How To Rent An Apartment In Bloomington
Getting ready to rent your first apartment? Or perhaps it’s been several years since you rented one, and now you’re undergoing the steps again. Here’s what you should to know about how to rent an apartment in Bloomington, from deciding how much you can spend to selecting the ideal apartment and completing the application.
What Can You Afford?
Your first step is to determine what you can afford. You wouldn’t want to become enamored with a place only to realize it’s completely beyond your range. Consider your finances before you tour that terrific two-bedroom with a view of the lake. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
- Review your net income - what’s left after taxes - and take away your present bills (car payments, credit cards, etc.).
- Anticipate unexpected expenses like auto repairs and emergency medical care. As a general rule, add 10 percent to your bill total.
- Approximate expenses at your new place, such as utility bills and groceries. If you need a starting point, designate $250 a month for both.
- How often do you go out? Estimate your expected entertainment and dining costs per month.
- What is left? This total is what you can put toward rent. Now is the time to figure out if you should consider a roommate.
Selecting The Ideal Apartment In Bloomington
Exploring different properties and floor plans can be enjoyable but also time-consuming. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to look - at least a couple months. Your opening step is to figure out the general area. How close do you wish to be to work or school? Are you searching downtown or in suburban areas? Is there shopping and entertainment in close proximity? Determining an exact location will save you a great deal of time.
You probably have a good idea of how many bedrooms you’ll need, so you may concentrate on picking your favorite floor plan. Then, you need to decide what amenities you want. Is a health club or swimming pool essential? Do you require a community that allows animals? Making these decisions will simplify your search.
Finishing The Application Process
After you’ve discovered an apartment, you need to complete the application process. You should come prepared with a photo ID, documentation of income, and some references. You’ll typically be charged an application fee to cover the cost of credit and background checks. If you intend to use a co-signer, ask about them before getting too far along, as they may not be allowed.
Your application process will usually include the following:
- Pay the application fee
- Complete an application form
- Expect background and credit checks
- Sign the contract
On the actual application form, you can anticipate supplying the following information:
- Phone number, name, email, and present address
- Occupation and salary
- Prior address(es)
- Animals (if applicable)
- Who to call in case of emergency
- References - you may be asked to supply former landlords or professional and personal references
Come Home To The Perfect Apartment At City Flats at Renwick
Renting an apartment in Bloomington is easy at City Flats at Renwick. We boast a wide choice of amenities and floor plans to accommodate your lifestyle. Request a tour to discover our property or reach out to 812-578-7432 to talk with one of our skilled leasing specialists about how to rent one of our apartments in Bloomington.