Renting an apartment can be stressful, especially if time and money are limited. It’s not uncommon for people to leap before they look just to relieve the pressure of apartment hunting. Selecting a place to live is important. If you’re unhappy with your home, it can have a significant negative impact on your life.
So, once you’ve determined the place is in your price range, take a pad and pen to make notes as you consider the following:
What’s the neighborhood like? If you’re new to the area, ask about the nearest grocery store, bank, video store, etc. Walk around to see what kind of activity is in the area. Ask about transportation routes and how safe the neighborhood is.
Who are the neighbors? You’re not asking the landlord to judge, you’re asking for facts. Do they have kids? Pets? Are they college students or elderly couples? This will help you decide if you’ll enjoy living there. This isn’t as much of a concern if you’re living in a mid or high rise. However, if you are renting an apartment in house, it may set off your allergies if the people below you have a dog.
How is the place heated and cooled? This is of particular concern if you are responsible for paying the utilities. Do you have control over heating and/or air conditioning levels? Also be sure to find out average monthly costs of water and hydro.
Are there enough windows and which direction(s) do they face? Light and temperature can dramatically affect how much you enjoy your home. If you find lack of light depressing, you may want to avoid basements or apartments with tiny windows. If there is a long wall facing north and you’re in a colder climate, find out how well it is insulated to protect yourself from northern winds.
How much closet space is there? You may not be a clotheshorse, but you still need a place to hang clothes and coats, put away shoes, linen and even the vacuum cleaner. Apartments in older houses tend to have few closets. Look to see how the current tenant (if there is one) manages.
How old is the wiring? Count how many outlets there are and if they have a grounding socket. Few outlets and/or two-pronged outlets often indicate older wiring, which can be a safety concern.
How present is the landlord? You want your landlord to be available when you need assistance, but it can be intrusive and uncomfortable to have him or her around all the time or coming by unannounced.
What are the policies and laws regarding pets? If a pet is already part of your family, make sure it is legal and acceptable to have pets. Otherwise, you may have to face a heartbreaking decision.
How big are the rooms? You can use a tape measure or pace off to get a good idea of the room dimensions. Also notice how much and what size of furniture the current tenants have. For example, if you have a queen-size bed, will it fit in the bedroom? Also note stairwells, hallways and doors. Maybe your couch will fit in the living room, but will you be able to get it in?
Is there parking? If you have a car you’ll want to know if parking is included in the rent, where it is and how safe it is.
Check for insects and rodents. Look in corners, behind furniture and along baseboards for any evidence of critters or repellent. If there are current tenants, they may be forthcoming with such information. And, if possible, visit the apartment at night and turn lights on in the bathroom and kitchen to look for any activity.
If the place is in need of repair or paint, find out what will be done before you move in. If the plaster is falling down and you have to repair it, you may find living there more expensive and annoying than you bargained for.
The key to successful apartment hunting is keeping your wits about you. Don’t just look at the surface of things and make assumptions. Review the notes you made as you viewed the apartment. Jot down your impressions as well.
Apartment renting advice
Renting an apartment can be stressful, especially if time and money are limited. It’s not uncommon for people to leap before they look just to relieve the pressure of apartment hunting. Selecting a place to live is important. If you’re unhappy with your home, it can have a significant negative impact on your life.
So, once you’ve determined the place is in your price range, take a pad and pen to make notes as you consider the following:
What’s the neighborhood like? If you’re new to the area, ask about the nearest grocery store, bank, video store, etc. Walk around to see what kind of activity is in the area. Ask about transportation routes and how safe the neighborhood is.
Who are the neighbors? You’re not asking the landlord to judge, you’re asking for facts. Do they have kids? Pets? Are they college students or elderly couples? This will help you decide if you’ll enjoy living there. This isn’t as much of a concern if you’re living in a mid or high rise. However, if you are renting an apartment in house, it may set off your allergies if the people below you have a dog.
How is the place heated and cooled? This is of particular concern if you are responsible for paying the utilities. Do you have control over heating and/or air conditioning levels? Also be sure to find out average monthly costs of water and hydro.
Are there enough windows and which direction(s) do they face? Light and temperature can dramatically affect how much you enjoy your home. If you find lack of light depressing, you may want to avoid basements or apartments with tiny windows. If there is a long wall facing north and you’re in a colder climate, find out how well it is insulated to protect yourself from northern winds.
