Moving is no easy feat. It isn’t cheap either. If you’re tired of hopping between apartments, it’s time for you to settle into an apartment you love.
However, just because you’ve moved into apartments before doesn’t mean you know what you’re doing. If you’ve been moving into spaces you’ve been unhappy with, you could use a lesson in what makes for a good apartment!
When searching Bayut for apartments to rent in Dubai, make sure you keep these things in mind if you want to stick around for a while.
Factor Price Increases into Your Budget
There are a lot of factors that can increase rent. It’s no wonder landlords increase rent prices every year.
Instead of being surprised at the increase when it’s time to renew your lease, factor price increases into your budget. Ask the landlord what the average yearly increase is so you can decide if it’s something you can afford a year down the road.
If you’re planning on sticking around for a while, make sure you let the landlord know! They may be willing to write up a two-year lease. It provides them with peace of mind knowing the unit will be occupied for at least two years, and it will prevent you from dealing with an increase in the first year.
Updated and/or Luxury Amenities
You can make outdated cabinets and peeling vinyl flooring work for a year, but is it something you can deal with for two, three, or more years? If not, are you willing to deal with an update while you’re still occupying the unit?
Make things easier on yourself and look for an updated apartment. You may also want to look for luxury amenities that make your apartment special so you don’t want to leave.
A few apartment amenities you may want to keep your eye open for include:
- Luxury materials, like Cherry and Granite
- In-unit laundry
- High-quality carpeting or wood flooring
- Workout facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Smart home features
- Community spaces that can be rented
- Pet-friendly spaces
Neighbors and Community
You want to make sure you love every inch of your apartment, but if you’ve lived in apartment buildings before, you know there’s a lot more that can impact your life than the cabinets and flooring.
First, determine exactly where you should live. It might mean looking for a neighborhood that’s close to where you work, but you should also look for a place with a low crime rate, especially if you plan on being out by yourself after dark. Think about the culture in the area where you’re going to live, like whether it emphasizes art, food, or a niche demographic.
Don’t forget about your neighbors! Knock on a few doors before you agree to rent an apartment. It’s a great way to see if your neighbor has a big dog or kids that might interfere with your daily activities.
Pay Attention to Shared Walls
Speaking of neighbors, you should also pay attention to the shared walls in an apartment space. You can learn to live with others in close proximity, but you should minimize the number of shared walls if you can.
If you’re touring a unit with neighbors above, below, and on both sides, ask the landlord if they have any units with at least one unshared wall. It’s even better if you can find a unit with an unshared wall in the bedroom. That way you can at least count on a good night’s sleep.
Get to Know the Landlord
Many a renter has found the perfect apartment in the perfect location, only to move out at the end of their lease. The reason? The landlord.
Make getting to know your landlord part of the search experience. Research whether they are a multi-property landlord or a single-unit landlord. Those that manage multiple properties aren’t as present as single-unit landlords.
When you knock on potential neighbors’ doors, ask them about their experience with the landlord. And of course, follow your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable touring properties with the landlord, even if you can’t put your finger on it, find another place. You don’t want to be stuck dealing with someone that makes you feel uncomfortable.
It may take a little extra time to find the kind of apartment that you want to live in for years to come, but it will save you a lot of headaches down the road. Not to mention, it allows you to put down roots and create a home you can feel proud of.
