When you’re on the hunt for a Florida apartment, it’s important to know what to look for. This will allow you to get a higher quality home and ensure that it’s priced right. Asking a few questions, touring the property, and reading the fine print are all things you want to be sure to do.

SIZE

Everyone has preferences and standards for the size of the apartment they want. You may want a specific number of bedrooms and even a higher level of square footage so you have all the room you could desire.

Not all apartment complexes are the same. What a one bedroom in one location offers could be equivalent to a two bedroom in another. This is why it’s important to do some comparisons and look at the floor plans.

COST

While you may love a three bedroom apartment overlooking Ponte Vedra Beach with all the amenities you could dream of, it may be cost prohibitive. Take the time to review the cost of apartments so you know what you can and cannot afford.

Some apartments include water, sewer, and even cable and internet. This means you have to be mindful of these as you compare. If one apartment is more expensive but covers all your utilities, it might be more affordable when all is said and done.

PROPERTY FEATURES

Apartments in Florida are known for some amazing property features. These vary from property to property, and may include fitness centers, pools, playgrounds, walking paths, and more. It’s best to take a tour of the property so you can see the features for yourself and determine whether it’s sufficient for your lifestyle.

It might be a good idea to find out what kind of property insurance is in place for these features, too. This way if there is a theft, vandalism or something else, the apartment company files a claim to get insurance to pay for it rather than raising the cost of rent.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Finally, ask about insurance requirements. Many apartment buildings require their renters to obtain a renters insurance policy in Florida. This would take care of any issues inside your apartment as it pertains to your belongings. If there is a break-in, a fire, or even a water leak from another apartment, your belongings could be repaired or replaced with the right policy.

You may be in a hurry to find a place to rent. However, you don’t want to make such a hasty decision that you fail to look at what’s included and what’s required of you. Most apartment complexes want you to sign a lease of six months or a year. The last thing you want is to be trapped into a lease for an apartment that’s not going to be what you want – or that’s more than you can afford.