Finding Your New Apartment Home

by Kevin Smith Author

If you’re looking for a place to live in or near Court Street Apartments in Athens, Ohio, you’re in luck, as there are plenty of places, each with character and amenities of their own. Many of the apartments in this area are occupied by students, but whether you’re young and attending the local college, or just young-at-heart, there’s sure to be an apartment to fit your taste and lifestyle.

Finding the Right Apartment for You

When searching for an apartment, take into consideration your lifestyle. Do you want something that is quiet or in the heart of the action? Do you need something furnished or do you want a place that you can make all your own? Besides being close to campus, do you need something that’s close to retail, restaurants and nightlife; or are you okay with being a little further away from those things? Do you want a place where all utilities are included, or are you okay with paying some or all the utilities on your own? You should make a list of the things that are important to you before you start apartment shopping. Divide them into categories of wants and needs. If there are certain things, including amenities, that are must-haves, don’t compromise on them. If you do, it’s likely that you won’t be happy. But for those things that are on the “wants” list, you undoubtedly have room for give and take.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Make sure you have a written lease and that everything you and the landlord agree to is spelled out in the lease agreement. Ask for a copy of the signed lease agreement and keep it with your other important papers.

If there’s anything in the lease that you don’t understand, ask for clarification before you sign the lease.

If you’re renting an apartment or house with another person or persons, make sure you know the person and can get along with them. In the event there is a falling out with a roommate, make sure the lease addresses whether you or they can sublease to another person to help make up the difference in rent.

Take pictures or video with a date and timestamp on it the day you’re moving into the apartment, and the day you move out. It’s also smart to do a walk-through with the landlord the day you move in and move out.

If there is anything wrong with the apartment, make sure you let the landlord know about those things in writing within the time allotted by the state of Ohio. If you don’t do so, anything reported later could be considered new damage and you might be on the hook for it. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.

As you look at rental units in or near Court Street Apartments in Athens, Ohio, don’t take the first thing that comes along. Look at several before making a final decision.