This is the second part of our Back To College Series of tips on how to find the rental to meet your needs and avoid costly pitfalls.

1.  Noise Level.  If you desire quiet rather than a "party hardy" environment, be sure to check out the reputation of the neighborhood or complex. Check with the current residents if at all possible to inquire about the noise level.  Even the location of the apartment can determine the amount of living noise you will experience.  For example, apartments on lower levels will experience more noise depending upon the construction of the building than apartments on the top level.  This goes for end units, unless situated next to the main access to the building, than middle units sandwiched between two other rentals.  The value of placement is similar to the corner house of a neighborhood having greater real estate value than the houses situated in between.

2.  Security.  It is important in cities and depending on the location the amount of security a rental property provides.  Ask about on-site monitoring either by personnel such as a security police force, or cameras–preferably both. 

Inspect the access doors for indications of previous intrusions.  Even the structure of the door will affect security if they are inexpensive, hollow doors they can pose a risk not only to safety, but do not offer any protection against fire especially if there is not a sprinkler system. 

Check access keys–to fully protect unwanted guests to the property, keys should be marked with a "Do Not Duplicate," to prevent access keys from falling into nonresident hands.  Identify how packages are delivered.  If living in a large complex, any orders placed should stipulate delivery to the office of any packages.  Deliveries can easily be stolen when drivers do not have access to a building or there are no directions given for deliveries.

If you own a car, is garage or off-street parking available?  If not, is there a resident parking permit system in place?  How well is the lightning in the neighborhood.  Is the outside entrance to your apartment well lit and visible.

3.  Roommate(s).  Know your roommate well, not only lifestyle but their finances, too.  Make sure that each one sharing the apartment has a separate lease so that you will not be solely responsible for the entire month’s rent should your roommate pick-up stakes and leave. Any possible problem areas should be discussed and decided upon prior to signing a lease.  This goes for room assignments, household chores, cooking, and socializing.  Even guests must be carefully selected since most leases will make tenants responsible for the actions of their guests.  Additionally, many leases have limitations as to the length of a visit by any one guest–this is especially true when the landlord pays for the utilities and a lengthy stay by a guest can result in an increase to his/her costs.

4.  Parking.  Is parking available?  Is there an extra cost?  The issue of parking is especially important in population dense areas such as near campuses.  For smaller rental units in residential areas, is there off street parking;  if so, how much?  If not, does the landlord provide residential parking permits for tenants when such is required to park on the street?  The issue of parking can become a deal breaker since parking fines can really add up.  MDM knows of one apartment complex that required a $70/month fee for a parking lot space.  Violators were towed, usually on weekend, and retrieving your car could cost into the $100’s.  Your monthly budget for rent should take into consideration parking fees and other transportation costs.

5.  Amenities.  Accessibility and Extras.   If you have friends or relatives that have a disability or medical condition, you may want to look at rentals that make it easier for them to visit.  MDM knows of one complex that did not have elevators despite having 4 floors and handicap parking–even the most fit were taxed hauling groceries and such up four flights of stairs.  Extras such as swimming pool, workout rooms, whirlpool, steam rooms, game room, party room and overnight guests lodging are all extras, but they can be important extras depending upon your requirements.  You may save some money at the gym, not to mention convenience of having these facilities located in the complex itself.  Check these features out and any fees involved.

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