Any tips for renting a house/apartment?

[luckyluchiano]

I`m getting my own place at the end of July and I just wanted to know if you guys had any input or tips?Any must have items? Does Ikea deliver/ship through there website? I got kinda confused while on it.I`m probably going to get a 1 or 2 person joint, but I will be living solo dolo.

 

[DCAllAfrican]

What city?

1. Craigslist for your furniture. Coffee Tables, dining tables, couches, file cabinets. ANYTHING. Unless you NEED new stuff.

2. If you get an apartment, make sure you save EVERY piece of paperwork between you and your property manager. If you don't, trust, it will come back on you. Get an accordion folder and save ALL paperwork. EVERYTHING. Make sure you take pictures of the conditions when you move in
because the property manager might try to say that you tore something up when it might have already been torn apart.

3. Look for deals for internet/cable. Don't get a house phone. Those things aren't needed in 2010.

 

[luckyluchiano]

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican

What city?

1. Craigslist for your furniture. Coffee Tables, dining tables, couches, file cabinets. ANYTHING. Unless you NEED new stuff.

2. If you get an apartment, make sure you save EVERY piece of paperwork between you and your property manager. If you don't, trust, it will come back on you. Get an accordion folder and save ALL paperwork. EVERYTHING. Make sure you take pictures of the conditions when you move in
because the property manager might try to say that you tore something up when it might have already been torn apart.

3. Look for deals for internet/cable. Don't get a house phone. Those things aren't needed in 2010.

Savannah ,GA I found a nice little gig and I graduate in Spring 11, so I`m going to be in Savannah untill I find a "career" move. Savannah is a Retirement city so the housing isnt really cheap for a Southern city because we are near the ocean, all the lower cost housing is in the projects. Is Ikea good? I noticed they had some nice priced stuff. I use to work at Best buy so I got people there in terms of hook ups on electronics

 

[DCAllAfrican]

I hear good things about Ikea. I have never shopped there honestly so someone else will have to chime in on that.

I have been to Savannah once. Nice place from what I have seen.

When do you plan on moving? Next spring?

How is the job markey there?

 

[rawse]

Ikea gets the job done

 

[dam itz lou]

Ikea's shipping is expensive.

There stuff looks nice but there wood is crap.

Like someone said CL is your best friend for furniture. You could find tons of Ikea stuff on there for less then half the price.

 

[big j 33]

IKEA is good for its basic purpose.

Some of it is a great value at the price and could last you ten years. Some of it is pure crap and could fall apart within a month. Just consider your needs and finances right now. For example, I would rather invest the money on a quality sofa that could last me years and years, then spending the money on an IKEA one with questions in quality. First stop should be Craigslist, you can get very lucky and find high end stuff for cheap, quality varies so be prepared to spend time searching. Then ask around and see if people are getting rid of furniture.

I would strongly suggest going to the IKEA store if there's one near you and look through all the room designs they have. Don't buy the whole set necessarily, but it gives you a great idea of how to use your space efficiently.

DC has good advice, ask, ask again, then ask a third time any possible questions you have. Try asking to see an actual model and not just their show/guest model place if that's how they do it. I'd even suggest talking to current tenants if you're in an apartment when the managers aren't around to get some real opinions. Save and make copies of everything you sign, take pictures, make sure you know what's covered with rent (sewage, water, pest, lawn care, etc.) Take pictures, make sure you're clear over the security deposit and they don't try to rob you at the end of your lease.


For the actual apartment/house, I say the most important thing is a great couch. You'll probably spend the most time there, so make sure it's big, comfortable, and something you really love. There's a bachelor pad thread on here, search for it to get some good ideas. Also pick up a couple of decorating or interior magazines or look at websites just to start to think about your space and design.

 

[luckyluchiano]

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican

I hear good things about Ikea. I have never shopped there honestly so someone else will have to chime in on that.

I have been to Savannah once. Nice place from what I have seen.

When do you plan on moving? Next spring?

How is the job markey there?

Savannah isn't a place for a young person to live, it's more so for Retired CEOs and stuff. It's a beautiful city, but there aren't any companies like that with HQs there outside of Gulfstream. I did not see the point of me going back home to Atlanta when I graduate without a job. I could Transfer to an Atlanta location though, but I want to try and land a job with my University's IT department so I can use that for resume and experience to help strengthen my grad school chances If I did not initially find employment elsewhere.I was on Ikea and found some real nice items, because I was thinking about going with a Contemporary look for my crib. I did not want to pay more then 650 for rent for a one room, but I would pay 680 for a 2 room. Pretty much my game plan is to use my School refund checks to pay Rent 3 months in advance at a time, while I save my money from work. Since I am not living on campus any more and wont have a meal plan I will be getting alot of money back since i have alot of Scholarship and Grant money.

