Five things to consider when buying rental apartments
There appear to be a dozen apartments for rent in many population centers across the country. How can you find the right apartment for you when there are so many to choose from? Here are five things to consider that should help with this process.
1. Which part of the city is most attractive to you?
It seems like a no-brainer, but knowing the city you intend to live in is imperative. Make sure you research the area thoroughly and then select the part of the city you prefer to live in. By researching a certain place in advance, you will become familiar with the area and find the section that’s right for you. Are some areas more prone to crime than others? Obviously, you will want to avoid them. Are there more pedestrian areas? Where is public transport offered? Where are the shopping and entertainment options? Where are the parks located? Are there cheaper areas of the city to live in than others? The list of things to consider may seem endless, but knowing the answers to these questions will help you distinguish where the exact part of the city is that best suits your lifestyle.
2. Where can you afford to live?
Your cost of living involves a lot more than what it takes to rent each month. Along with this fixed expense, things like electricity, water, heating, internet, and cable must also be taken into account. Most apartment complexes will also charge an additional monthly fee in addition to the rent if you have a dog or cat. It is recommended that you spend no more than 20-25 percent of your net income on housing. If you find out in advance that you can’t afford to live in a certain place, it’s much easier to cross it off your list.
3. What types of services are you interested in?
Apartments for rent are everywhere when it comes to the types of services they offer. Some complexes have swimming pools. Some don’t. apartment for rent in accra Some have sports facilities along with basketball and tennis courts. Some don’t. Some also offer car wash areas, game rooms, club houses, saunas and squash courts. On the other hand, there are other apartments that may not even give you a free parking space. You have to decide what you want in terms of services and what you can live without.
4. What type of building would you like to call home?
Apartments for rent come in all shapes and sizes. There are huge complexes that house hundreds of tenants, tiny houses that house a single family, and pretty much everything in between. Larger resorts generally offer more services, but they also tend to cost more. Smaller houses and duplexes tend to offer more private outdoor space. The question is: how do you want your living environment to be day after day? 5. How long do you want to commit?
As you begin the rental process for your new home, you will most likely need to sign a lease agreement with the landlord. Some landlords only use one-year leases, while some may offer three- or six-month obligations. Some others may even allow you to rent by the month, simply requiring you to give 30 days notice before planning the move. If you know you want to stay in your apartment for a while, then a one-year lease might be fine for you. If, on the other hand, you might need to move quickly, a month-to-month option is probably your best option.