You want to find an apartment to rent that meets the needs of your family.
But how do you know which is the best apartment unit or home?
Here are useful tips on finding and renting an apartment from Robert Barbera, of Barbera Properties who informs renters on looking for apartments with pride of ownership. Barbera Properties operates 26 apartment buildings and single family homes in Southern California's San Gabriel Valley.
1 LOCATION and CURB APPEAL
Robert Barbera says ask yourself if the apartment building is in a location you like and if the building’s exterior has appeal to you.
“The first thing is if it doesn’t have street appeal then walk away. If it has street appeal then go further,” said Robert.
2 THE MANAGER’S ATTITUDE
The next test is meeting with the apartment manager and listening to how he or she speaks with you.
“If the manager approaches you with the right attitude then you're on the right track. If they feel like they’re doing you a favor then walk away,” he said. “The manager has to be engaging and they also have to show pride in their apartment. Because if they’re not proud of their property then you should walk away.”
3 PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP
Mr. Barbera says a manager or property owner who takes pride in the appearance of the exterior and the upkeep of the interior will gladly respond to calls from tenants for necessary repairs. Ask the manager or property owner about how quickly they respond to maintenance calls.
“It works so much better for us to be on the ball and get over there and correct he situation,” said Robert. “The person felt they had a complaint, it’s taken care of and now its out of the way.
“If you have deferred maintenance it gets worse and worse until you get in there and make it better.”
You can also ask if the management company surveys their tenants. Asking for tenant feedback is a regular practice for Barbera Properties.
4 THE APARTMENT UNIT’S APPEAL
“When you get to the apartment, do you like what you see? Are the fixtures clean and updated? Then check for the condition of countertops, wear on carpeting and the bathrooms.
“In short, everything should be a test.”
Robert Barbera believes there should be a partnership between the tenant and the property owner to ensure a quality experience.
To view a current listing of available apartment units in Pasadena, Arcadia or other cities of the San Gabriel Valley, log on to http://www.barberaproperties.com/.
2 comments:
Also, never rent an apartment unseen. Many less reputable managers will say, "I can't show you the apartment we've set aside for you until you sign the lease. After you sign, we'll paint it and get it ready to show it." Landlords know that once you sign the lease, you are stuck with the apartment. If you can't see it before you sign, it's best to just walk away.
Good comment. I never thought of this.
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