Apartment Costs:
The cost of the apartment is based mainly on two factors. 1) Where the apartment is located and 2) the size and quality of the apartment. Apartments tend to cost more the closer you are to the population center. Rentals are also more if you have a great view. Places with a high cost of living, like New York City or San Diego will be expensive to live in. Most places with high cost of living also have good public transportation that can take you past the expensive apartments that are close to your work, and out to the less-expensive part of town. Not only will you flat out pay more for your apartment in areas like this, but you will also get a smaller, lower quality apartment for the extreme prices.
Specialized apartments for rent:
Nearly all communities have apartments for rent. Communities with large populations have apartments that are designated to certain groups of the population. There are apartments for those who have disabilities, and there are also apartments for the elderly. Each of these apartments has staff on hand to assist with special needs the apartment renters or owners may have.
Moving in fees:
Most apartment managers charge a move in fee, plus a deposit. The deposit is refundable at the end of your contract, but depends on the condition of the apartment. You may lose some of your deposit if you have broken anything in the apartment, or if you left it dirty and the owner is forced to pay to have it cleaned before the next person can move in. States have laws to protect renters who do not receive their deposit back within a reasonable amount of time.
Amenities:
Swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, tennis courts, weight and aerobic rooms, basketball courts, horseshoes, playgrounds, and other amenities are found at apartments. Often you end up paying more for rent because of the amenities, although for some people such conveniences are well worth the extra cost. Some apartments allow you to have a pet; others don’t (although more don’t than do). Some apartments come with age restrictions. Smoking may be prohibited in some apartments.
Before moving in:
Apartments for rent come in many varieties. You will want to read your contract carefully before you sign it, because it very well could be different then the one you signed for a previous apartment.
Whether you are moving into a newly built apartment, or into one that is several years old, you will want to make note of any electrical, plumbing, or heating and cooling problems. Make sure that they are fixed before you move into the apartment. There are many apartments for rent, so you have many to choose from and you can afford to be picky. Your landlord knows that and will more likely offer to fix something so that you will move in, then fix it after you are moved in and paying rent. Also make sure the apartment is clean–it’s no fun having to clean up after the last tenants.