Tips for Apartment Hunting

1. Determine non-negotiables. What kind of area do you want to live in? Would you like a quiet, residential neighborhood, or do you want to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life? How much do you want to spend and what is the maximum distance you would want to be away from your school? Brick walls? Lots of sunlight? Laundry facilities in the building? Make a list of items and prioritize. Although you might not find an apartment with all of your requirements, the list can help narrow down your choices and find the most ideal one for you.

2. Budget Constraints? If you want a lot of space but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the general rule about apartment rent is that the closer you are to the city, the more expensive the rent. If you are studying in New York City, and want a bigger place to live, try the other boroughs: Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. If you are studying in Boston, try Allston and Brookline.

3. Be persistent. If the person advertising the apartment does not call back, call again. Some of them are too busy to return calls so you just have to pester them when it comes to apartment hunting.

4. Be a scout: Be prepared. Before you go apartment hunting, have all the necessary documentation ready. Landlords or real-estate agents usually require the following items: credit report, guarantor’s letter, job/school reference letter, pay stubs, resume. Always dress neatly to create a good first impression.

5. Trust your instincts. If the building you are looking into has suspicious looking residents, or if the landlord appears sneaky, look elsewhere. You don’t want to be in a situation that you know you could’ve avoided.

6. Ask questions. If you are going to rent a room in someone’s house, ask the owner his/ her rules about cleaning , noise, inviting guests. If you are renting an apartment, have a list of questions ready (e.g. Are utilities included in the fee?, etc prepare a punch list of questions which are relevant to your lifestyle) and ask the realtor about them.

7. Mind your neighbors. You might feel more secure living close to a hospital or to a fire station but remember that you will be hearing sirens constantly. Many say you get used to it, but you may not.