Moving to the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex? Get your answers and make your buying decisions easy by using our resource guide.
| Renting and Leasing |
Amenities Galore
In addition to affordable rents in the area, amenities provided by many apartment complexes are considered luxuries in other U.S. cities. Expect to find amenities such as disability access, some paid utilities, balconies or patios, cable-ready outlets, emergency maintenance, laundry facility, outdoor pools, hot tubs and spas. Many have tennis courts, basketball facilities, billiard rooms, playgrounds and fitness facilities outfitted to rival private gyms. Also available at many complexes are limited-access gates, dry cleaners, lush landscaping and basic cable television. Some apartments have luxurious clubhouses with big-screen televisions, executive business centers, parking garages, sundecks, gazebos, elevators and video-monitored limited entries.
Interior features considered standard for most apartments include heating, air conditioning, mini-blinds, ceiling fans, fully equipped kitchens with a dishwasher and multiple phone lines.
Other features might include nine-foot ceilings, crown molding, oval garden tubs, bay windows, fireplaces, or garages and/or covered parking. In addition, some communities have resident programs that include free and optional services such as maids, concierges, aerobic classes, guest suites for visitors, free shuttle services and car detail centers.
Renter’s Checklist
Refer to this list to help you customize your own version that you can take with you when looking at properties. You can also take a photo of key features that you can clip to the checklist as a reminder.
• Activities: Many places will have at least a few of the following available: basketball court, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, fitness center, walking trail, picnic areas, pet areas and maybe even a play area for children.
• Appliances: Which appliances do you require? Some older buildings might not come with the basics, whereas others will have everything you need. You just need to decide which appliances are important to you: washer and dryer (or just a hookup), microwave, dish washer, oven/stove or garbage disposal.
• Who pays the utilities? It can vary from place to place.
• Bathrooms: How many bathrooms do you require? Do you need a tub in every one, or can you get by with shower stalls? Don't forget to turn on the shower to check water pressure.
• Cable or Dish: Many complexes will include some sort of cable package, but if you need every channel there is, do your research. Some apartments might not let you put up a dish, so keep that in mind if you're using services such as DirecTV or Dish Network.
• Phone/Internet: If a particular service provider is important to you, ensure that provider services your area by asking the landlord or going to the provider’s Web site and entering the zip code in the service area box.
• Ceiling fans: This may not be important to some, but others want a ceiling fan in every room. These are especially useful in homes here in the region and helps keep air circulating, even with air conditioning on.
• Kitchen space: Is there adequate counter space and is the space laid out well? Are there enough cabinets and is there a pantry to store foods? Does the kitchen look clean and smell okay?
• Living Space: It's better to have too much than too little. If you go too small, you'll either be living with clutter, or spending extra money to put some of your belongings in storage.
• Parking: Don't overlook parking space, especially if you have more than one vehicle. If you check during the day, there could be plenty of available parking spaces, but how about at night when everyone is home from work?
• Pets: Many rentals will have strict policies when it comes to pets. Some might not allow them at all, while others might just require an additional security deposit. In some cases, the deposit can be pretty high and may not be refundable. Ask plenty of questions if you're unsure. Keep in mind that even when pets are allowed, a big dog that growls at children or barks all night long, will probably be asked to leave.
• Renter's insurance: Even if the landlord doesn't require renter's insurance, it's usually pretty cheap and worth having.
• Storage: Many apartments will at least have a small storage closet, usually accessed from the porch or balcony. Some offer storage buildings for an additional fee. If you require a lot of storage, make sure there's a storage facility nearby. See page XX in Chapter 4 for more about storage.
Source: apartmentreview.net
What To Expect
After deciding on a place to live, you’ll be asked to complete a rental application. Make sure you’re prepared and have the following information available.
• Current and former addresses
• Current and past employment with dates
• Credit references
• Copy of your credit report (if available)
• Bank information
Most apartment communities use standard leases endorsed by the Texas Apartment Association (512-479-6252 and HAA 713-595-0300). You'll also find that most apartment communities will require a security deposit, which generally averages $200 to $400 depending on apartment size and other considerations. Standard leases cover six or 12 months, though some communities now offer seven and 13-month terms.
Many apartment communities have strict policies regarding pets, often limiting them to 20 pounds and requiring a pet deposit. When outside, a pet must be kept on a leash and walked only in designated areas.
Apartment communities employ full-time maintenance people to handle repairs and perform preventive maintenance, with some offering 24-hour emergency repair services. If leasing from an owner, be sure to establish responsibilities for repairs and maintenance.
