Landing a new apartment can be an exciting milestone. But before you put pen to paper and sign a long-term, legally binding lease, our Dallas apartment experts recommend working through the following list. That way, you’ll cover all your bases, avoid any unexpected and potentially costly surprises and make the transition into your new home smooth and uneventful.
Fees
Many Dallas apartment communities assess certain fees upfront, just to get the process started. This helps property owners and landlords to weed out undesirable candidates and also covers some of the costs they incur as part of their evaluation process. At the bare minimum, these fees typically include an application fee as well as a fee for running credit and background checks. You should also know ahead of time how much money you’ll need to come up with to cover the security deposit.
Credit Score
Almost all landlords and property owners will run some type of credit check to assess whether a prospective tenant will be reliable and capable of paying the rent on time and in full. It’s a good idea to know in advance what type of credit score you have. If it’s not great, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to find a nice apartment. It could just take a little more effort. Being upfront and honest during the initial evaluation process will go a long way.
Rent and Other Expenses
How much will the monthly rent be and what’s included in that amount? Are there any utilities included, and if so, which ones? What additional amenities would you be required to dish out extra funds for if interested, such as parking or use of the fitness center? Note – it’s sometimes possible to negotiate a lower rate for rent and other extras. The worst they can say is no.
Pets
If you share your life with a furry friend, you may find it a bit more challenging to find an apartment willing to accept you both as residents. This is one of the reasons working with an apartment locating firm like us can be so beneficial, as we know the ins and outs of most local communities. In any event, if you do plan on keeping a pet, make sure you know what the policy is, particularly in terms of a pet deposit and/or any additional fees that may be tacked onto your monthly rent amount.
Maintenance
Different communities handle maintenance in their own way. Some require residents to cover the costs while others incorporate these expenses in the total cost of rent. It’s a good idea to know in advance what the policy and procedure is, and what may be expected of you in the event that your apartment requires a repair.
Are you in the market for a new Dallas apartment? Don’t waste your precious time and energy searching on your own. Give our experienced apartment locators a call today. We have an impressive inventory and already know the answers to the above questions and more. Best of all, working with us won’t cost you a penny.
Ready to learn more or get started? Call us at (214) 999-1161 or fill out our online form here.
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