Apartment hunting is an exciting journey – Yet, amidst the excitement lies the challenge of navigating a complex process. If you’re looking to rent an apartment, this guide is for you! We’ll walk you through 5 definitive steps to ensure a smooth renting experience!
Get prepared to rent
Unlocking the door to your dream apartment starts with preparation. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned tenant, being prepared to rent an apartment is key to a successful rental experience – both financially and emotionally.
Assess your budget
Before you start searching apartment hunting, it’s crucial to understand your financial situation. Calculate your monthly income and expenses to determine how much you can afford to spend on rent. Remember to consider not just the rent itself, but also the additional costs associated with apartment living such as utilities, amenity fees, pets fees, and any other recurring expenses.
To help you get a clear picture of what you can comfortably afford, consider the 50-30-20 rule – recommended by UNFCU. In short, 50% of your budget should go to needs, 30% should go to wants, and 20% should be reserved for savings. Keep in mind, most landlords are going to require that you gross monthly income is at least 3x the base rent!
You must also consider the cost of living in the area you plan to live. RentCafe offers a good overview of the cost of living in the state of Connecticut. Budgeting is critical in the apartment leasing process – check out our comprehensive guide on how to budget for an apartment!
Save for upfront costs
In addition to monthly rent, leasing an apartment often requires upfront costs such as security deposits, first and last month’s rent, and application fees (waived in Connecticut). Make sure you have enough savings to cover these expenses before you start apartment hunting. Having a buffer for unexpected costs is also advised!
Gather necessary documents
Landlords typically require certain documents as part of the rental application process. These may include proof of income (such as pay stubs and or employment verification), identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), and references from previous landlords. Gather these necessary documents in advance to streamline the application process and increase your chances of securing your desired apartment!
Check your credit score
Many landlords will conduct a credit check as part of the application process. They do this to assess a prospective tenants’ financial responsibility and the likelihood of timely rent payments, helping to minimize their risk. Check your credit score beforehand to ensure there are no surprises. If your credit score is lower than desired, take steps to improve it, such as paying off outstanding debts or disputing any errors on your credit report.
Shop for renters insurance
Renters insurance is incredibly important! It is used for protecting personal belongings against theft, fire, and other disasters, including furniture, electronics, and clothing. Additionally, it provides liability coverage for injuries on the rented property and covers temporary living expenses if the rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. Some policies offer extra coverage options, such as protection for valuable items and damages from natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.
Start by researching insurance companies that offer renters insurance in your area. Look for well-established companies with good reputations for customer service and claims handling. Once you’ve identified a few insurance companies, compare the coverage options they offer.
Pay attention to the limits of coverage for personal property, liability, and any additional coverage options you may need. You can typically get quotes for renters insurance online or by contacting insurance companies directly. Provide detailed information about your rental property and the value of your personal belongings to get an accurate quote.
Find the perfect apartment
Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to start apartment hunting! Consider factors such as location, amenities, and unit size. Ask yourself: Do you prefer a bustling city neighborhood or a quiet suburban area? Would you like an apartment with a gym, in-unit laundry, or a pet-friendly policy? Use our guide on how to choose the perfect apartment community!
Once you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, explore various platforms such as online listings, real estate websites, and rental apps. Attend open houses or schedule tours to get a feel for different properties. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and take notes during your visits to help you compare options later on.
Understand your needs versus your wants
Think about what you need in an apartment. Prioritize essentials such as location, budget, and space requirements over amenities like a gym or a pool. By distinguishing between needs and wants, you can focus on finding an apartment that meets your practical requirements while potentially accommodating some of your desired extras.
Research neighborhoods
It’s important to explore different neighborhoods to find one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences. Contemplate factors like safety, access to local amenities (such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, etc.), commute times, and the overall vibe. Websites, social media groups, and online forums can be helpful resources for learning more about specific neighborhoods. Check out our neighborhood guides to learn more about the cities and towns in Lower Fairfield County!
Go on a tour!
Touring an apartment before renting is important because it allows you to assess the property’s condition, layout, and amenities firsthand. It gives you an opportunity to identify any potential issues or concerns, such as maintenance problems or safety hazards, and ensures that the apartment meets your needs and expectations. Additionally, touring gives you a feel for the neighborhood and surrounding area, helping you determine if it’s a suitable location for the lifestyle you want to cultivate.
The benefit of touring is that you will have the opportunity to ask the leasing agent your pressing questions. Some common questions to ask when touring an apartment are: when was the building built? are there any major renovations on the horizon? do you offer community events, and if so, how frequently? how does management resolve noise complaints or tenant issues? do you offer short-term leases? Use our apartment checklist below to make the most of your tour(s)!
You are looking for your dream apartment, but remember, the property is more than likely operated by a management company – so make sure you feel confident in the team as they are integral to your apartment living experience!
Apply for the apartment
Once you’ve discovered the ideal apartment that ticks all your boxes, it’s time to take action and submit your application before someone else does! Don’t miss out on securing your dream space – act quickly and gather the necessary documents to complete your application!