In addition to affordable rents in the area, amenities provided by many apartment complexes are considered luxuries in other U.S. cities. Expect to find amenities such as disability access, some paid utilities, balconies or patios, cable-ready outlets, emergency maintenance, laundry facility, outdoor pools, hot tubs and spas. Many have tennis courts, basketball facilities, billiard rooms, playgrounds and fitness facilities outfitted to rival private gyms. Also available at many complexes are limited-access gates, dry cleaners, lush landscaping and basic cable television. Some apartments have luxurious clubhouses with big-screen televisions, executive business centers, parking garages, sundecks, gazebos, elevators and video-monitored limited entries.
Interior features considered standard for most apartments include heating, air conditioning, mini-blinds, ceiling fans, fully equipped kitchens with a dishwasher and multiple phone lines.
Other features might include nine-foot ceilings, crown molding, oval garden tubs, bay windows, fireplaces, or garages and/or covered parking. In addition, some communities have resident programs that include free and optional services such as maids, concierges, aerobic classes, guest suites for visitors, free shuttle services and car detail centers.
Renter’s Checklist
Refer to this list to help you customize your own version that you can take with you when looking at properties. You can also take a photo of key features that you can clip to the checklist as a reminder.
• Activities: Many places will have at least a few of the following available: basketball court, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, fitness center, walking trail, picnic areas, pet areas and maybe even a play area for children.
• Appliances: Which appliances do you require? Some older buildings might not come with the basics, whereas others will have everything you need. You just need to decide which appliances are important to you: washer and dryer (or just a hookup), microwave, dish washer, oven/stove or garbage disposal.
• Who pays the utilities? It can vary from place to place.
• Bathrooms: How many bathrooms do you require? Do you need a tub in every one, or can you get by with shower stalls? Don't forget to turn on the shower to check water pressure.
• Cable or Dish: Many complexes will include some sort of cable package, but if you need every channel there is, do your research. Some apartments might not let you put up a dish, so keep that in mind if you're using services such as DirecTV or Dish Network.
• Phone/Internet: If a particular service provider is important to you, ensure that provider services your area by asking the landlord or going to the provider’s Web site and entering the zip code in the service area box.
• Ceiling fans: This may not be important to some, but others want a ceiling fan in every room. These are especially useful in homes here in the region and helps keep air circulating, even with air conditioning on.
• Kitchen space: Is there adequate counter space and is the space laid out well? Are there enough cabinets and is there a pantry to store foods? Does the kitchen look clean and smell okay?
• Living Space: It's better to have too much than too little. If you go too small, you'll either be living with clutter, or spending extra money to put some of your belongings in storage.
• Parking: Don't overlook parking space, especially if you have more than one vehicle. If you check during the day, there could be plenty of available parking spaces, but how about at night when everyone is home from work?
• Pets: Many rentals will have strict policies when it comes to pets. Some might not allow them at all, while others might just require an additional security deposit. In some cases, the deposit can be pretty high and may not be refundable. Ask plenty of questions if you're unsure. Keep in mind that even when pets are allowed, a big dog that growls at children or barks all night long, will probably be asked to leave.
• Renter's insurance: Even if the landlord doesn't require renter's insurance, it's usually pretty cheap and worth having.
• Storage: Many apartments will at least have a small storage closet, usually accessed from the porch or balcony. Some offer storage buildings for an additional fee. If you require a lot of storage, make sure there's a storage facility nearby. See page XX in Chapter 4 for more about storage.
Source: apartmentreview.net
What To Expect
After deciding on a place to live, you’ll be asked to complete a rental application. Make sure you’re prepared and have the following information available.
• Current and former addresses
• Current and past employment with dates
• Credit references
• Copy of your credit report (if available)
• Bank information
Most apartment communities use standard leases endorsed by the Texas Apartment Association (512-479-6252 and HAA 713-595-0300). You'll also find that most apartment communities will require a security deposit, which generally averages $200 to $400 depending on apartment size and other considerations. Standard leases cover six or 12 months, though some communities now offer seven and 13-month terms.
Many apartment communities have strict policies regarding pets, often limiting them to 20 pounds and requiring a pet deposit. When outside, a pet must be kept on a leash and walked only in designated areas.
Apartment communities employ full-time maintenance people to handle repairs and perform preventive maintenance, with some offering 24-hour emergency repair services. If leasing from an owner, be sure to establish responsibilities for repairs and maintenance.
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