Questions to Consider When Searching for an Apartment

Do you need a roommate?

This is normally decided by a financial or personal need. Do you want to live by yourself or do you need to have a roommate? Are you able to afford the rent solo or do you need to split the rent? There are benefits to either situation you decide but it's important to know what you need before you sign the lease.

Does location of the apartment in the complex matter to you?

Units that are by the entrance or along a street will always have more foot and car traffic. This means that it has the opportunity to be louder than say the unit that is in a secluded part of the complex. If you need peace and quiet, then the position of your individual unit is important.

Do you want an apartment upstairs or downstairs?

The great thing about upstairs units is that you can have your windows open and it's more difficult for people to peek in. Also, during those cold winter months the heat rises from the apartment downstairs which can help keep your heating bill down. But having the upstairs apartment means that you have to be mindful of being loud with your movements. In those hot months your cooling bill will be larger too.

If you're downstairs, you don’t have to worry about those pesky steps when you go grocery shopping. Or if you have a friend or family member that's in a wheelchair and likes to visit often, then downstairs would probably suite your fancy a bit more. Being downstairs you have to worry about people being nosy and peeking into your windows along with the people upstairs having the potential of being a tap dancer.

Does having access to ample parking and lighting matter to you?

Sometimes people put parking high on the priority list. Do you have a car or have guests over frequently? You might work the night shift at the hospital, have a fear of walking in the dark or have a difficult time walking far distances. All are great reasons to make parking and lighting a priority. Check what the parking lot is like during the day and at night.

Do you need a washer and dryer in the unit?

This is a great luxury to have but it can increase the amount of your monthly rent. If you like to go to the laundry mat and get some necessary alone time then you can potentially save the extra rent. If you don’t have the time to go to the laundry mat or like having the opportunity to throw in a load of laundry while you're preparing dinner, then you might want to consider a washer and dryer in the unit.

Do you have a pet?

If the answer is yes, then before you start filling out applications make sure you ask if the apartment accepts pets and if your pet is within the size and weight limit. Also make sure that you can afford the extra pet deposit along with the possible additional charge with monthly rent. We would hate for you to have to choose between your lovable pooch and the perfect apartment. 

This is the type of thinking that you need to be doing when you're searching for apartments in Chico or Redding. It starts with figuring out what you want and need to make sure that you find the apartment you're looking for.