Home : Everything Else : 13 Tips To Find An Affordable Rental Home

13 tips to find an affordable rental home

13 tips to find an affordable rental home

Moving out of one’s home is as scary as it is exciting. Not only does this come with the sweet promise of a fresh start, but it also brings new opportunities. However, with real estate prices constantly increasing, finding a new apartment with an affordable rent can quickly become a headache. To help tenants find their way through the rental market, here are 13 tips to find cheap apartments for rent.

1. Study the local market
One of the most handy tips for negotiating rent is to study the local market. Check the accommodations in the area and see how much they cost. Cross-analyze this with the amount the landlord is asking for to work out a cheaper rent. In areas with high vacancy rates, this can be a great way to find a cheaper apartment.

2. Rent in the right season
A lot of people move during the summer months, generally due to university requirements. This can shoot up the rent during this season. This demand tends to die down around December and January, which can give tenants a chance to negotiate better rental rates for their apartments.

3. Check out the competition
Don’t rush to lease the first apartment. This is especially important for those who plan on living in the area for a longer while. Speak to the locals and ask them about any vacancies. Visit lease offices and check out their offerings. They may have offers called ‘lease-ups’ in newer apartment complexes, where one can score incentives such as a free month of rent, parking spot, storage, or even an application fee waiver.

4. Ask for discounts, if any
Some landlords may be looking for tenants for a longer term. To aid this process, they may be willing to offer discounts on long-term leases. Be proactive and ask them for such discounts before signing a lease.

5. Offer to pay more upfront
Some landlords or property managers would appreciate the instant cash flow that may come from two months of rent payment upfront or a higher security deposit. This may prompt them to settle for a lower rent for the term period. Try to use this as grounds for negotiation when renting an apartment. Ensure the rent agreement is finalized and signed to avoid any issues here later.

6. Be flexible
Many landlords do not honor their commitment to their tenants, sometimes even refusing to clean or conduct basic maintenance. Those who do not consider this a dealbreaker can use it as a term to negotiate a lower rent. One can even offer to clean, do minor repairs, and complete basic upgrades themselves to further reduce their rent.

7. Keep good references handy
Another thing many landlords look out for is reliability in their tenants. For this reason, they may ask for a list of references from other landlords. Other factors they may also look for are a high credit rating and a stable job and income. Having these handy would make one a “high-quality tenant,” which landlords may be willing to negotiate lower terms for.

8. Consider living with a roommate
One of the quickest ways to halve the cost of rent is to move in with a roommate. However, before finalizing the lease, establish a cordial relationship and create boundaries, particularly about managing rent, groceries, utilities, and other expenses.

9. Look for rent specials
Some property managers may be looking for tenants to move in quickly. This may lead them to offer rent specials with limited, one-time offers such as waived application fees, reduced security deposits, etc. This may help one find a better rate for their apartment.

10. Check places outside the city
Apartment prices in the middle of the city are generally through the roof. Not only are landlords less likely to offer deals on these homes, they also tend to be smaller and offer fewer amenities. Avoid this by finding a place a little further out that is still comfortable to travel from. While this may add commute time and transportation charges to one’s day, it could save a huge amount of money in rent.

11. Choose what amenities to prioritize
While amenities like a dedicated deck or a party space may be nice to have, they are not a major point of contention. On the other hand, an updated bathroom or kitchen is extremely important for leading a comfortable home life. Others, such as in-unit laundry, free parking, fitness centers, etc., may also be important for some. Work with a list of amenities and carefully choose which ones to prioritize. Try to compromise on things that aren’t dealbreakers. This may help save a lot of rent!

12. Look for units in the middle floors
Generally, apartment units on the middle floors tend to be cheaper than the rest. The higher floors are highly regarded for their stellar views, while the lower floors are popular among tenants with kids and pets. If getting a lower rent price is a priority, try to look for these middle-floor apartments.

13. Opt for a sublet
Some tenants may also sub-lease their homes temporarily, offering the place at their negotiated terms, which may be under the current market value. This may be a great idea for those looking for a short-term rental.

In addition to these tips, individuals can also look for homes in rent-controlled apartments or, if eligible, apply for income-restricted apartments or Section 8.

Most Popular

Important things to know about kidney problems

Important things to know about kidney problems

Kidney diseases are some of the most common and life-threatening conditions that affect patients worldwide. These diseases lead to kidney function failure over time. It can be caused by various factors, including environmental toxins, genetic predispositions, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Kidney disease can lead to severe health complications such as acute renal failure (ARF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or chronic renal failure (CRF). A healthy kidney is a sign of a healthy body and lifestyle. The function of the kidney The kidney is an essential organ that performs many functions in the body. It filters the blood, removes waste products and excess water from the body, and helps maintain a person’s balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Kidneys help maintain their normal levels of salt concentration which is essential for the proper functioning of every cell tissue in the body because, without adequate amounts of salt, no cells can function properly. The kidney also plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and volume by keeping them at appropriate levels through urine production. The kidneys also regulate fluid balance in your body by removing excess water from urine and adding extra water into the urine when necessary for your body tissues not to be dehydrated.  Kidney failure is when a person’s kidneys cannot function properly due to disease or injury; this condition can be fatal if left untreated.
Modifying homes for people with poor vision

