Advice for Renting an Apartment
Keep the following in mind as you conduct your apartment search:
- Do your best to look at multiple apartments to be sure you get the
best quality apartment for your rent.
- Most apartments in Boston are listed through realtors. While some
realtors charge renters a fee of one month’s rent for their services,
you should be able to avoid this fee with some negotiation and diligence.
You may want to tell your realtor up front that you are interested
in “No Fee” apartments ONLY. If you are careful, you should be able
to sign a lease without a realtor’s fee, or with a fee of ½ a month’s
rent at most.
- Ask about the occupations of the surrounding tenants to get an idea
of the environment. A building filled with professionals will differ
from a building filled with undergraduate students, for example. If
you are serious about the apartment, it is also a good idea to come
back without the realtor to ask the neighbors their experience with
the realtors/landlord.
- Realtors/landlords may sometimes show you an
apartment “similar” to the one that will be available for you to rent.
Be sure you ask to view the actual apartment you will be renting before
you move in.
- Before you sign a lease, carefully examine the apartment for defects—inspect
the shower, windows, ceilings, doors, walls, appliances, etc. Be sure
to take any defects into consideration, and to obtain any promises
for repairs in writing. You should also deliver a copy of your inspection
to your landlord upon your move-in so that you are not responsible
for any preexisting maintenance issues.
- Read the lease carefully prior to signing so you know what you can
expect from the landlord (in terms of maintenance and such) and your
own responsibilities as the tenant.
- Unless you are subletting, it is best to have your name included
on the lease for the most legal proceedings and for assurance of your
rights. You are entitled to have a copy of the lease—make sure you
have your rental agreement in writing.
- Boston realtors/landlords can occasionally be difficult – never feel like you are “bothering” the landlord/realtor concerning issues of maintenance, especially regarding issues of pest control, water, gas, or electric problems. In those circumstances, quickly notify the party responsible and also give the notification in writing to ensure timely attention to the matter.
