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APARTMENT GUIDE 1
HUNTING (CONTINUED FROM 11)
3) GET A FEEL FOR LAWRENCE APARTMENTS
If a person is sick of shuffling papers or sifting through Web sites, another option is to take a driving tour of Lawrence. Driving around will help give a feel for different areas and decide which parts of town a renter likes, Robert Baker said.
"This is especially helpful if you're from out of town," he said.
4) MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
The last step when searching for an apartment should be to schedule an appointment to walk through the apartment you want to lease.
Kate Baker said looking at the apartment firsthand is important, but it might not provide as much insight as desired.
"Sometimes the apartment you get is a lot different than the one you look at," she said.
Nishimura said nobody should sign a lease without walking through the apartment first.
"It's a must-do," she said.
She recommended looking at a variety
of apartments before making a commitment.
"Don't just jump and lease the first apartment that you find," she said. "The people who are trying to get you are like used car salesman. They will do anything to get you to rent their apartment."
Gibbons also suggested comparing several apartments.
"Where I live, even if you move a block further, you could pay $100 more in rent," he said.
Edited by Susan Melgren
questions
Ask four basic questions before searching for an apartment:
1. Where is it?
2. Does it match who I am?
3. How much does it cost?
4. How long will I live there?
Source: Kansas Tenants Handbook
TOP 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU RENT
Monthly cost of unit: How much can you afford in your budget without borrowing to rent?
Solo or roommates: Do you know your potential roommates well? Will they pay their rent on time? Can you afford to live by yourself?
Cost of utilities: How much will each cost?
Location: Do you need to be near campus or a bus route?
Internet and cable hook-up: None, basic or premium? How easy will it be to get service in your unit?
Pets or nopets: Your choice of apartment may be limited if you have a pet. Many landlords charge a pet deposit or monthly fees.
Luxury orb basics:Are you willing to pay the extra cost for amenities such as a pool or workout room?
Security: Is your apartment or house in a good neighborhood?
Washer and dryer: Does your unit have a washer and dryer provided, or just the hook-ups? Will you have to go to a laundromat?
Furnished or unfurnished: Which suits your needs better?
Source: Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.
FEBRUARY 26, 2009
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN