Apartment hunting can be a long and trying process. How many bedrooms do I need? What can I afford? Is the in-unit washer and dryer worth the extra 20 minutes of work commute?
As you search for apartments in Grand Rapids, MI, there are several things to keep in mind. Remember, there are many great places to rent… we are blessed with some high-quality landlords here. But before you move in, keep a few things in mind.
1. Read and Understand the Lease
This sounds like a basic tip, but it is extremely important. Before you sign up for a multi-month (or year) commitment, know what you are getting into. Just a few things to look out for:
-Length of the lease: Is the agreement month-to-month, six months, a year, more?
-Renter responsibilities: Which utilities are included, and which aren’t?
-Late Payment Penalties: How much are they, and how are they assessed?
-Rules about early move-out: If you absolutely need to move out before the end of the lease, what is the procedure?
-And More
Essentially, you don’t want to be surprised by anything. While it is a lot easier to just sign the agreement without reading it, you should take your time. It can save you a lot of headache later on.
2. Make Sure Everything Works
Landlords are at a disadvantage with the ‘quirks’ of each unit: they don’t live there!
So unless someone has told them, they may not know that a particular outlet doesn’t work, that a light bulb is out, or that you need to ‘jiggle the handle’ on the toilet.
Before you start, walk around the unit and check everything. Use a night light to check all of the outlets, and try flushing the toilet. Put some water in the tub, and make sure it drains. Look in the cabinets for any signs of wear or gunk, and look at the pipes to see if there is any visible water damage. Make sure the fridge feels cold and the microwave works. This feels like a hassle, but it’s much easier to figure these things out in advance!
If there is anything wrong, document it and let your potential landlord know. They should be able to resolve it quickly.
3. Talk to the Neighbors
Most people will give you straight answers about their living situation. What are the pros and cons about this location? Maybe it is incredibly convenient to get to local stores, but the traffic gets loud. Or the pool is very nice, but the drive to Meijer is kind of a drag.
Apartments in Grand Rapids, MI come in all shapes and sizes, and in a wide variety of neighborhoods. If you aren’t familiar with your landlord or the area, ask around. It may seem a little awkward at first, but getting real feedback from the folks next door is incredibly valuable.
4. Define the ‘Extras’
Different apartments in Grand Rapids have different perks. Some offer uncovered parking spots, while others have carports available for an additional fee. Some have pool access, and others have a workout room. The list goes on and on!
Ask about these add-on features. Some of them may carry an extra cost, so don’t assume they are included with the price of your rent. Sometimes, a nice feature can mean the difference between two complexes. A carport that keeps the Michigan snow off the car? Sounds like a win to me.
There are a lot of things to remember as you hunt for an apartment in Grand Rapids MI. Keep calm, be objective, and find the perfect spot!