Renting a new apartment can be both exciting and costly at the same time, and it is always wise to thoroughly evaluate the full situation before you sign a lease for the unit. Here are four of the most important factors you should consider when looking at apartments for rent. 

1. The Total Cost of Upfront Fees

How much is it going to cost you upfront to move into the unit you are interested in? This is always a good question to answer, as it will affect your budget and savings account. There are always going to be upfront costs with an apartment, but the costs vary. Some of the upfront costs you may have will include the first month's rental payment and the security deposit. You might also have upfront costs for your renter's insurance and utility deposits. If you have to pay for a parking space, you will have to pay for this too. Add up the upfront costs before signing the lease to make sure you have enough money to use for these things.

2. The Monthly Costs of Living There

Secondly, you should estimate the monthly costs of living in the unit. To do this, ask the landlord for copies of utility bills from similar units. You can add those in with your monthly rent and any other monthly expenses you will have with the unit, and this will help you see how much it will cost approximately per month to live there.

3. The Distance to Your Job

Before signing the lease, make sure you test drive from the building to your workplace to find out the commute time. It might be wise to time this during rush hour if you want to get a realistic estimate of the time you will spend going to and from work each day.

4. The Amenities

Finally, you should make sure the unit offers the top amenities you need. For example, if you are renting an upper-level apartment, is there a working elevator there you can use, or will you have to climb steps each day? Secondly, are there laundry facilities in the unit or at least on-site, or will you have to drive to a laundromat each week when you need to complete your laundry duties?

Evaluating these things can help you make a wise decision with the apartment you rent. To find units in your price range, call a property management firm today.