Apartment Showcase's Ask The Experts

In the Washington, DC area, you should start to look at least 60 days prior to your move date.

Most companies in this area require a 60 day notice to vacate and so know availability at least 60 days in advance (occasionally people will give notice earlier). By doing this, you’ll have the best chance of getting the apartment that best meets your needs.

Once you find it, I would also encourage you to lease it right away as in this area, apartments go quickly.  Although we’ve seen a lot of specials and availability over the past couple of years, that is quickly becoming a thing of the past.  Specials are going away, rents are going up, and apartments are leasing really quickly.

Traditionally, loft apartments were found in urban areas and were characterized by high ceilings, concrete floors, exposed pipe and brick and a lack of a defined bedroom.  Often these apartments were created out of former warehouse space.

As their popularity grew, developers began to offer a ‘loft style’ apartment in new developments located in urban as well as suburban areas.

This type of floor plan often offers a loft space which is visible from the main living area in the apartment and is accessed by a staircase.  The loft area is often used as a bedroom or study, but as it overlooks the living area, there is limited privacy.

The best way to make sure you are getting a great apartment is to schedule a walk-through of the apartment you will be moving into several days before your move-in date.

Here are a list of things you should do:

• Check to make sure all of the appliances and plumbing are in working order.
• Check for existing insects or rodents.  If you do see insects, inquire about the extermination process.
• Check to make sure everything has been properly cleaned and the walls have been painted.
• Ask about the parking process for your move-in day. Arrange to be able to park the moving truck in front of the building for an easy move-in day.
• Ask if you can sign all your paper work before move-in day so you have a stress-free moving experience.

This is a short list of the many things you should consider.  What other suggestions have worked for you in the past when moving into an apartment?

There are many levels of bad credit.

If you have been evicted recently, you will have a difficult time finding a landlord who will extend a lease to you until you have paid all outstanding fees to your prior landlord.  Many apartment communities will accept a larger deposit for some types of bad credit.

When Applying for an Apartment

You should ask what is involved in the application process and how the application is approved.  There are many different ways apartment communities approve and process applications.

• Some landlords are not as strict as others.  You should also be honest with the leasing agent instead of hiding the problem and explain how you are trying to correct the problem.
• Some apartment communities will let you be an “occupant” if you have other people in the apartment with you who qualify for the apartment on their own.

The best advice is to get a copy of your credit report and pay off as many outstanding bad debts as you can.

Renting your first apartment is scary and exciting all at once.  Proper preparation will help you avoid a big mistake.  Remember, most places want you to sign a one year lease, so you should be sure you know what is really important to you when looking for that first apartment.  You should start by making a list of things you “must have” and things you “would like to have” in your new place.

Things that might appear on your “must have” list:

• Close to work or metro
• Preferred utilities such as gas heating
• Pets allowed if you have pets
• Number of bedrooms required for you (and your family if applicable)
• Parking arrangements

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There are many people trying to make their living by scamming unsuspecting people.  The most reliable way to avoid scams is to use a website and/or print guidebook that lists apartments and management companies.  Keep in mind that the people who are trying to take advantage of you are going to try to get you to send them money without seeing the property or apartment.  Make sure you meet with the leasing representative in person at the property or apartment, not the local coffee shop.

Ask yourself these questions: Does this deal seem too good to be true?  Does something seem not quite right?  Does the agent have keys to the apartment or are you entering through an unlocked door?  Are they asking you to give money before filling out an application?  Is this agent explaining the rules and talking about when the rent is due?

Most reputable places want residents who will follow the rules and pay their rent on time.  They are going to take the time to tell you about the community and apartment as well as the lease terms.  Keep these in mind and you will find the best apartment for you.