Finding your first apartment is an exciting time in your life. But as with many firsts, your first apartment hunt can be overwhelming. Below are some tips to help you search for and find the perfect first apartment.
Establish your rental budget
The last thing you want to do is get stuck in an apartment you can’t afford, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. A general rule of thumb is that you should never pay more than 30 percent of your take-home pay on housing, including utilities, Internet and cable. If you have limited funds and are finding it difficult to find a budget friendly apartment, you may want to consider getting a roommate to share expenses.
Choose the neighborhood you’d like to live in
You should feel safe and happy in your neighborhood. Think about what you need (for example, grocery store, gym, public transportation) and how far you’re willing to travel for it. If you’re not working nearby, you’ll also need to consider your commute to and from the office.
Decide on necessary apartment amenities
Before you start your apartment search, determine which amenities you must have. Keep in mind that you may need to make some concessions to stay within your budget. Some common must-have apartment amenities include on-site or in-unit laundry, a dishwasher, parking spot (or two if you have a roommate), an outdoor space, air conditioning, fitness center or community pool. Another thing to consider is pet-friendly apartments if you have a dog or a cat.
Start your apartment search
Once you know what you’re looking for and how much you can afford, start searching for apartments. Use Reno apartment finder sites like Apartment Genie to contact properties that seem like a good fit to set up appointments for tours.
For more tips and tricks for apartment living, continue to follow our blog. Looking to rent a new Reno apartment? Check out Apartment Genie for a quick and easy way to find the Reno apartment for you!