How much closet space is there? You may not be a clotheshorse, but you still need a place to hang clothes and coats, put away shoes, linen and even the vacuum cleaner. Apartments in older houses tend to have few closets. Look to see how the current tenant (if there is one) manages.
How old is the wiring? Count how many outlets there are and if they have a grounding socket. Few outlets and/or two-pronged outlets often indicate older wiring, which can be a safety concern.
How present is the landlord? You want your landlord to be available when you need assistance, but it can be intrusive and uncomfortable to have him or her around all the time or coming by unannounced.
What are the policies and laws regarding pets? If a pet is already part of your family, make sure it is legal and acceptable to have pets. Otherwise, you may have to face a heartbreaking decision.
How big are the rooms? You can use a tape measure or pace off to get a good idea of the room dimensions. Also notice how much and what size of furniture the current tenants have. For example, if you have a queen-size bed, will it fit in the bedroom? Also note stairwells, hallways and doors. Maybe your couch will fit in the living room, but will you be able to get it in?
Is there parking? If you have a car you’ll want to know if parking is included in the rent, where it is and how safe it is.
Check for insects and rodents. Look in corners, behind furniture and along baseboards for any evidence of critters or repellent. If there are current tenants, they may be forthcoming with such information. And, if possible, visit the apartment at night and turn lights on in the bathroom and kitchen to look for any activity.
If the place is in need of repair or paint, find out what will be done before you move in. If the plaster is falling down and you have to repair it, you may find living there more expensive and annoying than you bargained for.
The key to successful apartment hunting is keeping your wits about you. Don’t just look at the surface of things and make assumptions. Review the notes you made as you viewed the apartment. Jot down your impressions as well.
So, once you’ve determined the place is in your price range, take a pad and pen to make notes as you consider the following:
What’s the neighborhood like? If you’re new to the area, ask about the nearest grocery store, bank, video store, etc. Walk around to see what kind of activity is in the area. Ask about transportation routes and how safe the neighborhood is.
Who are the neighbors? You’re not asking the landlord to judge, you’re asking for facts. Do they have kids? Pets? Are they college students or elderly couples? This will help you decide if you’ll enjoy living there. This isn’t as much of a concern if you’re living in a mid or high rise. However, if you are renting an apartment in house, it may set off your allergies if the people below you have a dog.
How is the place heated and cooled? This is of particular concern if you are responsible for paying the utilities. Do you have control over heating and/or air conditioning levels? Also be sure to find out average monthly costs of water and hydro.
Are there enough windows and which direction(s) do they face? Light and temperature can dramatically affect how much you enjoy your home. If you find lack of light depressing, you may want to avoid basements or apartments with tiny windows. If there is a long wall facing north and you’re in a colder climate, find out how well it is insulated to protect yourself from northern winds.
How much closet space is there? You may not be a clotheshorse, but you still need a place to hang clothes and coats, put away shoes, linen and even the vacuum cleaner. Apartments in older houses tend to have few closets. Look to see how the current tenant (if there is one) manages.
How old is the wiring? Count how many outlets there are and if they have a grounding socket. Few outlets and/or two-pronged outlets often indicate older wiring, which can be a safety concern.
How present is the landlord? You want your landlord to be available when you need assistance, but it can be intrusive and uncomfortable to have him or her around all the time or coming by unannounced.
What are the policies and laws regarding pets? If a pet is already part of your family, make sure it is legal and acceptable to have pets. Otherwise, you may have to face a heartbreaking decision.
How big are the rooms? You can use a tape measure or pace off to get a good idea of the room dimensions. Also notice how much and what size of furniture the current tenants have. For example, if you have a queen-size bed, will it fit in the bedroom? Also note stairwells, hallways and doors. Maybe your couch will fit in the living room, but will you be able to get it in?
Is there parking? If you have a car you’ll want to know if parking is included in the rent, where it is and how safe it is.
Check for insects and rodents. Look in corners, behind furniture and along baseboards for any evidence of critters or repellent. If there are current tenants, they may be forthcoming with such information. And, if possible, visit the apartment at night and turn lights on in the bathroom and kitchen to look for any activity.