Fill out the application
Since you’re already prepared, you have all the documentation you need to apply effortlessly! Now is the time to pull out your legal identification and your proof of income. Make sure to provide all the required information accurately and honestly.
Double-check for any errors before submitting. More than likely you are going to have to pay a security deposit to take the apartment off the market. PRO TIP: ask the leasing agent how many days you have to withdraw your application if you change your mind or something comes up – confirm if you will be refunded the full security deposit amount.
Some landlords may require a fee to cover the cost of screening checks – this is capped at $50 in Connecticut. Be prepared to pay these fee when submitting your application.
During your application you will come across a variety of addendums you will be required to sign. You will most likely come across the following: privacy policy (how your information is collected, for what, how long, and how it will be disposed), the specific property’s rental qualification criteria, a restricted pet breed list, and a screening agreement.
You are going to get screened, so what does it look for? Landlords are screening for: criminal record, credit checks, employment history, proof of income, and your rental history. PRO TIP: Ask the leasing agent what happens if you are conditionally approved – does this change the security deposit amount you will owe in order to secure the apartment? Often times being conditionally approved requires the applicant to pay more upfront, it is definitely worth asking!
We know how exciting it is to get your application in! Patience is key, as it may take some time for the landlord to review your application. Use this time to explore other options just in case.
Sign the lease
You applied and you got approved – Congratulations! Your dream apartment is technically yours, now you just have to sign the lease. Usually you will have to sign the lease within 48-72 hours of being accepted, or your application could be terminated, with no reimbursement of your security deposit. Have that pen handy!
What is a lease?
The lease is a legal contract that establishes the terms of the landlord-tenant relationship and protects the rights of both parties. It provides clarity and certainty for all involved and serves as a valuable reference in case of any disagreements or disputes during the course of the tenancy. Think of it as the terms and conditions of renting a property.
Thoroughly review the lease!
Read the lease carefully and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. Pay attention to the rent amount, lease duration, pet policies, and any rules or restrictions. If you’re unsure about anything in the lease, ask for clarification. It’s essential to fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Once you’re satisfied with the terms, sign the lease agreement. Keep a copy for your records and make note of important dates, such as lease commencement and lease renewal deadlines.
Plan your move-in
You’ve signed the lease, and now it’s time to plan your move-in. It’s official! Now you can coordinate with the landlord or management team to schedule your move-in date and arrange key exchange, payment and logistics.
Hire a moving company
Start by researching moving companies in your area. Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations, and check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Google or Yelp. Reach out to several moving companies to request quotes for your move. Be sure to provide them with detailed information about the size of your apartment, the distance of the move, and any additional services you may need.
Ensure that the moving company you’re considering is properly licensed and insured. You can verify this information by checking with the state’s Department of Transportation or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Check if your new landlord requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the moving company. The COI serves as proof that the moving company has adequate insurance coverage, protecting both the landlord’s property and the tenant’s belongings during the moving process. By requesting a COI, landlords can ensure that the moving company is properly insured and mitigate potential risks associated with property damage or liability issues.
View our helpful overview on hiring the right professional moving company for your move!
Set up utilities
Setting up utilities for your new apartment in Connecticut is a straightforward process. Begin by contacting the utility providers for gas, electric, and water/sewer services in your area. Provide them with your new address and request to set up accounts for each service. If water/sewer is individually metered, inquire about the process for reading and billing usage from your property manager. Lastly, be prepared to provide any necessary documentation, such as identification or lease agreement details, to complete the setup process smoothly. By being proactive, you can ensure that your utilities are ready to go when you move into your new apartment!
Get packin’
Start packing your belongings and organizing your move. Label boxes, declutter unnecessary items, and make a checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten on moving day.
Remembering to update your address with the post office, as well as with important institutions like banks, employers, and subscriptions, to ensure your mail is forwarded to your new address!
Inspect the apartment
Before officially moving in, conduct a thorough inspection of the apartment for any damages or issues that you were obviously not responsible for – since you just got there! Document any pre-existing damage and notify the landlord to avoid being held responsible later on. Most landlords will give you a move-in condition form upon your arrival.
A move-in condition form for an apartment is a document used to record the condition of the rental unit at the beginning of a tenant’s lease term. This form serves as a detailed assessment of the apartment’s condition, including any existing damages or issues present at the time of move-in.
It’s common for tenants and landlords to take photos or videos of the apartment’s condition as evidence. These visual records provide further documentation of the apartment’s physical and functional state at move-in.
The move-in condition form is an essential tool for protecting both tenants and landlords by ensuring transparency and accountability regarding the condition of the rental unit. It helps prevent misunderstandings about damages and facilitates a smoother move-in process for all parties involved. Furthermore, this process should eliminate any disputes when you eventually move-out.
your new home awaits you
Renting an apartment is an exciting journey filled with new experiences and opportunities. By following these steps and staying organized throughout the process, you’ll be well-prepared to find the perfect apartment and have a smooth transition into your new home. Happy apartment hunting!