Apartment hunting is a stressful thing. Finding the perfect place to rent is no easy task.
After going through this process multiple times in different countries, here are a few tips everyone can use to find a place they’re happy in.
Set a budget for your rent
It’s not fun but you have to be real with yourself. There’s no point wasting time visiting flats that are too expensive or moving into an apartment or house you can’t afford.
You should look at your income and your expense and see what you can afford.
Don’t forget to take into account bills like electricity or gas and broadband.
Rental markets are usually outrageously expensive.
You might have an ideal budget that would allow you to save and a bigger budget you’re willing to stretch to in case you find a place you can’t miss out on.
Read my post on how to be financially responsible to make sure you don’t go over budget.
Make a list of needs
List everything your new place must have. This list is different for everyone as we all have specific needs.
It might include the number of bedrooms you need or a washing machine. It could also be a specific location or a commute time.
Mine also included hardwood floors and big windows to get a lot of natural light.
Make a second list of wants
It’s a similar list to the previous one but it should contain criteria you’re willing to let go of if necessary.
For example, you might want a bathtub but you’d be willing to compromise on a shower if everything else is perfect.
No one can choose for you what’s necessary and what’s a bonus. Having a clear picture of what you’re really looking for is the secret to finding the perfect place.
You don’t waste time on places that only tick off three out of ten of your boxes.
And you already know where you can compromise and what you can’t do without.
Be on top of your game
Renting a place is usually a struggle because, in most places I’ve been, there are more people in need of apartments or houses than there are places to rent out.
And that’s even more true if you want to get a great place in a sea of mediocre apartments.
You have to be checking websites several times a day to make sure you don’t miss out on any ad. Flats in Paris disappear in minutes after being posted because of the number of applicants.
So be on top of your game and don’t miss out on great opportunities.
Once you found a great place, you need to be the perfect applicant.
You should have your application documents ready to go when you visit the apartment.
Those will look different depending on where you are.
In Paris, you need your last three paychecks and those of the person vouching for you in case you don’t pay.
In Ireland, you need proof of employment and a reference letter from your previous landlord.
Make sure to know what’s usually required in your area and have it ready to go to rent the perfect apartment or house.
Finding someplace nice is a struggle but it’s 100% worth it when all the boxes are put away and you’re left with a beautiful place you can call home.
