By Andrew Rios


The entire rental business is sometimes hard work, especially when you are a tenant in a rather big city, looking for cheap rentals. Finding a new apartment with a great location and low rent is not an easy task.

Although it can be hard to find an inexpensive - or at least reasonably priced - rental, it is possible. You will need to set aside time to conduct your search. You will need to practice patience and have enough energy to put into the search. Some simple suggestions will help you in your search for your apartment.

Though we all dream of the best neighborhoods in town, these generally come with a price, so don't be too quick to cross off the not-so-popular areas from your list. Going to some areas that aren't as popular can give you a broader choice for your money.

After you narrow down the acceptable areas of the city, begin looking for apartments. Consider looking at smaller apartments as well as studio apartments, especially if your finances are tight.

If your budget is the driver of your apartment search, you will probably want to stay away from those brand new apartment complexes with all those fancy amenities. These definitely come with a high price. In addition, historical buildings, even those that have been available for some time, usually bring in higher rents.

Asking your friends and family if they know of any good rental properties can be a great way to find that perfect rental. You never know what bargain a friend might be aware of so ask around.

Once you have found a rental you are interested in, don't be shy about negotiating with your prospective landlord. This is a great time to land a lower rent or have amenities included in your lease. Especially in a recessed economy, landlords are generally more than willing to negotiate.

One method of reducing your overall rental cost is to offer to prepay rent for as much of the year as you can afford. Experienced landlords expect smart shoppers to negotiate, so be confident that you can come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement.




About the Author: