Renting your first apartment is an exciting achievement, giving you a space to call your own for the very first time. Unfortunately, finding the perfect apartment for rent can also be difficult and complicated, with unexpected pitfalls that can ruin your living experience. Following the dos and don’ts below will help you find a place you’ll love to call home.

Do:

Read the lease.

Lease agreements are long, tedious documents, but that fine print might determine whether an apartment for rent is really right for you. For instance, your dog might be excluded, or there might be extra fees and costs you weren’t expecting. Because they’re such important documents, read every page of the lease before signing.

Conduct a thorough inspection.

Before moving in, do a walk-through of the apartment and report any damage, no matter how minor. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for repairs when your lease is up.

Don’t:

Neglect maintenance issues.

Your property manager is responsible for most maintenance and repairs, so report any issues right away, especially electrical, plumbing, or pest-control problems. Neglecting these issues can cause even more serious damage, which will likely be more intrusive and time-consuming to fix.

Forget to look into the property management company.

The service provided by the property manager can be even more important than the condition and location of the apartment itself. Before leasing an apartment for rent, read reviews of other tenants’ experiences to find out how quickly the property managers handle maintenance problems, billing issues, and disputes between neighbors.

If you’re looking for quality housing in Onalaska or La Crosse, WI, Munson Realty, Inc. offers beautiful properties, affordable rates, and exceptional service. Their extensive portfolio includes properties of all shapes and sizes, from single-family homes to studio apartments right by the university. Visit their website or Facebook to browse their selection of apartments for rent, or call (608) 785-7187 to talk with an experienced agent today.