How to find a rent If you're moving to a new city and have to find a place to live, consider renting a furnished apartment or home. Steps:,/b> 1. Consider how much you can afford to pay. 2. Determine the features that you desire in a furnished home, such as location, space requirements, rental costs, dates of availability and type of items to be furnished. 3. Enlist a rental agent to narrow your search. Depending on the market, this service may be free (paid for by landlords) or cost you a percentage of your rent when you land the apartment. 4. Make a list of your top 5 housing priorities - rental rate, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, proximity to job or schools, and other factors, ranked in order of importance. 5. Inspect the property carefully. If there's any damage, you not only want to ask that it be fixed, but don't want to be blamed for it later. Make sure such problem areas are addressed in a lease, either by your agreeing to live with it, or the landlord agreeing to fix it by a certain date. 6. Check out common walls (walls shared with adjoining apartments). The more walls in common, the greater the chance of noise from next door. Also consider a common entrance in terms of how much privacy you may want. 7. Check with the owner about security deposits, parking facilities, available security and other features. 8. Find out if utility costs and such items as linens and kitchenware are included as part of the rental package. 9. Carefully review the terms of any rental agreement or lease before signing. Overall Tips: • Be clear about what you need out of a rental when talking to management companies. This is the best way to help them help you. • If the building allows pets, don't be surprised if you have to pay additional damage security deposit. • Get in writing how soon after you move out you will receive your security deposit. Some landlords drag their feet. • Know your rights. Unscrupulous landlords may try to take advantage of uninformed tenants. Warnings: • Avoid long-term leases for furnished apartments if you're uncertain about the length of your residency. • Don't set yourself up to rent from someone only interested in collecting the rent and not willing to invest in the property. For these landowners, making a quick buck has priority over maintaining a good investment and healthy living conditions. What to look for: • Sufficient space • Privacy • Any prior damage