8 Reasons Renters Struggle To Find The Right Apartment
February 2, 2023 9:00 am Leave your thoughtsAll renters face the ultimate question of asking: Why is it so hard to find the right apartment? Many renters spend weeks and weeks looking for their new place to call home. When determining the best place to live, there is so much to take into consideration. The more that you understand what you need to know before renting, the more you’ll be able to maximize your apartment living. If you’re considering relocating, be sure to look into relocation incentives.
Renters struggle to find the right apartment because of several factors such as:
- Affordability
- Low credit scores
- Location
- Amenities
- Size and layout
- Safety and security
- Availability of public transportation
- Difficulty in comparing apartments
- Hidden apartment fees
When you’re going through the process of discovering your new home, analyzing each of the above points will make your decision very clear. With greater exploration into affordability, location, amenities, and beyond, you can feel confident in the best way to move forward. Don’t let finding the right apartment be harder than it needs to be! Become an expert during your apartment search and fall in love with your new home becoming your favorite destination.
Apartment Affordability
Apartment affordability refers to the ability of an individual or household to pay for the cost of renting an apartment, taking into account their income, expenses, and other financial obligations. Factors that determine affordability include the local housing market, median income, cost of living, interest rates, and the availability of affordable housing options. An apartment is considered affordable if it costs less than 30% of a household’s gross income. It’s incredibly important to prioritize affordability as one of the most essential aspects of your apartment search. Finding an affordable apartment is important because it helps individuals and households to:
- Maintain financial stability – High rental costs can put a strain on anyone’s budget, leaving less money for other essential expenses like food, transportation, and healthcare.
- Avoid debt – Living in an unaffordable apartment can lead to the accumulation of debt, which can have long-lasting financial implications. You will not love where you live if it is continually adding stress to your life.
- Maintain a healthy standard of living – Affordable housing provides individuals and families with a safe, decent, and accessible place to live, which is essential for physical and mental well-being.
- Create opportunities – Living in an affordable apartment frees up more financial resources, allowing individuals to invest in education, start a business, or save for the future. Finding the right affordable balance allows you to enjoy so many facets of your life!
To determine if an apartment is affordable, consider the following:
- Monthly rent
- Utilities and additional costs
- Income and expenses
- Rent-to-income ratio (ideally, rent should be no more than 30% of income)
- Availability of rent subsidies or assistance programs
- Cost of living in the area
- Length of lease and renewals
- Other housing expenses such as insurance and parking fees.
Finding an affordable apartment is a key factor in achieving financial security and maintaining a high quality of life.
Apartment Location
Your new apartment location is an important factor to consider when searching for the right place to live, as it can greatly affect your quality of life. There is a reason that people claim that location is everything! A great apartment location may be close to work, school, shopping, public transportation, and activity areas. The best locations may also offer features such as parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Factors such as proximity to transportation, cost of living, and crime rates can also impact an individual’s decision on the best neighborhood for their needs.
Here are some tips to help find the right apartment location:
- Determine your priorities – Consider the elements of life that mean the most to you so that you can determine the right location for you. Each location brings different possibilities and it’s important that it’s centered on your values.
- Research neighborhoods – Many cities have a variety of neighborhoods and suburbs. You may want to look into closeness to schools, transportation, and local attractions.
- Use online resources – Utilize websites, real estate apps, and other online resources to gather information about different locations, apartment options, and prices.
- Drive or walk around the area – Get a feel for the neighborhood by driving or walking around and getting to know the general vibe of the area.
- Consider safety – Check the average crime rates of different neighborhoods and take safety into consideration when choosing where to live.
- Keep an open mind – Be open to exploring different neighborhoods, as you may find unexpected gems that are perfect for your needs.
By following these tips, you can find the right apartment location that meets your needs and fits your budget. The key is to locate the right neighborhood that will add greater happiness to your life! Before you find a new apartment, ensure you feel good about the chosen location.
Apartment Size & Layout
There is nothing worse than feeling like you are squished in a space without enough room to feel at home. The floor plan that you decide on will determine how much space you have to relax and roam. Before deciding on the right layout, here are some tips to help choose the right apartment size:
- Determine your needs – Consider the number of people who will be living in the apartment. Think about the number of designated spaces you need.
- Think about storage – Many apartment floor plans have room for additional storage, and others may only have a few options. If you want to avoid extreme clutter, be sure to look into the storage that will be available.
- Consider the layout – Consider whether you prefer an open-concept layout or separate living and sleeping areas and whether you need a separate kitchen or dining area.
- Measure your furniture – Searching for an apartment online can be tricky, especially if you’re moving to a new place. Measuring your furniture accurately and comparing that to the layout, will help ensure that you’re making the right decision.
