WORD TO THE WISE: Tips to help apartment hunters choose a place to live
Many families move each year in search of opportunity and a new place to live. For those currently undergoing the task, searching for an apartment can be a daunting process. Your Better Business Bureau would like to offer these consumer tips in an effort to help you make more informed decisions while involved in the process of leasing a new place to live.
There are many things to think about when you are apartment hunting. Before you begin your search, here are a couple of things to consider.
1. Rent: Determine how much you can afford and still live comfortably. One rule of thumb suggests dividing your income by four. Your rent should not exceed more than 25 percent of your monthly income.
2. Space: How many people will be living in the unit -- 100 to 400 square feet per person is considered practical.
3. Location: How important is it for you to be near your place of work, school, shopping, medical facilities, etc.?
Before signing any lease you should always make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Keep in mind that landlord tenant laws ensure that everyone who lives in rental housing has a decent place to live.
The Georgia Tenants Handbook, a handy resource guide, is published by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and is available online at www.dca.ga.gov under publications. If you are looking in other states, you can visit www.hud.gov and look under "find rental assistance."
Your Better Business Bureau suggests you make sure the following information is included in your lease:
Maintenance: Find out how all repair concerns are handled such as how to submit a repair request. Ask how quickly tenants can expect maintenance personnel to respond.
Deposits: You should know what your security deposit covers and the conditions which might cause a tenant to experience deductions.
Increases: Ask if your rent or other fees will be increased during your lease term, how often and how much notice you will receive.
Subletting: Find out whether you are allowed to sublet your unit to another party in case of an emergency.
Rent: Get a schedule of when monthly payments are due and where rent can be paid, and always keep a record of your payment.
When moving in, do not forget to document the condition of your apartment. Make sure your list includes each and every flaw or defect in your apartment so you are not held responsible for damages later. It's advisable to also take photos or a video of your unit prior to moving in.
Your BBB also suggests renters:
Check out reviews of the apartment complex. Go to BBB.org to see a review of the apartment complex you are considering.
Visit the complex personally. Tour the facility and visit the specific unit you'll be renting. Make sure the community is safe and the living space will meet your needs.
Keep a signed copy of the lease. Store it in a safe place so it is readily available in the event you ever need to refer back to it.
Consider renter's insurance. Many apartment communities require tenants have a minimum amount of renter's insurance before move-in. If it's not required, it's still an option tenants should consider.
Kelvin Collins is president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia and the CSRA Inc., serving 41 counties in Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River area. Questions or complaints should be referred to the BBB at 478-742-7999, www.bbb.org or by emailing info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org.
This story was originally published November 2, 2015 at 9:32 PM with the headline "WORD TO THE WISE: Tips to help apartment hunters choose a place to live ."