If the place is in need of repair or paint, find out what will be done before you move in. If the plaster is falling down and you have to repair it, you may find living there more expensive and annoying than you bargained for.
The key to successful apartment hunting is keeping your wits about you. Don’t just look at the surface of things and make assumptions. Review the notes you made as you viewed the apartment. Jot down your impressions as well.
New Orleans LA Real Estate
Apartment Renting - Tips For Living Green in an Apartment Rental
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
St Petersburg FL Real Estate
Apartment Renting - Tips For Living Green in an Apartment Rental
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
Philadelphia PA Real Estate
Apartment Renting - Tips For Living Green in an Apartment Rental
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
Houston TX Real Estate
Apartment Renting - Tips For Living Green in an Apartment Rental
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
Spokane WA Real Estate
Apartment Renting - Tips For Living Green in an Apartment Rental
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
Reducing Waste
Food is one of the most common products tossed out in homes across the country. Freeze, consume, or reuse leftovers to make additional meals until they are completely gone. For anything that can't be saved, with the exception of meat and dairy, get an indoor, compact composting system. Take this one step further, and add recycling bins to your space. You can even work with other residents in the building to create group recycling, composting, and donating. Finally, stop the junk mail from filling your mail and opt for online billing.
Green Living
Since most people learn by example, take that as a challenge to show them just how easily it can be done when apartment renting. Dry clothes on your balcony, exchange chemical cleaners for homemade mixtures, and make use of public transportation. Add potted plants inside and outside the apartment rental by selecting plants that will thrive in these conditions. You can even encourage the rest of the building to do the same. Start a ride share program, and take time to show others in the building how you have made small changes to your lifestyle to become more environmentally friendly.
If you are considering delving into the world of apartment renting or already have one and think it is impossible to live an eco-friendly life, don't despair. Living green in an apartment rental isn't as difficult as you think. You might even get more people into the green lifestyle and help the environment more than if you were in a house.
When it comes to apartment renting, many people feel they need to abandon their environmentally friendly lifestyles. After all, unless everything is cleared with the property manager and you are willing to flip the bill, items such as geothermal heating and xeriscaping are simply not an option. Many different things can be done that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of an apartment rental as well as an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reduce Energy And Water Consumption
Apartment renting doesn't always allow for things such as geothermal heat or solar power, but that doesn't mean you can't save energy and water. Basic things such as turning lights off when you are using them and switching over to energy efficient light bulbs are just a start. Unplugging anything that isn't in use, even if it has a 'standby' mode can save hundreds on your energy bill every year. Depending on how the apartment rental is set up and where you live, you may also be able to phone the power company to switch over to renewable energy sources.
Water is another easy way to go green while apartment renting. Water conserving fixtures and items such as flow controls for the shower are simple to add in. If your landlord isn't interested in installing them in your apartment rental, you can switch back the originals quickly and easily when you move. Cutting meat from your diet is also effective. In fact, for every quarter pound of beef you leave on the store shelf, you are saving the 4,500 gallons of water that it takes to get it from the cow to your plate. Turning off the water when you aren't using it, using leftover water for plants, taking fast showers instead of baths, and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads also helps significantly.
Reducing Waste
Food is one of the most common products tossed out in homes across the country. Freeze, consume, or reuse leftovers to make additional meals until they are completely gone. For anything that can't be saved, with the exception of meat and dairy, get an indoor, compact composting system. Take this one step further, and add recycling bins to your space. You can even work with other residents in the building to create group recycling, composting, and donating. Finally, stop the junk mail from filling your mail and opt for online billing.
Green Living
Since most people learn by example, take that as a challenge to show them just how easily it can be done when apartment renting. Dry clothes on your balcony, exchange chemical cleaners for homemade mixtures, and make use of public transportation. Add potted plants inside and outside the apartment rental by selecting plants that will thrive in these conditions. You can even encourage the rest of the building to do the same. Start a ride share program, and take time to show others in the building how you have made small changes to your lifestyle to become more environmentally friendly.
If you are considering delving into the world of apartment renting or already have one and think it is impossible to live an eco-friendly life, don't despair. Living green in an apartment rental isn't as difficult as you think. You might even get more people into the green lifestyle and help the environment more than if you were in a house.
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