Boston Housing: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an Apartment

Looking for suitable Boston housing is a hassle. When you’re a renter, there’s a lot of pressure to close on an apartment as soon as possible, due to the competitive real estate market. This rush though can easily lead you to choose poorly. Check out this article for a few tips on how to avoid common mistakes when renting an apartment.

Finding a decent apartment to rent in Boston is not easy. The city is dealing with a housing shortage, and the rate at which places are being snapped up right now is almost unbelievable. Last time I was on the move it took me almost two months to finally sign a lease. It was a daunting and discouraging process, even after I enlisted the help of a real estate agent. If you’re looking for an affordable and spacious place close to the T (and aren’t we all?) you will likely have to compromise on at least one of those factors.

All this pressure can likely cause you to rush into a decision you may end up regretting down the line. I had my fair of renter’s disappointment along the years – bad roommates, nosy landlords, broken appliances, to only name a few. To top it off, I even spent a few months living without heat, because I was naïve enough to believe that my landlord will have the decency to deal with the problem head on. Consequently, I’m familiar with common mistakes one is likely to make when renting a place in The Hub. I’ve shared them below; hopefully, they will inspire you to make smarter decisions when renting an apartment.

1.  Not Being Familiar with The Market

Before you start browsing apartments on Craigslist, take the time to familiarize yourself with the Boston real estate market. There are plenty of online resources to get you started. For instance, you can find a list with the median rent per neighborhood here. Decide on a budget and only look in areas you can afford. This will save you some precious time and frustration.

If you have a more sizeable budget and you would like to spend more on housing to enjoy some high-class amenities, go for a luxury apartment. Some friends of mine recently moved to a building of luxury condos in Fenway, 1330 Boylston, and they’re enjoying an on-site fitness center and 24-hour concierge service. If your budget isn’t as generous, figure out what your must-haves are. If you own a pet, for example, your search will be that more challenging. Unfortunately, Boston isn’t a pet-friendly city. However, Curbed recently published a map of the pet-friendliest neighborhoods for renters in Greater Boston that will surely come in handy.

2.  Compromise

When there’s no wiggle room in your budget, there’s a good chance you will have to compromise in order to actually find a new place to live. Maybe you will have to settle for carpet instead of hardwood floors, or maybe you will be signing up for a place without parking and further from the T than you wanted. The key is to keep an open mind when looking at a place and don’t dismiss it just because it doesn’t meet all your requirements. It’s hard to find a perfect place when your funds are limited, so stop being too picky.

3.  Failing to Thoroughly Inspect The Place

Whenever you visit an apartment, make sure you inspect the place carefully before you sign the lease. You don’t want to find out after one week that the faucets are leaking or that the windows don’t close properly. Check all the appliances and light fixtures to make sure they’re working and be on the lookout for signs of mold or infestation. For a complete list of what to pay special attention to during a showing, take a look here.

4.  Sharing The Condo With Strangers

If you’re planning to share the space with roommates, it’s best to know them personally. Living with strangers can be horrifying, to say the least. Sure, you might end up meeting someone nice and making a new friend, but you can move in with someone who “forgets” to pay the rent on time and eats all your food without asking. It’s best to go with a friend or at least with someone who was recommended by a trustworthy acquaintance. Everyone can make a good first impression if they try hard enough.

5.  Not Reading The Whole Lease

The lease is what sets out the details of your tenancy. Read it with care and make sure you understand it perfectly before signing it. Go over it with a lawyer if you have this possibility, or at least ask your real estate agent to take a look. The lease should mention things like what changes you can perform to the apartment, if overnight guests are allowed, and if a furry friend would be welcome later on. Make sure you’re OK with all of the landlord’s conditions before moving in.

The search for an apartment can be challenging, sure, but remember that The Hub is an amazing city to live in. Finding suitable Boston housing is difficult because everyone wants to live here. All your efforts will all worth it once you sign a lease.