 

[jking0821]

As others said craigslist is awesome. I don't know if I'd get a couch off craigslist but items like end tables, kitchen tables, chairs are all great. Check out the free section, I recently picked up a little cabinet type thing that was in great condition I just needed a stand for my PS3. Ripped off the door on it because it had a crack, but now I have enough airflow to keep my PS3 inside. Also added a coat of new paint and the total cost to me was less than $10 with gas.

 

[brettthejett]

Remember to invest in things that you will own for a long time, and not items you will go through quickly, or leave behind when you move.

IKEA really is your one stop shop for absolutely everything. I don't know why it has a bad wrap. For you first pad, it's perfect. Tasteful and alot of options.
The quality isn't the GREATEST but you won't own it for 20 years, and you probably don't have youngn's running around.

I highly suggest investing a little bit into bar stock, shot glasses, wine glasses, snifter glasses. You never know who's going to come over so be prepared. WORD TO CHI CITY MAYNE

 

[luckyluchiano]

Originally Posted by brettTHEjett

Remember to invest in things that you will own for a long time, and not items you will go through quickly, or leave behind when you move.

IKEA really is your one stop shop for absolutely everything. I don't know why it has a bad wrap. For you first pad, it's perfect. Tasteful and alot of options.
The quality isn't the GREATEST but you won't own it for 20 years, and you probably don't have youngn's running around.

I highly suggest investing a little bit into bar stock, shot glasses, wine glasses, snifter glasses. You never know who's going to come over so be prepared. WORD TO CHI CITY MAYNE

lol on the real I`m just having women over, I refuse to throw parties at my crib

 

[hyphysole]

hows are your guy's opinion on your apts compared to the reviews on apartmentratings.com?

 

[sreggie101]

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican

What city?

1. Craigslist for your furniture. Coffee Tables, dining tables, couches, file cabinets. ANYTHING. Unless you NEED new stuff.

2. If you get an apartment, make sure you save EVERY piece of paperwork between you and your property manager. If you don't, trust, it will come back on you. Get an accordion folder and save ALL paperwork. EVERYTHING. Make sure you take pictures of the conditions when you move in
because the property manager might try to say that you tore something up when it might have already been torn apart.

3. Look for deals for internet/cable. Don't get a house phone. Those things aren't needed in 2010.

ALL this. and look for signs of mice. people will almost never clean up mouse poop so when scoping out a place, peek into kitchen cabinets (generally the ones under the counter/sink etc) if u see black pellets u already kno

)

and always try to get something with a washer and dryer. and none of that coin operated bullshyt.

if u got a carpeted apt, see if it can be cleaned or replaced before u move in.

make sure EVERYTHING WORKS.

see if u can get an all electric apt. makes ultilities SOOO cheap

 

[luckyluchiano]

Originally Posted by sreggie101

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican

What city?

1. Craigslist for your furniture. Coffee Tables, dining tables, couches, file cabinets. ANYTHING. Unless you NEED new stuff.

2. If you get an apartment, make sure you save EVERY piece of paperwork between you and your property manager. If you don't, trust, it will come back on you. Get an accordion folder and save ALL paperwork. EVERYTHING. Make sure you take pictures of the conditions when you move in
because the property manager might try to say that you tore something up when it might have already been torn apart.

3. Look for deals for internet/cable. Don't get a house phone. Those things aren't needed in 2010.

ALL this. and look for signs of mice. people will almost never clean up mouse poop so when scoping out a place, peek into kitchen cabinets (generally the ones under the counter/sink etc) if u see black pellets u already kno

)

and always try to get something with a washer and dryer. and none of that coin operated bullshyt.

if u got a carpeted apt, see if it can be cleaned or replaced before u move in.

make sure EVERYTHING WORKS.

see if u can get an all electric apt. makes ultilities SOOO cheap

I hear all electric is the move.So how much on avg would I be looking at in terms of Utilities? Like I`m trying to calculate an avg.I'd pretty much be looking at internet,cable,light,water,etc

 

[cbello03]

look closely over terms and conditions

 

[omgitswes]

Originally Posted by LuckyLuchiano

Originally Posted by brettTHEjett

Remember to invest in things that you will own for a long time, and not items you will go through quickly, or leave behind when you move.

IKEA really is your one stop shop for absolutely everything. I don't know why it has a bad wrap. For you first pad, it's perfect. Tasteful and alot of options.
The quality isn't the GREATEST but you won't own it for 20 years, and you probably don't have youngn's running around.

I highly suggest investing a little bit into bar stock, shot glasses, wine glasses, snifter glasses. You never know who's going to come over so be prepared. WORD TO CHI CITY MAYNE

lol on the real I`m just having women over, I refuse to throw parties at my crib

yeah sir, i'm the same as you. and the guys i'm moving in with are the exact same.

