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Finding any rental is easy. Finding the right rental is tough. You want your home to reflect your tastes, interests, lifestyle and needs. If you’re not sure how to pick a needle out of a haystack, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to find a rental that’s perfectly suited to them. But there’s hope! Use this checklist as your step-by-step guide the next time you’re on the hunt for your next rental apartment. It’s loaded with helpful tips when it comes to finding the perfect rental apartment to suit your needs.

Start with your ideal destination

Easier said than done for some! It’s important to start your rental search by browsing for available rental properties within a specific location. It’s wise to get granular -- more specific than the town or city -- and try to nail down the exact neighbourhoods you’d prefer to rent in. Don’t get too granular though -- you may have a favourite street etc but that doesn’t mean you’ll find a good rental option there.

Do your research

If you’re new to a city or town, be sure to research the neighbourhoods before signing a lease. You want to ensure the area will work for your lifestyle, budget and daily needs. The things to look for depend on your personal preferences, needs and how you will get around town etc. If you prefer to walk or cycle, look for neighbourhoods with good walk scores and bike lanes, and amenities like grocery stores, shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Be sure to factor in your rental budget and research the average rental cost for the neighbourhoods you’re interested in. The more robust the area (like downtown and tourist areas), the higher the rent will be typically. If you need to easily access downtown, but have a low or modest budget, you may want to find a more quiet residential area nearby with good transit options to rent in.

It’s also important to consider your safety when renting. Things like local crime can impact you so look for safe neighbourhoods you can afford to rent in.

Student or teacher? Consider this

If you’re a student or teacher, it’s wise to look for a walkable area near your institution, or at least look for an area with good public transportation options and a short commute. You’ll want to avoid a long commute at all costs. As a student, it’s helpful to choose an area with good restaurant options that you can afford as student life can be busy and you may find yourself unable to cook at times.

Determine your ideal neighbourhood vibe

Your vibe matters a lot in your rental search. If you prefer a calm and quiet environment, look for suburban or urban residential areas rather than downtown neighbourhoods. If you thrive in the heart of the action, check out downtown areas.

Factor in your pet(s)

If you’re a dog owner, look for areas that have easy access to good green spaces or dog parks. The last thing you’ll want to do is have to drive with your pet to a park or walk long distances in cold or wet weather.

Define what you really want and need in a rental

It’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in terms of the rental space itself. A lot of that comes down to how you’ll use the space and get around the area.  

Make a list

We suggest making a list of nice to haves, must haves and deal breakers. Things like an indoor pool might be nice to have, a “dedicated space to work” might be a must have for you if you work from home, and “not pet-friendly” could be a deal breaker for you if you were a pet owner, etc. After you compile your list, use it to compare and contrast the available apartments you are interested in renting. You might find it is extremely helpful if you have a tough decision to make.

Factor in amenities

Building amenities can make up for apartment unit shortcomings. If, for example, a building has exercise facilities like a gym, yoga studio, pool etc., then you won’t need an apartment that’s large enough to work out in. If the building is in an area that doesn’t have convenient amenities nearby (like gyms or parks), but has an onsite dog park and an indoor gym on the property, it may suit your needs better than you anticipate. Amenities can also fill in the gaps created by a small unit. If you don’t mind spending a lot of your down time out of your apartment but still on the property hanging out in communal areas, you may be able to find a great deal on a small bachelor or one bedroom unit within a building that has excellent amenities like a lounge, gym, theater etc.

Read reviews

Everyone is unique and what works for some may not work for you etc., but reviews can be very insightful when searching for a rental. Be sure to read any you can find for the rentals that pique your interest to see if renters are complaining about anything that may impact you as a renter such as pest infestations, personal safety, poor quality building management and maintenance etc. Good reviews can offer insight too -- like if renters perceive the building as a great place to live.

Trust your gut

It’s important to feel your way through when making major decisions like where to live. Go with your gut and pay attention to how you feel in the spaces you consider and take notes. Do you like the style of the apartment? Does it feel like you? Could you modify it to suit your tastes? Does the area and entrance to the property and your unit feel safe to you (well lit, open etc.)? Feeling at home is about feeling at ease.

We hope this checklist helps you find the right rental for you.

Looking for a new apartment to call home? Panoramic Properties would love to welcome you home. Please visit our website to browse our available apartments