Steps to Finding and Applying for Housing
Create a realistic budget
Decide what you can afford in rent, including monthly utilities and other expenses. Typically, a person should pay no more than 30% of their income in rent. Consider renting with a roommate to help with the costs or check if you qualify for housing assistance.
make a list of needs and wants
How many bedrooms do you need? Do you need to be near public transportation? While it's great to have a wish list, chances are you won't get absolutely everything on your list. Prioritize your wants and needs from most important to least important.
find the ideal neighborhood
Drive or walk around different parts of the city where you might like to live. Then look at apartment listings in that area to see if you can afford to live there. Also consider commute times, your lifestyle needs, and local conveniences when picking a neighborhood
There are websites, like AddressReport and Walk Score, that can help you get a feel for the safety, cleanliness, demographics, school zoning, and local amenities of the neighborhood.
search for housing
The Internet is one of the best resources for finding your dream apartment. It can give you a clear idea of what’s available before you actually go out looking for it. It can also give you an idea of the price range in your town or city. Apartment search websites like HotPads, Zillow, and Craigslist have mobile applications available so you can search anywhere at anytime.
Consider buying a newspaper in the morning. Low priced units rent fast so find the new ads quickly. Call the owners early in the morning. By being the first to look at the unit, many owners are more likely to rent to you and possibly you'll pay lower than market rent. Be sure to write a list of questions to ask the landlord.
Housing Application Process
In order to start a new lease you will have to fill out a rental application. These applications ask for your past addresses, your employer, your driver’s license, social security number, and the names and phone numbers of a few people who are your personal references. The landlord may charge you an application fee. A background check may be included which gives the landlord permission to check your credit history and background. It is important to know your rights before you fill out a housing application or sign a lease.
Think of Your First Visit as an Inspection
Explore and inspect the apartment with the landlord with you to address any concerns. It’s important that your new home meets all of your criteria for function, safety, and comfort.
Document Any Existing Damage Prior to Moving In
Once the landlord has given you the option to rent the apartment, make sure to document any pre-existing damage before signing a lease. If there is anything that the landlord did not agree to fix from your initial visit inspection such as stained carpeting, broken blinds or missing tiles in the shower, make sure this damage is documented in your lease as pre-existing. You don’t want to be accused of and charged for this damage later.
Make Sure the Lease is in writing
It is best that your lease is in writing so that the terms of the agreement are clearly defined. If the landlord tells you he/she will do something but does not include it in the written lease, then there is no way to enforce the promise.