Do your homework before apartment hunting

If you’re a first-time renter, there are things you should know that will make your apartment quest more productive.

According to J. Ellis Apartment Locators Inc. in Irving, ask all the questions you can about the apartment you desire so your landlord can help you look for the right one that fits your needs.

The company also suggests these tips:

Find out what security features are included such as fire alarms and apartment security alarms? Will a monthly fee be added to the rent for these security features?

If such features are available, who will be responsible for paying the water, heat, electricity and cable TV?

If you have any pets, make sure to inform the landlord about them. You may be charged a fee for having a pet. Some places don’t accept pets. So if you have one, don’t lie about it; you could get evicted for being dishonest.

Are parking spaces assigned, or can residents park wherever space is available?

If the landlord ever hesitates to show you an apartment you’re interested in, turn around and leave. The most important thing is to look at the apartment.

Turn those faucets on and test the water to see how strong it runs. Flush the toilet a couple of times. Flick all the light switches on.

Test the stove and refrigerator. If these things are not working properly, inform the landlord and see if they can be fixed before your desired move-in date.

Don’t just look at two or three places. Go to various apartments and do your research. Having options will help you make a smart decision.

Read the lease. Most people just skim through it just before signing it. Be very careful because this is where lots of people get lazy. Read what you sign; it can save you a lot of problems.

Apartment locators like J. Ellis can save people time and effort by doing the searches for them for free. Patty Scheuchl, a relocation professional for J. Ellis, outlined what apartment complexes look for in renters:

- Income (must make three times the monthly rent).

- Credit (no credit is usually OK). Bad credit varies depending on what the apartment’s rules say.

- Criminal background checks.

- No felons are accepted.

- Few apartments will work with misdemeanor offenders.

- Cosigners are accepted for first-time renters.

- Application fees are nonrefundable. Room mates are a great idea if you know whom you’re going to live with. Make sure you know your roommates because if they bail, you’re stuck with the full month of rent, said Rafael Guerrero, a licensed real estate agent.

Jonny Garcia, a relocation professional, agrees. “Find a good agent. Do police reports in your area. Check out the schools and the crime rate in the area.”

Finally, make sure that you handle your monthly budget correctly. Always save a month’s rent just in case something happens, like getting sick or fired from your job.

All those tips should guide all those interested in getting an apartment.