When looking for an apartment for rent, you must be prepared to verify income, credit history, and employment. Preparing the necessary paperwork (letter(s) from the previous landlord, pay stubs, bank statements, and photo ID) can speed up the process.

Budget

When you search for apartments for rent Minneapolis, consider how much money you must spend each month. Then you can narrow your options and determine the most important amenities. Be sure to factor in additional expenses like utility costs, trash fees, recreational fees (like pools), and parking costs.

You can find much information about apartment buildings online by reading reviews. It’s also helpful to talk with other tenants who have lived in the building. This will give you a better idea of what it’s really like to live there.

Be prepared to provide landlords with documentation such as income and employment verification, rental history, and credit agency reports. Having these documents ready will make the process go more smoothly. Also, be prepared to submit a security deposit and pay an application fee. These fees are typically refundable upon moving in but may be non-refundable depending on the type of property and the landlord’s policies.

Location

Most people must be aware that an apartment rental comes with many fees, including the first-month rent, security deposit, and sometimes a broker fee if the landlord or management company doesn’t pay a referral fee to the broker. This can add up to a big chunk of your budget, so it’s important to consider all these upfront costs before signing on the dotted line. Also, it’s worth researching the building and neighborhood before renting an apartment. For example, you can ask your future neighbors if they live with singles or families and whether it is noisy in the area. You can also knock on a few doors and ask tenants what they think about the neighborhood.

Amenities

Apartment amenities are services or items offered to renters to make their lives more comfortable. These services or items are typically included in a renter’s monthly bill and may include free internet, water, and heating.

Many potential tenants consider apartment amenities when choosing a rental home. For example, many people prefer apartments with onsite parking. This feature can help reduce stress by eliminating the need to search for a parking spot on busy streets. It also protects vehicles from theft and damage. Amenities inside an apartment are called in-unit amenities, while those available to all building residents are considered community amenities. Some landlords will charge a fee for using their apartment amenities, while others will include them in the overall rent price. This can benefit renters because it can lower the cost of living. 

Lease Terms

A lease or rental agreement usually spells out your responsibilities and the landlord’s. It should include the term of your tenancy, the monthly rent amount, and whether or not there are any late charges. It should also state the type of rent – whether it’s stabilized, market rate, or otherwise. You should always ask to see a copy of the lease and ensure you understand all the contract terms before signing. You should also know whether or not utilities are included in the monthly rent. It is becoming more common for landlords to add full utility coverage, which typically raises the monthly rent, but can save you time and money by not having to manage your bills.