Ask a real estate pro: What should I watch out for while hunting for first rental apartment?

Q: After graduating college recently, I moved back in with my folks to settle myself. I found a good job and am looking to rent my first apartment. Because I don’t know what I don’t know, my mother, who reads your column, recommended I ask for advice. How can I make sure I find a suitable apartment? — Alisha

A: I am always glad to see someone educating themselves before making a significant move. Knowledge is power, and asking questions and researching are great ways to become empowered.

Leasing an apartment is a big decision because signing a lease agreement is a long-term commitment. Renting creates important legal obligations, and it is expensive to move in and decorate.

You need to look at three main concerns while finding your apartment: The location, the premises, and the landlord.

Location

To find the right location, drive around the community where your prospective apartment is located at different times and days of the week. Look for things like noise, activity, crime, and available parking. A quiet community with plenty of parking at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday may turn into party central on Friday night. Check the crime statistics on the internet. Make sure there are restaurants and supermarkets you like nearby.

Also, think about how you want to live your life. For example, if you love going to the beach, finding a great place an hour’s drive from the ocean would not be the best choice.

Premises

When viewing the prospective apartment, have a critical eye. Make sure it is well maintained, clean and cared for.  Find out if the landlord provides regular maintenance and pest control and ask how broken appliances and other repairs are handled.

The apartment will be in its best condition when the landlord is trying to rent it, and if things are not great now, they will only worsen.

Landlord

Finally, you should research the landlord. A lease is a long-term relationship, and you should ensure you have a landlord who takes the role seriously. It is relatively easy to do this on the internet. Check with the property appraiser to make sure that the person you are dealing with is actually the owner, and also with the courts to see if there have been issues with foreclosure, the community association, or prior tenants.

If you find anything, ask your prospective landlord about it. For example, evicting someone does not necessarily mean something is wrong with the landlord, but hearing her answer about what happened can help you see what type of person you are dealing with.

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro.