Starting the apartment hunting process can be daunting. Maybe you\u2019ve found yourself in this spot before\u2014your last apartment wasn\u2019t a perfect fit, so you\u2019re looking for a new place. Or perhaps it\u2019s your first time, and you\u2019re not sure where to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve got your work cut out for you. But with these apartment-hunting tips, we\u2019re going to make this process a little easier for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, we\u2019ll cover the top 10 lesser-known tips<\/strong> for apartment hunting. These little tricks will help you scout out the best properties, choose from a list of potential apartments, and get ready for the big day: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve got one month to find an apartment. But so do all the other tenants looking for a place. Apartments are flying off the shelves!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t want to settle for something lesser just because your options were limited. That\u2019s why you need to start looking ahead of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, you should start searching for an apartment 60 days before your move. <\/strong>That gives you two months to find the perfect place. It might sound like a lot of time at first, but you\u2019d be surprised how quickly the time flies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An indoor swimming pool and gym sound great, but how often will you use them? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that each amenity affects your monthly rent. If you\u2019re on a monthly budget, you need to choose carefully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Which amenities are most important to you, and which ones could you do without?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have a car, you\u2019ll value access to transit routes, and in-suite laundry will be a great benefit. If you do <\/em>have a vehicle, you\u2019ll need a parking spot (but you\u2019ll have more flexibility with the apartment location).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s imagine that you\u2019ve viewed a few apartments and you\u2019re trying to choose between them. Amenities can be the deciding factor, but before you opt for the one with a pool over one without, consider this: Would you rather have a pool or <\/em>save on each month\u2019s rent and use that money for something else? <\/p>\n\n\n\n You want an apartment unit that you can comfortably afford, and amenities play a major role in that. Choose wisely!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have the luxury of choice, consider waiting until the right time to apartment hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like the housing market, rental property prices fluctuate throughout the year. Most people start apartment hunting in the spring or summer, and when demand is high, so are the prices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can\u2019t always pick which month you move out. If your lease is expiring or you need a place ASAP, you have to take what you can get. But if you have more time on your hands, consider waiting until winter. The lowest apartment rates are typically between October and April<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s less competition for apartments in the cooler months. Property managers often lower the rent prices of units\u2014they may even offer a free month as an incentive. That means you can pay less for a place you love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Photos can be deceptive. Before you sign a lease, visit the location in person! An apartment unit might look perfect in the pictures, but when you go in person, you may find that the ceilings are lower than you thought or there isn\u2019t enough natural light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s another little-known apartment-hunting tip: Bring a tape measure!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Use it to measure the dimensions of each room. With these numbers, you can figure out where your furniture would go. You\u2019ll thank yourself later for taking these measurements ahead of time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019ve found the right apartment\u2026it won\u2019t feel<\/em> right if the area isn\u2019t your vibe. You want a location that suits your lifestyle, and that will look different for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rent prices vary from one neighbourhood to the next. On top of that, the location of your apartment can affect the cost of your renter\u2019s insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a lot of things to consider before you move in. For more information, check out our post on the best neighbourhoods to rent in Winnipeg<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re sitting on an application for a place you really like\u2014when should you hand it in?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer: As soon as possible<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wait too long, and that place might be given to someone else. This is another reason why you should give yourself plenty of time for your apartment search. If one unit gets rented out, you\u2019ll have other options to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll be communicating with your landlord or property manager pretty frequently over the next year. At your showing, spend some time talking to them. Get a sense of who they are, their management style, and availability. This also helps you make a better impression if you decide to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can ask them questions like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019re there, strike up a conversation with the neighbours if you see any. This will give you a sense of what the general vibe of the building is like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sealed the deal? It\u2019s time to start packing your bags and boxes! Give yourself as much time as possible to prepare for your move; there\u2019s a lot to get in order before the big day. By preparing ahead of time, you can stay organized and reduce your stress levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Packing early can be a double-edged sword, though. You don\u2019t want to put away the belongings you need every day or week\u2014otherwise, you\u2019ll be digging through all your boxes before you\u2019ve moved them! Start with the non-essential items first<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Look very closely at any lease agreement before you sign it. Lease agreements vary from one apartment building to the next. Make sure you know what you\u2019re signing up for by reading your lease carefully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The internet can save you a lot of time, especially when it comes to apartment hunting. Before you set up a showing and travel to the apartment, you can check the online listing to view photos, features, and amenities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not sure where to look for apartments online? We\u2019ll get into that next\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the above apartment-hunting tips, you\u2019ll have all the know-how you need to make finding the right apartment a breeze. You\u2019ll feel confident that you can find the perfect place to call home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Start Searching Ahead of Time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Choose Amenities Carefully<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Selecting the Time of Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Attend a Showing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Choosing the Right Spot<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Act Fast<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Talk to Your Potential Landlord<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Start Moving!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Read the Fine Print<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. How To Find an Apartment for Rent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ready To Start Apartment Hunting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n