Everything You Need to Know about Renting an Apartment

1. Everything You Need to Know About Renting an Apartment

2. All the considerations involved in renting a property can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. Where are you looking for an apartment? How do you qualify for an apartment? What is a rental agreement? What expenses should you include in your budget? We know, there is a lot to think about.

3. This guide breaks down the process from start to finish. We walk you through how to rent an apartment, step by step, including factors to consider when looking for a suitable location, how to get your rental application approved, and what to plan for, so you can prepare for the move.

4. What to consider when renting an apartment • Apartments come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations. Finding the perfect Johannesburg apartmentis largely about defining your unique needs and preferences. Don't just type "rent apartment" into your Google search, that will open the floodgates. Instead, make a list of your apartment must-haves and consider these factors: • Price: How much can you comfortably afford? • Size: How much space do you need or want? • Apartment Type: Want a luxury apartment, multi-level unit, loft, or some other configuration? • Location: Consider commute times to work or school, as well as proximity to grocery stores and recreation. • Rental Situation: Would you prefer a full service apartment building with on-site management or a smaller building where you can work directly with the owner? • Lease types: Can you commit to a one-year lease term, or do you need the flexibility to go month-to-month? • Services: How important is it to your apartment to offer services such as covered parking, gym, pool or laundry room?

5. How to submit an apartment rental application • When you find an apartment or hotel that meets all of your most important criteria, it's time to submit an apartment rental application. This application provides the landlord with the information they need to determine whether or not you qualify to rent the apartment. • Most rental applications require a non-refundable application fee, so before completing a rental application, ask the landlord about their credit and income requirements.

6. The landlord may have a required minimum credit score. And you likely have a specific income requirement (this varies by location, but it is common for landlords to require their gross monthly income to be roughly 2.5 times the monthly rent amount). This is also a good time to discuss any concerns you may have about the rating. If you have a criminal conviction or eviction on your record, or have a large dog that may not be allowed, raise these concerns with the landlord before applying. • The application will cover your personal information, including full name, date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, contact information, and recent employment and rental history. The landlord may also ask you to include personal references in your application.

7. What owners will consider during the approval process • First, the landlord will review his income to make sure he can pay the rent. Then he will check his credit report to see if he generally pays his bills on time. Depending on local laws, the landlord may also run a background check to see if he has any criminal convictions. Finally, the landlord will likely contact your previous landlord and / or his references to confirm that you are trustworthy and responsible. • The landlord will check the income, credit, and (possibly) criminal history of each applicant. Keep this in mind if you are applying with roommates or a co-signer. A problem with your application could prevent you from qualifying for the corporate apartment.

8. Understand your rental agreement (also known as your lease) • Your rental agreement (commonly called a lease agreement) is the document that describes the terms and requirements of your rental. It will list important information such as the amount of the rent, the due date of the monthly rent, late fees, the amount of the deposit, and the due date of the rent. It also describes the apartment's policies and rules governing how you conduct yourself on the property. This section commonly includes policies on everything from quiet hours to keeping patios or balconies clean. • The lease also documents several hypothetical situations. What if your rent is late? Who should you contact if you need a maintenance repair? What if you need to break your lease? Can you renew your lease for another period? Can you add a pet later? Do you have permission to sublet your apartment? All of this will be covered in the lease.

9. Be sure to read your lease carefully. Take note of anything you don't understand or that appears as a red flag. You must understand your lease before signing it. • All applicants will sign and date the lease, as will the landlord. All signatures must be on the document before you receive the keys, so if you have roommates or an endorsement, make sure everyone is available to sign the lease on move-in day (or even earlier) so that have no problem accessing your new apartment.

10. Make sure to budget for these unexpected rental costs • Renting a property requires more than the amount of the rent. There are some additional costs to consider. • Before moving in, you will have some initial rental costs. There is the rental application fee, the rental deposit, and the cost of the move or moving truck. You will also have to pay the rent for the first few months in advance and (depending on the customs of your local market) you may also have to pay the rent for the last months in advance. And if you bring a pet, be sure to ask the owner if they require an additional pet deposit and / or monthly pet rent. • Then there are the unexpected ongoing costs of renting an apartment. Some utilities, such as water, sewer, and trash, may be included in your rent. But you may not, check your lease. • Generally, your rental amount does not include electricity and internet, so be sure to include these costs in your monthly budget. There may also be separate monthly fees for optional spaces, such as parking spots or storage units.

11. The bottom line • It is important to understand how to rent an apartment before starting your search to ensure that you are prepared for the process. Once you find a place that meets your criteria, you need to show the landlord that you are responsible enough to be a good tenant. Earning enough money to pay for the apartment and having a solid credit history are key to getting approved. And budgeting for the additional expenses that come with the rental will make your rental experience as stress-free as possible. Be sure to read your rental agreement before signing it and to comply with all the terms of the agreement while you are a tenant.

12. About Us • Corporate Apartment Group (CAG) provide high quality accommodation coupled with a personalized concierge service in many high demand locations. Specially tailoring solutions for corporate's, families and individuals alike to provide a synergy between home comforts and hotel benefits – the comforts of home with the convenient services of a luxury hotel all within your budget. We are committed to delivering unparalleled customer satisfaction and building long lasting relationships with our clients.The Corporate Apartment Group understands that to ensure quality and sustainability its commitment to excellence, value, integrity and service is of utmost importance. Striving to be an innovative leader in the serviced apartments sector, The corporate Apartment Group will ensure continuity in improving and innovating its products and services. • Website - https://tcagroup.co.za/