6 Ways to Ensure Your Apartment Rental Experience is Great

Renting has become a long-term living arrangement for many Americans. From multi-level high rises to single-level townhomes, the sky’s the limit for modern apartment seekers. With so many opting for apartments, it makes sense to wonder, what is a great apartment rental experience? 

Finding the perfect apartment is an overwhelming task. There’s so much to consider, but it’s important not to get too caught up in the details. After all, one of the best things about a rental is its impermanence. In fact, some property managers even offer short-term leases. That is perfect if you want to test the waters before jumping in. 

Whether you choose a long-term lodging or only rent for six months, there are a few ways you can ensure a great apartment rental experience. Here are six tips for finding the right rental and how to get the most out of it. 

1. Select a Reputable Property Management Company

The first and most important step to finding a great apartment is choosing a suitable property manager. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the rental is if the company you rent from isn’t professional. Your renting experience could turn sour. To set the good from the bad, look at what past residents are saying. While you should always take online reviews with a grain of salt, they can’t all be wrong. 

It’s not only ratings you should read into. Meeting a property management team in person makes a lasting impression. Contact the team by phone and request a meeting. Remember to bring a list of questions you want to ask. Inquire about additional costs, such as parking and mandatory renter’s insurance, and ask to see a unit in person before committing. 

2. Rent Something You’ll Love – Don’t Skimp

Sometimes, it’s worth it to splurge a little, especially when it comes to things used daily. Considering how much time you’ll spend in your apartment, choosing a space you love is best. Staying within your budget is still very important, but every budget has a little wiggle room. While most rental managers won’t haggle, it doesn’t hurt to try. The only thing better than finding an amazing apartment for rent is finding one in your price range that doesn’t skimp. 

You get what you pay for in many aspects of life. Rentals are one of these things. Renters who pay below-average prices aren’t likely to find private concierge services, on-site pet parks, or other luxury amenities. Amenities are paid for by the rent property managers receive from residents. Therefore, the lower the rent, the fewer amenities available. And amenities can contribute significantly to a great apartment rental experience.

3. Get involved in Your Neighborhood Community

To get the most out of your apartment, get involved in your community. You might be surprised to see how much more you love your rental once you love your neighborhood. Being part of something bigger than yourself will have you bonding with the space quick. 

Getting involved in the community may also entice you to create a space that you want to share. Volunteer to have the weekly card game at your place. Knowing you want to entertain others could be just the urgency required to encourage you to unpack and organize things the way you really want them. 

4. Make New Friends

Attending community events is fun, but making new friends is better. Finding someone in your rental community who you connect with and want to spend time with will make your space more attractive. Seeing your new friend’s rental unit and how they decorate the same space with different belonging might also inspire you to try something different. 

Meeting new people can be intimidating, but when you’re from the same rental community, you’ll always have something to talk about. New friends, even from outside the rental community, could impact the way you feel about your home. Spend time together using the outdoor amenities at your site. Building memories in your new house will contribute to a great rental experience. 

5. Make It Feel Like Home

No matter how much you try to love a new apartment, you’ll never truly enjoy it until you think of it as home. Decorate your new space to reflect your passion. Select pieces that make you happy and remind you of your favorite things. 

If you love purple, surround yourself with purple accents—a vase full of lilacs in the bedroom, or a bowl of red grapes in the kitchen. If when growing up, your mom always hung a wooden spoon over the stove, hang a wooden spoon over your stove. The little things that make your rental house unique are the things that make it memorable.

Another way to make an apartment homey is food. Put your kitchen to the test and bake something to share with all your new friends. Making more warm memories and warm cookies will have you feeling right at home. 

6. Recommend and Refer Friends and Family 

Apartments are a bit like parties; the more, the merrier. If you find an apartment rental you really love, don’t be afraid to share it. Invite family and friends to rent as well. Having your favorite people around will make your rental even more attractive. It also makes family dinners convenient. 

Check to see if your building management company has any referral perks. Some businesses offer reduced rental rates, gift cards, and other benefits when a referral is made and followed through. 

Choosing a Redwood Rental

At Redwood, we design our rentals to suit the tastes of our residents. With 2-bedrooms, single-level living, and a full-sized garage, you have plenty of space to make your mark on your house. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and open floor plans make these sought-after units easy to dress up in any style. Find your perfect apartment neighborhood at Redwood Living.