its building has a garage or a reserved parking spot. This will save you an immense amount of time, energy, and money.
One of the first things to ask your property manager, as a driver, is if you have an assigned parking spot. Otherwise, ask your property manager when they think the best time of day is to move in. If you’re lucky, there will be a garage or a parking lot with plenty of room.
Your property manager should know when the lot gets full and what other parking options you might have in the vicinity.
Accessibility
Try to get an apartment that has an easy or relatively easy access to public transportation, provision stores, medical facilities or anything else you consider important to your living situation. This will help make life in the apartment easier for you.
Smart budgeting
Do not overburden yourself with complicated budgeting techniques. The 50/30/20 rule works just fine.
Dedicate the half of your after-tax income to necessities like food, rent, clothing, and bills, 30% should go toward entertainment and remaining 20% put aside for rainy days.
If your apartment rent and other expenses fit this budget strategy, you’re heading in a good direction.
Furnish your apartment over time
Settling in is a process and there’s no need to rush: after all, the thrill is in the journey.
Not to mention that you will save much more if you take your time to fully furnish your apartment. Savor every piece that you gradually bring in; you will appreciate it more and avoid hoarding needless junk.
First-time apartment renters, meet thy neighbors
When you live in an apartment building, good friendly neighbors are a treasure. A cup of coffee, some friendly chat, a little favor now and then is what makes a difference on some days.
Anyone can buy a good house, but good neighbors are priceless, a proverb says, and it is true.