Practical Apartment Tips for First-Time Renters

Renting an apartment for the first time is an exciting milestone that signifies your move toward independence. Of course, you want to make sure to do everything right the first time. But how do you choose an apartment to rent? How do you know you’re getting a good deal?

Let us help you make your first apartment experience a breeze with these tips for first-time apartment renters.

Checklist for First-Time Apartment Renters 

If you’re a first-time renter and don’t know where to start, simply follow this checklist that will guide you from looking for an apartment to moving in to your first unit.

Determine Your Budget and Stick to It

One of the most important considerations when renting an apartment is the rent each month. You need to make sure that you can afford to pay for the rent along with all your other expenses, including utilities, groceries, transportation, and savings.

A general rule of thumb is to allot only up to 30% of your monthly income on rent. Determine how much this amount is and look for apartments for rent in Caloocan City within your price range. Sticking to a budget for your rent can help you prevent straining your finances, so you can live comfortably.

Decide Your Must-Have Amenities

Identify the most important apartment amenities for you and your lifestyle. These may be furnishing, a gym, a parking space, or Internet access.

Once you know your must-haves for an apartment, you can prioritize apartments that have these features, making it easier to narrow down your choices.

Keep in mind, though, which amenities are necessary and which ones are only nice-to-have and can be compromised. But of course, the choice is ultimately yours!

Hunt for Apartments Online and Offline

It may be a good idea to expand your search so you can explore your options and make the best decision. Expand your search by going through both online platforms and traditional methods.

Popular online websites like Lamudi, RentPad, and Dot Property can provide a broad range of listings with detailed information and photos. This way you can check out the apartment’s features without having to visit it in person.

Alternatively, you could employ traditional or offline ways to look for an apartment, such as by checking community bulletin boards, word of mouth, or simply looking for “For Rent” signs around your targeted area.

Don’t go for the first apartment you find! Compare different units so you can find the best option.

Visit the Property in Person

An important apartment tip for first time renters is to visit the apartment in person before signing a lease. Don’t settle for photos and descriptions or a peek at its external walls because those can be misleading. Visiting the property allows you to check the full condition of the apartment.

During your visit, pay attention to the condition of the building and its fixtures, the cleanliness of common areas, the availability and state of the amenities, as well as the overall vibe of the neighborhood. Check for signs of neglect or damage, as well as noise levels and potential safety issues.

You can also take this visit as an opportunity to ask the landlord or property your questions, which can tell you how responsive and reliable they are.

Read Up on Rental Laws

The Philippines has laws protecting tenants and landlords, such as the Rent Control Act, which gives both parties certain rights. For example, landlords have the right to increase rent but only to a certain extent – for example, up to 11% only for properties with a rent of Php 9,000 to Php 10,000.

Familiarize yourself with these laws and your rights as a tenant so you can judge the fairness and legality of your lease or rental agreement.

Discuss the Lease with the Landlord

While you’re in the vicinity, take the opportunity to discuss with the landlord or property manager the terms of the lease. Some properties may be more flexible with their price and length of stay, while others may have specific policies that may surprise you.

Here are some things to discuss:

·         Allowed length of the lease

·         Rent increases

·         Mode of payment

·         Additional fees (i.e., for amenities)

·         Maintenance responsibilities

·         Response times for repairs

It’s best to clarify all these details while you’re still scouting for apartments so you can avoid surprises and misunderstandings. These will also help you compare apartments more clearly.

Read the Lease Agreement

Once you’ve selected an apartment and expressed your desire to rent it, the property owner will likely ask you to sign a lease or rental agreement. The agreement is a legally binding document that reports the details of the lease, such as the length of your stay, rent, security deposits, and the conditions for terminating the lease.

Read the agreement carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or request amendments if there’s anything you don’t understand or agree with. This is not just vital advice for first time apartment renters but also practical advice for entrepreneurs renting a commercial space in Caloocan City or anyone signing an agreement in other contexts.

Remember that the lease or rental agreement is to be signed by you and the property owner, so it also serves to protect you.

Take Pictures of the Unit Before Moving In

Once you’ve signed the agreement, you’ll be excited to move in and start your independent life. But there’s another important step you need to do: Document the condition of the apartment unit before you move in.

You need to take detailed photos or videos of every part of the apartment, including paint, ceilings, windows, cabinets, and so on. Make sure to capture any existing damage, no matter how minor, and share these images with your landlord to create a record of the apartment’s condition at the start of your tenancy.

This documentation can be invaluable in protecting your security deposit – avoiding disputes over damage – once you terminate the contract.

Find Your First Apartment with C2M3

As a first-time renter, you’re taking a significant life step. This requires careful planning and consideration. By following our tips for renting an apartment for the first time, you can avoid issues and pave the way for a smooth renting journey.

Start your renting journey with C2M3’s residential and commercial spaces for rent in Metro Manila. We prioritize providing a smooth experience for our tenants, especially first-time renters.

Contact us to find the ideal apartment unit with top iX Residences Amenities today.