There’s an app for that!
The apartment search process is an ever-changing thing. That’s why it’s important to know how to go about looking for rental properties, whether your lease is up or you’re just breaking out on your own for the very first time.
Fortunately, the internet is full of awesome tools and apartment rental sites to make the process of apartment hunting less painful and even enjoyable! All any would-be renter needs is a little education on the various search features to navigate rental listings, and how to use them effectively. Here are some tips on the best way to find an apartment using Rent. and the Rent. mobile app.
Define the apartment hunt search area
A too-broad apartment hunt is frustrating. Atlanta, for example, is a big city. It’s entirely possible to live in one part of Atlanta that’s still a half-hour drive from other parts of the same city. To that end, it’s vital to identify and search for apartments for rent in specific areas, lest you waste your time looking on the opposite end of town.
The Rent. search tool makes it easy to move the map around to find apartments in exactly the location you want. Simply enter in a reference point, like a ZIP code. Then, pinch the map to zoom in and out to see the areas you’re really interested in. On your mobile device, you can even create a custom search area by drawing and defining your own boundaries in the Rent. app. There’s also a feature to find apartments near your current location.
That said, if you want to do the apartment search with broader criteria, like city or neighborhood name, that’s fine as well. The choice, as they say, is yours.
Use hybrid view for specifics
Wanna get extra specific when culling through real estate listings? The map showing rental properties (denoted by helpful blue dots) shows up in a standard map form, much like the one GPS apps use. That way, apartments are viewable in relation to roadways and such.
If you’d rather see a view with specific landmarks or buildings nearby, you can select a hybrid map view. In the mobile app, simply tap the Map icon in the map view (on your computer, you’ll want to click “Hybrid” at the top right of the screen). This way, a potential renter who really wants to know exactly what businesses and other buildings are nearby can easily view them. So, if access to multiple grocery stores, public transportation and other features are important, it’s easy to suss out.
Set a realistic price range
Don’t waste precious time wading through real estate options that are way above or way below your pay grade. Instead, use the Rent. app to enter minimum and maximum rent prices. This will return only apartment communities that fall within your specific budget. Pro tip: Be aware that location seriously affects rent prices.
To that end, make sure to establish a firm budget before beginning the apartment hunt process. This is especially important for new renters who have yet to balance all of the rental costs, like renters insurance, some utilities, move-in fees and such.
How much rent can you afford?
Experts say that fiscally responsible renters should spend no more than 30 percent of gross income on rent. For example, the renter who makes $80,000 per year pulls in $6,667 per month. Thirty percent of that is $2,000, so that’s the most they should spend on rent every month and still have funds for savings, entertainment and other living expenses. Need help calculating your specific rent parameters? Use this helpful rent calculator.
Get to know the filters
Of course, we know that not all apartments are created equally and each renter has a different set of wants and needs for their next living situation. Utilize the filters (tap on the “Filter” text on the upper right of your phone screen in the app) to narrow in on the properties that best suit your needs.
Filter by amenities
Apartment buildings with a ton of luxe amenities generally cost more to rent than their less frilly counterparts. After tapping “Filter,” simply scroll down to “Amenities” to choose the bells and whistles that are the most important to you. Select from a list of perks, like in-unit laundry, extra storage, walk-in closet, pool and many more. Then, the apartment results will include the must-have amenities on your specific list. Feel free to tweak it as needed to find just the right apartment!
Filter by size
The right apartment also has the perfect number of rooms. The Rent. “Filter” function also allows the renter to search by the number of bedrooms, from a studio all the way up to four-plus bedrooms. In addition, you can add the desired number of bathrooms (between one and three). Tweak these parameters as needed and you’re bound to find the perfect apartment for your needs.
Filter by pets
Renters who have Fluffy or Fido on the payroll definitely need to make sure any potential new apartment is pet-friendly. Or, the opposite goes for people who don’t want to live in a community that allows pets.
Whatever the case is, filter by the following options to return the ideal apartment types for you: Cats OK, Dogs OK, Cats & Dogs OK, No Pets. There’s no sense in a dog owner putting a property on their potential apartment list if it doesn’t allow furry friends! Location, amenities, etc. are negotiable. Pets are not.
Filter by property type
Although apartments are great, sometimes, it opens up new real estate options when a renter expands the search to include other rental home types, like townhomes, condos or houses. When working through the Filters, click on any of the four property types that could work for your needs. You never know what property will strike your fancy!
Schedule a tour
Once you identify a handful of promising apartments, it’s time to schedule tours. If you’re moving to a new city and can’t make the journey right away, inquire about conducting a virtual real estate tour or see if the property has a 3D tour available.
If possible, though, schedule a face-to-face apartment walk-through, or have a local friend do one for you. Some sights and smells simply don’t translate via FaceTime!
How to easily schedule a tour
Many Rent. properties allow people to schedule a tour directly from the property page. To do that, tap on the blue “Schedule Tour” button above the contact information or on the white button that stays on the bottom of your phone screen while reading about the property.
Once you tap, a few options will populate, including “Live Video Tour,” “In-Person Tour” and “Self-Guided Tour.” Not all apartment communities offer all three, though, so don’t be surprised if one or more options are not available.
Once an you choose an option, select the date and time from a list of what’s available and fill in some basic information. Scheduling doesn’t get much easier than that!
Questions to ask during a tour
It typically costs money to fill out a rental application, so save that for an apartment or two that you’re really interested in. Before the tour, put together a list of questions for the property management. Examples of important questions are:
- What are the terms of the lease?
- What are the move-in, application, parking and other fees you can expect to pay?
- Does anything need repairing or updating before you move in?
- How do you ensure that you’ll get the security deposit back?
- How do renters file complaints against other renters, request maintenance, etc.?
Keep a running list of important questions, either in your phone notes or on paper to make sure you get all of the answers you need.
Take advantage of move-in deals
Finding an apartment that works for you is fabulous. Finding one with a deal is even better! Many Rent. properties have discounts in one way or another and have a graphic that says “Deals/Special Offer” on the primary image. Tap on that property and see the specifics of the deal (like one month free, etc.) below the “Hot Deals” graphic.
Other ways to save
It’s also always a good idea to personally ask the apartment manager how you can save money. Some communities offer discounts on rent for tenants who pay three, six or 12 months at a time, for example. Certain apartment units may also be cheaper than others due to their location in the building or on the property. Never hurts to ask, right?
Online apartment hunting is easier than ever
Finding an apartment isn’t a hideous chore for wannabe renters. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Landing in a new home is exciting stuff. Happy apartment hunting!
Source: rent.com