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You’ve decided to move to Texas and you want to find the apartment that best suits you, but you’re overwhelmed with all the tiny details one has to consider to find a solid place.
From budget planning to finding how the neighborhood operates and considering all the amenities that will make your life there much better.
We’ll help you figure out what to look out for when searching for a new apartment in Texas.
Below is a list of things one should check before signing the lease and moving in.
Neighborhoods
Finding the right neighborhood can be a bit daunting, but you can consider a couple of things to ease your mind like quietness, closeness to work, restaurants, museums, and similar attractions.
Think whether you want to live in a big city like Dallas, or you want to live in a smaller town like Mesquite TX, which is close to the metropolis.
Mesquite has nice and affordable housing, so you might want to look for Mesquite TX apartments for rent that best suit your taste. See whether you want it to be closer to the center or you prefer the surrounding quieter areas.
Consider whether it’s good to move in with your family or alone. Note that many young people move to Texas due to good job opportunities, so you might want to go to a neighborhood with other young people to interact.
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Budget
It’s very important to plan your budget since it will determine whether you can afford the place or not. Bear in mind that usually, 30% of your monthly income goes to rent.
Consider additional costs like application fees, moving costs, deposits, and such. If the place has a parking space then you should consider the fee.
Calculate the amenities, and if you decide to move in with a pet, look for a place that allows animals, and also think of the pet fee. Search the web and find a free rent calculator that will help you figure things out and ease your mind.
Just remember to think about your desired location, number of bedrooms, and your monthly gross income when calculating.
Submit an Apartment Rental Application
Once you’ve found the apartment you like, it’s time to submit the apartment rental application that will give the landlord the information they need to determine whether you qualify to rent their apartment. Note that there’s a non-refundable application fee, so consider asking your landlord all the important questions such as their income requirements.
You can also use this time to ask about any concerns you might have about qualifying. If you plan to move in with an animal, make sure you mention this beforehand. The application should cover your personal information including your social security number, recent employment, or rental history. The landlord might also ask for personal references.
Renter’s Insurance
Renter’s insurance can be a lifesaver if the unexpected happens since the landlord’s insurance policy only covers the building and not your personal belongings. This type of insurance covers your things in case of natural disaster or if your place is burglarized.
Some of the commonly covered items include furniture and clothing, appliances, accidental damage to someone else’s property, to name a few.
According to Insider, the average renter’s insurance policy can cost $14.90 on a monthly level or $179 per year. But, note that these prices can vary depending on where you decide to live.
According to data from III (Insurance Information Institute) the average renter paid for coverage in Texas in 2018, was $225 per year, and $18.75 per month.
Utilities and Community Rules
It’s good to know that some landlords might include utilities like electricity and heat in the rent, but others will require a separate payment. If that’s important to you, don’t forget to ask your landlord about this information before signing the lease.
Of course, it’ll be good to know about this before you crank up the heat, just to be surprised about the huge bill.
Another important thing is to consider community rules including pet restrictions and quiet hours. Ask carefully about the apartment’s policy since you might get fined if you don’t follow them.
Include whether you can add a roommate once the lease is signed, and note that some places won’t allow this before the original lease is up.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to understand how apartment renting works before you start your search, so you’ll be well prepared for the process. When you find a place that meets your criteria, make sure you prove to your new landlord that you’re responsible and you’ll be a good tenant.
And don’t forget to plan your budget since this can make or break the whole apartment search.