- Take into account natural light – Natural light is proven to make you happier! Think about the windows and location of your apartment and how that will contribute to the light within.
- Consider the building and unit layout – The location of your apartment within an apartment complex can play a big role in how you feel about the space. Consider the distance you would have to carry your groceries or move everyday items to and from your vehicle.
- Think about the view – Decide whether you prefer a view of the city, a park, or a quiet street and whether you have a preferred direction for the view.
When you take the above factors into consideration, you can feel confident moving forward with the right floor plan! Don’t forget to take your furry friends into consideration when thinking of your future apartment layout. Finding the right pet-friendly apartment includes enough space for all of your pet belongings.
Apartment safety and security.
Apartment safety and security are at the forefront of many renters’ minds! Everyone wants to feel that they will be well protected in and outside of their home. Here are a few factors to consider when evaluating the safety and security of an apartment:
- Building access – Consider who has access to the community, and specifically to your building. Are there key fobs, locked building access, or any safety measures?
- Fire safety – Evaluate the fire safety features of the building, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.
- Crime rate – Look into the average crime rates in the area. One way to possibly look into the safety of the community is to read the property reviews. Be sure to take note if there are any regular themes of residents not feeling safe.
- Emergency services – Consider the proximity of emergency services, such as hospitals, police stations, and fire stations.
- Building maintenance – Evaluate the building’s maintenance and upkeep, as well as its response to maintenance requests and emergency situations.
- Insurance – Consider the insurance coverage for the building and whether it covers your personal property and liability in case of theft, fire, or other incidents.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision on the safety and security of an apartment and ensure a safe and secure living environment. If you aren’t sure what safety features your community has, then be sure to ask your future leasing agents. Each property may likely take different precautions to protect its community. Find a new apartment that also makes you feel safe and secure.
Availability of public transportation
You need better commutes and easier travel in your life! Access to public transportation is one of the most important things to consider when finding the right apartment! Here are some of the benefits of using public transportation:
- Cost savings – Public transportation is often cheaper than driving or taking rideshare, especially if you live in a large city.
- Environmental impact – Go green with greater use of public transportation! Using public transportation reduces pollution and helps to ease the traffic, which is fabulous for the environment.
- Convenient – Public transportation offers convenient and efficient transportation options, with many modes of transportation such as buses, trains, and subways running on a regular schedule
- Accessibility – Public transportation provides access to a wider range of destinations, especially for those who do not have access to a car or who are unable to drive.
- Reduced stress – Using public transportation eliminates the stress of driving, such as navigating traffic and finding parking, allowing you to relax or work during your commute.
- Improved health – Using public transportation can improve your physical and mental health by reducing exposure to air pollution and increasing physical activity through walking or cycling to and from the station.
- Economic benefits – Public transportation stimulates local economies by providing access to jobs and business opportunities and supporting tourism and cultural activities.
Overall, using public transportation can provide many benefits, including cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and improved health and quality of life. Don’t forget to check on access to public transportation throughout the leasing process!
Difficulty in comparing rental apartments.
Perhaps the hardest part of finding the right apartment is comparing all of the options! Comparing apartments can be difficult due to several factors, including:
- Different amenities – Apartments can offer different amenities, such as laundry facilities, parking, and community spaces, making it difficult to compare and choose between them.
- Location – The location of an apartment can greatly impact its value and desirability, making it challenging to compare two apartments in different locations.
- Cost – Apartments can vary greatly in cost, making it challenging to compare two apartments with different prices, especially if the cost does not reflect the quality of the apartment.
- Size – Apartments can come in different sizes, making it difficult to compare two apartments with different floor plans or square footage.
- Quality – Apartments can vary in quality, with some being well-maintained and others in need of repairs, making it challenging to compare the quality of two apartments.
- Availability – Apartments can come and go quickly on the market, so you may face challenges in moving quickly enough to not miss out on rental opportunities.
By considering these factors and carefully evaluating each apartment based on your priorities, you can make an informed decision on the right apartment for you. The best feeling is when you have found a place to live that you absolutely love! Don’t give up on your apartment search until you’ve found the place that works just for you.
Why is it so hard to rent an apartment?
Finding an apartment can be challenging for various reasons, such as high demand, limited supply, strict competition, and differing individual needs and preferences. Additionally, factors such as budget constraints, location preferences, and individual requirements for features and amenities can further complicate the process. It may also involve extensive research, negotiations, and coordination with landlords and real estate agents.
Find the right apartment!
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Categorised in: Apartment Living
This post was written by Isabella Housel
Isabella Housel is a passionate and versatile professional writer with a deep love for words and a commitment to crafting compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires. With many years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills across various genres, from creative storytelling to informative articles and technical documentation.