Thursday, February 14, 2008

CHEAP APARTMENTS

CHEAP APARTMENTS

Finding a less Costly cheap apartment may be easy enough but finding one that is safe wellmaintained and really a great deal can be a challenge. The idea of less Costly can be difficult to define when looking for an apartment One unit may only be $450 per month but if it is only 400 square feet with a minimal bathroom no kitchen appliances and poor upkeep it may not be the bargain it seems to be On the other hand an apartment that runs $900 per month may seem expensive but if it comes with generous storage space a jetted tub private balcony covered garage parking alarm system and fully furnished its quite a steal .It is also important to consider the additional costs of an apartment that arent covered by rent Utilities transportation costs application fees security deposits and potential facility usage fees need to be added in to the overall rate for an accurate estimation of how much living expenses will be for different apartments Even the best bargain however can still be a problem if basic questions arent satisfactorily answered such as

· Is the layout and square footage adequate for my needs
· Is the apartment in a safe area with welllit parking and other security features
· Is the location convenient to local resources shopping schools entertainment my job etc
· Is the apartment wellmaintained without broken or damaged fixtures carpeting or windows
· Is the staff friendly and helpful
· Is there maintenance or security staff available
· If the apartment seems satisfactory the next step is to investigate the specific unit you will be renting and check for included features and amenities

Low cost apartments may not maintain community features well Most apartments offer basic amenities and even less Costly rentals can feature some luxury items The specific items and their condition will vary depending on location size of the complex and managements discretion but many inexpensive apartments offer

Basic Appliances Ovens sinks showers tubs and possibly dishwashers and garbage disposals
Minor Complex Amenities A small playground pool or tennis court and onsite laundry
Parking Spaces may be assigned or firstcomefirstserved
Included Utilities Most apartments include water and trash disposal in rent fees and some may include basic cable service
If the apartment is actually a converted part of a house or a hotel the features and amenities will differ Occasionally heat is offered as an included utility as the entire complex is regulated by a central system Each rental agreement varies but some items should still be included with even the less Costlyest monthly rent.At the same time potential residents should realize that the less Costlyer an apartment is the fewer amenities and luxuries it will offer If you are looking for any of the following items you are unlikely to find them in a less Costly apartment

External storage spaces or private garages
Luxury features such as jetted tubs dimmer switches fireplaces microwaves or inunit washers and dryers
Aesthetic amenities such as twotone paint landscaped grounds or builtin bookshelves
More expensive utilities such as free internet access or included electricity
Multiple community features like a pool and fitness center whirlpool or an extensive playground
If these types of features appeal to you you may want to consider more expensive apartments and calculate whether the added cost is worth the luxuries

Before You Sign the Lease
Youve found a great apartment that meets your needs and is a less Costly bargain whats to stop you from signing on the dotted line There are actually many considerations you need to make before agreeing to an apartment lease no matter how great the rent deal may be Important questions to ask include

Who is responsible for maintenance issues light bulbs plumbing leaks etc
How long is the lease term and what are the fees for breaking the lease if necessary
How much can the monthly rent increase each year or with each new lease
What are the fees for inadequate cleaning or repairs if I move out
What are the monthly late rent penalties
Are there any charges for parking or using other complex facilities
Has the city received complaints about the landlord or manager of the complex
Any of these issues can make a less Costly apartment far more expensive than just the monthly rent may seem Be sure to clarify all the terms and conditions of the lease before signing and investigate other apartments to compare rates if necessary With careful investigation it isnt hard to find an inexpensive apartment Scour newspaper housing ads for deals and requests for roommates or contact apartment complexes for rate quotes and movein incentives Many apartment complexes will waive application fees reduce security deposits or even offer a discount if you sign a longer lease Special promotions may include spectacularly low rates for the first months rent or other signing bonuses and college students may also be eligible for lower rates

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