Today, almost one in five people living in Texas are renting the place they live in. While renting an apartment is something that you can see on a daily basis, this process can be at the same time both exciting and slightly scary for many people. This experience can seem even more frightening if it’s your first time renting an apartment since there are so many things you still aren’t familiar with when it comes to all the ins and outs of renting. However, renting doesn’t need to be such an overwhelming experience if you follow these great tips for renting an apartment in Texas for the first time.
Establish your budget
Before you start searching for your apartment, it’s essential you establish your present budget to determine how much you can afford to pay. You can begin by documenting your income and determining how much money is left after your bills and other essential costs are paid. The next thing you should do is write down all the crucial expenses like your potential rent, monthly apartment costs, and other necessities you have in life on a daily basis. By estimating the approximate amount of your spending on the apartment, you will be better prepared to narrow down your search particularly when it comes to the size of the apartment and neighborhood. If you’re unsure of your finances, you should know that the recommended percentage of income to spend on housing on a monthly basis is around 30%.
Pick an appropriate location
When you begin searching for your first apartment, you need to think about what is crucial in a location. There are several aspects you need to consider in order to determine the most appropriate location for your needs. These aspects include things like how close your apartment is to places you frequently visit like your school or work, whether you have access to public transportation, or how safe the neighborhood of the apartment is. For example, if you’re searching for the best Abilene apartments for renting, you’ll have no problem finding the right option. No matter if you opt for the city center or more remote areas of the city, you’ll find beautiful apartment complexes where the majority of them provide extra options like swimming pools, fitness centers, and business centers.
Know the commitment
After you’ve discovered your perfect apartment, keep in mind that the most crucial document you need to sign is a lease. That’s why it’s essential that you read it carefully from start to finish and ensure that you understand all the terms and obligations of the document. If there is something you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask a legal professional to help you clarify the terms you aren’t familiar with. Also, you can bring someone you trust with you to help you analyze the lease. It’s crucial that you’re familiar with this document fully and that you realize that this is an important financial commitment.
Take into account the length of the lease
When finding your first apartment, don’t get into the trap of signing a shorter lease just because you’re afraid of making a long-term commitment. Keep in mind that a shorter lease mostly always comes with a higher rental rate. There are many benefits when it comes to signing a longer lease. Not only will you get better deals, but also you won’t be bothered to move frequently from one place to another. If you sign a lease lasting longer than 12 months, in some cases, you may even get free rent. Also, you can notice now that rates have gradually been increasing, especially in cities like Dallas and Houston. So, by signing a longer lease, you’ll also have more housing security.
Know your rights as a renter
As a renter, it’s always a good practice to be as informed as possible. By knowing your rights, you’ll be prepared in case your renting turns into a bad situation. This is particularly important if you’re renting an apartment for the first time as you’re still unfamiliar with all the ins and outs of renting and how to hold your landlord accountable in case of disputes, issues, and other troublesome situations. In Texas, you can search for all the rights you have as a tenant on the attorney general website.
Searching for the perfect apartment for rent may often seem like a challenging task, especially if you’re a first-time renter. Thankfully, as long as you’re informed and follow these great tips mentioned above, you’ll make this process a much easier task to manage.
