The task of finding a suitable apartment to live in can be daunting based on the time of the year, your budget and the time you have until the move. A lot of online resources now exist, providing you the floor plans, dimensions, rent, special promotions AND most importantly, the reviews, making it relatively easier to choose the apartment for you and your family.
Craigslist.org also provides apartment listings and more on how to use Craigslist is covered in the Classifieds section. A few apartment specific websites built on craigslist like Padmapper.com, Mapskrieg.com help to look up Craigslist and more such are covered in the Classifieds section. Craigslist would also be a very useful tool to furnish your apartment. So, check it out once you are done with this page. In case you are looking to get an Indian roommate, several portals which will help you are covered in the Indian Roommates section. So head over there.
Check the following places for any promotions they offer and also for the referral bonus, if you don't already have someone at the apartment you are planning to rent. Another factor that comes into play when you look for an apartment is the 'community factor'. As with everyone, you would most likely prefer to be in a place where you have people from your locale. Though there are no specific websites that label the apartments by community, you can always read the reviews and get a feel of what you can expect from that place.
Look up some more information on living in apartments at: You will find a lot of good information in the above sites. Here is an interesting video on how to furnish your apartment: Furnish Your Apt. It is about getting free stuff but you can follow the video and get an idea about how to get furniture paying lesser amount.
Lease When you are in the US and you are in an apartment, the 'Lease Agreement' is a very important piece of paper. More often than not, no one goes through the whole bunch given as a "lease agreement". So, here are a few things you need to know about any lease agreement. 1. Based on the state you are in, a 'written' lease agreement is a must if you are in an apartment. If you are staying without being on the lease, by law, you are an illegal occupant. 2. Verbal Agreements: Some states accept verbal or oral agreements between roommates as 'valid agreements' but it is always better to have it in a written form, if you are joining with someone you already don't know. By law and as per majority of the apartments' lease agreements, YOU (lease holder) does not hold any right to sublet or sub-lease the apartment. So, when you sign the lease, legally you cannot allow anyone to rent from you without informing the apartment management. And if you do, and have a 'not on lease' roommate with oral or written agreement with you, YOU are alone responsible for rent and everything to do with the apartment along with the person staying in the apartment. Always make sure that the roommates you have are either already known or are trustworthy. If you agreed to let a person in, you are bound to the verbal agreement legally, as you become the 'landlord' and the other person the 'tenant' even if it is an oral agreement. And, if your lease states that you are not allowed to sublet, you are basically breaking the law. 3. Roommates-Short Stay: It is not necessary for roommates to sign the full term of the lease. So, if you are adding a person, you still are the primary lease holder and the other person can stay only for a few months. When a person wants to stay for a short term (>15 days), the best thing is to add him to the lease to be safe. 4. Move Out Notice Period: The lease agreement will mention the amount of lease-breakage fee, penalty, the 'move out notice period' etc and you need to be aware of all these. If your lease is ending and you are planning to move, you need to inform the leasing office at least two months in advance. If not, you are still considered breaking the lease. 5. Smoke Detectors: Your lease agreement always has a 'Smoke Detector Addendum' form, where you agree saying that you'll always keep the smoke detector functioning. So, always check the batteries and make sure that it is working. Disabling a smoke detector or fire alarm system in the house or an apartment that you rent, you are in violation of the law. You could be subject to fines and penalties. You may also be violating the lease or rental agreement with your landlord. |