Top 10 Tips When Picking Your Next Apartment

As Isthmus previously stated, “Madison has become a city of renters.” The downtown Madison luxury apartment community exploded this past year, offering plenty of options for every taste. It’s important to consider these 10 items before selecting your new apartment home.

Your Budget

Most finance experts recommend that you allocate no more than 30% of your income for housing expenses. Consider the rent, utilities, parking, and any other monthly costs – are you comfortable with the resulting figure? Will the location assist in reducing your travel time to work, thereby alleviating your need for a vehicle and the associated costs? Can you use those savings to give yourself an “apartment upgrade” that you very much deserve?

Apartment Amenities

In the downtown Madison luxury apartment market many amenities come standard – in unit laundry, quality finishes, access to signature downtown dining and events, and more. Additional amenities may be available, but keep in mind you’ll likely pay an extra premium for those features. It’s very easy to get caught up in the lure of extravagant amenities but isn’t the excitement of being out and about in downtown Madison what attracted you to the area initially?

Transportation

Is the apartment on a bus line, or does it provide direct access to another means of public transportation? Is attached parking available, or will you have to walk two blocks to park your car? Is the location closer to work, alleviating your need for a car completely? If you have a bicycle, are bike paths nearby? Is there a Madison B-cycle station nearby for you to rent a bike? Does the apartment community have a high walk score?

Neighborhood

The neighborhood is an item that is often under-looked in apartment-hunting; many go into an apartment with the mentality “if I don’t like it I’ll move when my lease is up.” Instead, find a neighborhood you love, are proud to call home, and avoid moving every year. Are you right in the middle of student housing? Are your neighbors young professionals? Are there parties going on 24/7? Does your neighborhood provide direct access to entertainment and restaurants? If you have pets, is it a pet-friendly area? Is there green space nearby, or dog parks in walking distance?

Building Construction

Is the building well-built? Is there a layer of concrete between each floor for soundproofing from upstairs neighbors? Can you hear your neighbors through the walls? Are the entry and community areas well-maintained? Is it a non-smoking community? Is there sufficient lighting? Do the windows provide protection from the outdoor elements?

Safety

Does the building have controlled access and an intercom system? Is access made via a key, or a key fob? Are there adequate fire alarms? Do balconies have suitable railings to keep little ones at bay? Do the windows have locks? Are private entries secure? To check the crime around the neighborhood, use websites such as familywatchdog.us

Appliances

Are the appliances in working condition, and well maintained? Does the range hood vent to the outside, or just circulate the air? Are the appliances of a higher quality, with the finishes you’d prefer (e.g. stainless steel)? Is there central air?

Utilities

What utilities are you financially responsible for, and what utilities will your landlord pay? Are there enough outlets in each room to satisfy your electronic needs? Is your new apartment cable/internet ready so you can plug in and go? Does it offer 5Nines MicroNet hi-speed internet? Are there garbage chutes in the hallway, or do you have to walk all the way to a dumpster?

Staffing

Is management on site? Is there a dedicated maintenance team? Speak with current tenants if you can, and see how they feel about the quality of service received. Sites like www.apartmentratings.com can also be helpful in gaining insight not only to customer service of staff, but the overall apartment community.

Pet Policies

Does the apartment community accept animals? Is there a pet deposit, and is it charged per pet? Are there monthly pet fees? As to dogs, is there a weight limit or breed restriction? Is there green space nearby, or dog parks in walking distance? Are elevators roomy enough to allow for transporting dogs to and fro?

Be sure to bring this list of apartment renting tips with you when touring your next downtown Madison luxury apartment. If you have any questions or would simply like to learn more, the staff of 306 West would be happy to assist.

Model Unit Tours Daily: Mon 9-5, Tue-Fri 9-7, Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4 or by appointment 608.279.0174
306 West Main Street, Madison WI // Corner of Main & Henry