Apartment Hunting Hacks: Avoid Costly Mistakes with These Expert Tips

Finding Your Perfect Apartment: A Guide to Avoiding Costly Mistakes Apartment hunting can be stressful, but with careful planning, you can increase your chances of finding a safe and suitable home. Recent advice from lifestyle influencer Janiah Marie (@lifewithjaniah) highlights key steps often overlooked. She emphasizes the importance of a good credit score, noting that "nine times out of ten, they won't rent to you" if your credit is poor. She advises aiming for a score of around 620 for approval. Financial planning is crucial. Janiah recommends following the 30% rule, ensuring your monthly rent and utilities don't exceed 30% of your income. Beyond finances, safety is paramount. She urges prospective renters to "put a crime map on wherever you're looking for" and "drive around at night" to assess neighborhood safety. This proactive approach can prevent costly and stressful situations. One renter shared a personal experience: "I didn't do the right research, and my neighbor shot at a cop." This underscores the importance of thorough research. Finally, Janiah stresses the need to carefully read reviews and the lease itself. She says, "If someone says there are roaches...listen to the reviews." Having a backup plan is also essential, as unforeseen circumstances can delay or prevent moving into a chosen apartment. By following these steps, renters can navigate the apartment search process more effectively and confidently.