 

[4wrestling]

My suggestion since you are renting and plan on moving in the future, don't spend a whole lot of money on new furniture. One, it's a b**** to move. Two, you don't know how it will fit or look in your eventual in your new place. Craigslist is the way to go.

I wouldn't put a whole ton of money into permanent fixtures until you find a place you are ready to settle down in.

I lived in an apartment for almost four years with just a bed, futon, small tv stand, and two tables.  It wasn't the most luxurious setup, but it definitely paid off once I bought my new condo.  I didn't have a ton of stuff to move, and I could now invest in things that I actually wanted and fit the new place.

 

[rocman23]

bookmarked. as i will be looking for places next week. also i wouldnt buy furniture from ikea, that #+%+ is uncomfortable

 

[eg0t]

Ikea stuff will only last about 2 years, tops.

 

[tacc4]

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican

2. If you get an apartment, make sure you save EVERY piece of paperwork between you and your property manager. If you don't, trust, it will come back on you. Get an accordion folder and save ALL paperwork. EVERYTHING. Make sure you take pictures of the conditions when you move in because the property manager might try to say that you tore something up when it might have already been torn apart.

Word. If you don't take 500+ pictures of this place when you move in, you're asking for trouble. You need pics of every door frame, every corner, every square inch of any wood and carpet. If you think its kinda OCD to take a picture of something, you should take that picture.

 

[s0rtega2]

Don't know where you live, but if you're in an area where it gets cold ... Be sure to check the placements of the vents in the pad. We live in a 2 story townhome now and every single vent (probably around 10 total) in our place is by a door/window. Winter = super high heating bills.

 

[armenexchange]

i personally HATE all electric buildings. makes utils sooo much. live in a 3 br apt n electic bill is 150-200 a month :/ wheras landlord paid gas n water before n only dealt with 60~ electric a month.

if ur plannin to move with a career soon, opt for cl and skip permenant furniture. who knows what kinda place ull live at in a couple years.


one thing i learned this year-check the unit durin day and night. you can see if area is sketchy at night, and daytime make sure the unit is in sunlight. my room right now is madd shaded so overall dark/dim ALL DAY. makes it hard for me to be productive in here. lol

 

[sreggie101]

Originally Posted by LuckyLuchiano

Originally Posted by sreggie101

Originally Posted by DCAllAmerican

What city?



1. Craigslist for your furniture. Coffee Tables, dining tables, couches, file cabinets. ANYTHING. Unless you NEED new stuff.



2. If you get an apartment, make sure you save EVERY piece of paperwork between you and your property manager. If you don't, trust, it will come back on you. Get an accordion folder and save ALL paperwork. EVERYTHING. Make sure you take pictures of the conditions when you move in

because the property manager might try to say that you tore something up when it might have already been torn apart.



3. Look for deals for internet/cable. Don't get a house phone. Those things aren't needed in 2010.

ALL this. and look for signs of mice. people will almost never clean up mouse poop so when scoping out a place, peek into kitchen cabinets (generally the ones under the counter/sink etc) if u see black pellets u already kno

)



and always try to get something with a washer and dryer. and none of that coin operated bullshyt.



if u got a carpeted apt, see if it can be cleaned or replaced before u move in.



make sure EVERYTHING WORKS.



see if u can get an all electric apt. makes ultilities SOOO cheap

I hear all electric is the move.

So how much on avg would I be looking at in terms of Utilities? Like I`m trying to calculate an avg.

I'd pretty much be looking at internet,cable,light,water,etc

well cable/internet can vary because you won't know the deal you get until you call and find one. as for electricity, i signed up for a discounted plan, which you qualify for if no1 in the apt has a job

sooooo my electricity runs from like 30 give or take in the summer to like 70-80 in the winter...


mind you, this is a 2 floor 3 bedroom apt.

 

[ndizzle23]

wow.. good tips
Im gonna have to get a camera to take maddd pics

 

[manny1]

cbello03 wrote:

---

look closely over terms and conditions


basically read the fine print and keep all your paperwork at all time. get it safe and know where you leave them.
my old apartment is trying to get $1000 out of me because they said that they had to replace the carpet. but in the contract it states that the carpet is replaced every 5 years and the carpet wasnt due to be replace until the next year after i moved out. but when i asked for proof of when they first replaced it before i moved in the apartment complex said they couldnt find the paperwork. so know i have a collection agency calling me wanting me to pay up because the apartment complex turned it over to the collection agency and when i explained it to them they said i would have to get a lawyer involved and to handle it for me but for the mean while there still going to be bugging me here at work.