Whether you have rented before or are renting for the first time, keeping a few crucial factors in mind should help you find a place that is right for you. This guide will be of great help for those who are looking at property listings for an apartment to rent. So, here are a few essential points that you should keep in mind while you peruse the rental listings in your area.

Price
When you are looking for a house or apartment to rent, the first and foremost thing to check is the price. You should set a budget and only then look at homes and apartments that fall within your rental category. To make sure that the right price bracket is set, you might have to do a bit of research regarding the rates of the neighborhood you wish to rent in. Your research can be done online, or if you have friends and family staying in the same area, you can check with them. If you really want to stay in a particular area as it might be close to work or friends and family, but the rents are a bit steep, you might need to consider sharing the place with a flatmate. In that case, the research must include sufficient rooms for yourself and a flatmate. Also, be aware that if an apartment or home is being offered at a low rent compared to other rental listings in that area, it could be an indicator that some drawbacks about the place may be hidden.

The actual property
When you check out rental listings online, don’t get taken in by the amazingly pretty pictures that are posted. You should visit the place in-person to check things out for yourself. When you visit the property, you would be able to check on a wide variety of issues that are most often not visible in the pretty photos of the rental listings. These problems could range from water damage to electrical issues and leaky faucets. You can also check whether these issues will be resolved by the landlord before you move in.

Neighborhood
If you already know the area or neighborhood to rent in, skipping this point will not be a problem. However, if you are looking at rental listings and are not sure about the neighborhood, or if it is new to you, you should visit the area. You should also try to read as much information as you can about the area, such as the crime rate, to determine how safe it is. You can check sites such as the City Profile Reports and Neighborhood Scout. Also, it would give you an idea about how long it would take you to get to and from work and the nearest public transport systems if you do use it to travel to work.

Amenities
Visiting the area would also help you check out the amenities that are available, as these cannot be determined through the rental listings alone. If you are renting in an apartment block, check on the amenities available in the building, such as if there is a gym or if there is a washing machine in the area. You also be able to check how far the nearest supermarket and shops are.

Pets
Pet owners who are looking at rental listings should find out the pet policy of the places that they have shortlisted. Those who don’t have a pet and are planning to get one might need to check if the landlord or the apartment building you wish to rent allows pets. Some places have a specific restriction or might charge a deposit that is refundable for pets.

Utilities
When you have found a few places through the rental listings and are in the process of inspecting or visiting them, don’t forget to check about utility costs. In some places, the rent might be inclusive of a few essential utilities, whereas other places might require you to pay for them. When you add up all the utility charges, such as electricity, gas, and water, it might be a good idea to check what’s included in the rent. Also, check whether your landlord would pay for any of the utilities and what you would need to pay to help plan your monthly budget.

If you are not in a hurry, take your time with the rental listings to ensure that you get the perfect place that is within your budget. Also, it might be useful to note that most people like to move in the summer when the weather is good. Although there are more places available, rent could be a bit higher. Having a system in place when looking for property listings, and knowing what to look out for before visiting houses and apartments can help with getting a good rental deal.