Modifying homes for people with poor vision

One of the top reasons for low vision and blindness in people over 55 is macular degeneration. Macular degeneration causes loss of vision due to damage to the macula in the retina of the eye. It can be difficult for people with this condition to live in inaccessible homes. So, to ensure ease of maneuverability for people with macular degeneration or similar conditions, here are 13 tips to make a home low-vision friendly. Use clear and contrasting colors for walls The key to making a low-vision-friendly home is using light and dark colors. Dark colors can be complex for those with low vision, but if used intelligently, it can make all the difference. The answer lies in how light reflects off certain surfaces. If you have a bright yellow wall with black trim around it, then any space adjacent to it will be illuminated by daylight coming through windows above them. Contrasting shades like white or black help keep things cooler by reflecting out more heat than they receive from direct sunlight. Place essential items in your line of sight Ensure that important items, such as mobility aids, phones, and other necessities, are within your line of sight and not obscured by something else in the room.
Key things to know about macular degeneration

Key things to know about macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that affects the macula, a tiny part of the retina that provides sharp central vision. The most common kind of this disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects many people in our country over 60 years. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatments and lifestyle changes help manage the symptoms and improve your vision so that it does not interfere with everyday life. What are the types of macular degeneration? There are two common types of the condition: Wet or exudative macular degeneration This is the more common type. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels in front of your retina get damaged and leak fluid into your eye, causing swelling, redness, and dampness. The condition can affect your central vision and cause blurry patches in the center. Central vision is the area you see directly in front of you. Dry or atrophic macular degeneration Also known as senile macular degeneration, this condition occurs when the retina does not receive sufficient oxygen due to damage from aging; it results in a breakdown of the central part of the retina (the photoreceptors). What causes this eye disorder? The risk factors include genetics and lifestyle ailments, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes.
Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps can be a symptom of an underlying condition or occur independently. The visible signs and symptoms of nasal polyps include congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, and pressure or pain around your eyes and cheeks. A deviated septum may contribute to nasal polyps. However, they can also occur in people who do not have this condition, such as athletes who blow their noses frequently during exercise routines. Read on to learn more about nasal polyps. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are small, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They are also sometimes called nasal tumors or nasal corking. They are not cancerous, contagious, or caused by allergies. Nasal polyps may also be associated with other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis (CS), and asthma. Nasal polyps typically develop before the age of 40, and they do not usually cause symptoms until they grow larger or become inflamed or infected.  However, large nasal polyps can block airflow through your nose. If this happens, you may experience sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. You may also experience difficulty breathing through one nostril at a time if large polyps block the other nostril completely.
Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful. Symptoms Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores.  Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching. The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection.

Popular Articles

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management
Health
01

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the usually stable and regular electrical impulses in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) begin firing chaotically, causing them to quiver or twitch (fibrillate). This can cause blood accumulation and clotting in the atria. These clots can reach the lungs through the blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism or can reach the brain, resulting in a stroke. Let’s look at the forms, signs, and causes of Afib and its treatment options: Types of atrial fibrillation Afib can be classified as one or more of these: First-diagnosed Afib: Regardless of symptoms or the number or length of episodes, this refers to individuals diagnosed for the first time with Afib. Asymptomatic Afib: This condition is also called silent Afib, given the lack of signs or symptoms. A random electrocardiogram (ECG) could reveal asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal Afib: Two or more episodes of the conditions that spontaneously resolve within a week are categorized as paroxysmal Afib. Persistent Afib: This refers to two or more episodes of atrial fibrillation that last seven days or more. Long-term persistent Afib: If the condition persists for more than a year, it is referred to as long-term persistent Afib. Permanent Afib: This is a chronic condition that cannot be managed using common treatment options.
Read More
How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar
Health
02

How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

It is a known fact that too much sugar can be devastating for your health. When blood sugar is high, the body produces more insulin, which can lead to several health complications, including prediabetes and diabetes. So, you must cut down on sugar. Choosing healthy snacks and increasing fiber and probiotic intake can help. Moreover, regular exercise is essential. Here are a few tips to lower sugar intake and manage blood sugar levels naturally. Avoid carbohydrates A high intake of carbohydrates has a substantial impact on blood sugar levels. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars like glucose, which enters the blood. While the body requires glucose for energy, an excess can be harmful. As the amount of glucose increases, so does the amount of insulin produced by the body, leading to a greater risk of lifestyle disorders. Some foods with an abundance of carbs to stay away from are potato chips and donuts. Control your portion size If you are dealing with frequent blood sugar spikes, monitoring portion size can help. When you eat a large meal, blood glucose increases suddenly. To avoid this, eat smaller meals. You can opt for five to six small meals per day instead of two or three large ones.
Read More
11 management options to keep anxiety at bay
Health
03

11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques.
Read More