Five tips every urban renter should know

Is it the end of your lease and you’re ready for a change: Are you moving closer to work? Or are you looking for a change in scenery? People decide to pack up and move for many different reasons, but whatever the reason may be, it’s important to find a place that you will enjoy living.

Yet, sometimes apartment searching feels like just another box to check off the “to do” list. It also requires time we often don’t have. But unfortunately, we hear too often about someone wanting to make a housing change because he or she rushed into a place or simply settled on an apartment to shorten the search process. Here are some critical renter tips that can help you quickly narrow down your search and find a place that will offer both value and comfort.

1. If you’re leasing agent doesn’t have a smile — run!

Whoever greets you should appear happy to see you, if not excited. Leasing professionals should be people who help you find the right place and make you feel at home. After all, you will be spending a substantial amount of time in the community. You want to feel welcome, not just in your apartment, but also in the community as a whole. Sometimes the people make the place. Not only will the leasing professionals be helping you find your new place, but they will also be there to help you once you settle in.

2. A clean building is  a happy building

When you scope out a potential residence, pay close attention to the outside of the building. Are the walkways and sidewalks kept clean and picked up? If it’s a snowy day, are the entryways and walkways cleared of snow and ice? Often we only look at the cleanliness of the specific path that we take while on tour, when we should be paying attention to the things that most people don’t often notice. Be sure to check out the exterior windows and the parking garages. The maintenance of the outside of a building can be a great reflection of the type of prompt service you will receive inside the apartment community.

3. Safety Comes First

The security of the apartment building you’re living in can be especially important if you are living downtown. While downtown Denver can offer amazing dining, culture, and energy, it is always important to remember you are still in an urban environment. The upkeep of the building is a great representation of the care that will be executed in maintaining the security of the entrances. Are the garage and exterior doors functional and in good working order? It’s important to remember that the fewer entrances into the building there are, the less chance someone has to come in unnoticed. While having a 24-hour security officer might not be necessary, ask if a courtesy officer is on-site or if there is any additional surveillance on the weekends. Are the light bulbs around the building functional and bright? Are there any dark corners? Trust your gut.

4. Won’t you be my neighbor?

They always say actions speak louder than words. Observing the residents that live in the place you are visiting is a great way to determine how happy you might be at your new apartment. Think of the leasing professional as the expert or coach, and the residents as players or teammates. It is great to gather information from everyone to paint a clearer picture of the community. Sometimes a great way to get to know your neighbors is to ask if the community provides resident events or social gatherings that allow you to meet other people that live in the community.

5. Location and amenities to adapt to identities

Often we get so excited about the actual apartment, we forget to ask what else the building has to offer. Whether you are a homebody or always on the go, you should look for things that appeal to you. Is there a space on site for curling up with a good book? Is there a common space giving you an opportunity to meet your neighbors? Do you have a pet? Sometimes places claim to be pet friendly, but are they pet accommodating? Downtown Denver can prove especially difficult for dog owners, so if you have a dog, look for dog-focused amenities. At 2020 Lawrence, pet owners can exercise their dogs without leaving home, thanks to Barks & Rec, a rooftop dog park complete with artificial grass. Are the things that you love to do close to where you live? Not everyone wants to walk everywhere they go, but don’t forget that living downtown can mean parking or paying to park, so why not find a place that is central to places you like to visit.