How To Rent An Apartment In Bloomington
Are you getting ready to secure your first apartment? Or perhaps it’s been several years since you leased one, and now you’re starting the process again. Here’s what you need to know about how to rent an apartment in Bloomington, from figuring out what you can afford to finding the right apartment and filling out the application.
What Can You Afford?
Your initial task is to figure out your budget. You don’t want to fall in love with a floor plan only to realize it’s not possible from a financial standpoint. Think about your budget prior to taking a tour of that incredible two-bedroom unit with a nature view. Here are some suggestions to help you do so.
- Look at your net income - the amount you have after taxes - and take away your existing charges (credit cards, car payments, etc.).
- Anticipate unexpected expenses like car repairs and urgent care appointments. Generally speaking, add 10 percent to your current bill amount.
- Estimate costs at your new unit, such as groceries and utilities. If you need a place to start, go with $250 a month for each one.
- How often do you dine out? Estimate your expected monthly dining and entertainment budget.
- What is remaining? This amount is what you can allocate for rent. This is a great time to determine if you’ll need a roommate.
Selecting The Ideal Apartment In Bloomington
Investigating different communities and floor plans is fun but also demanding of your time. Make sure you give yourself enough time to look - at least two or three months. Your opening step is to determine the general area. How close do you want to be to your office or school? Are you searching in the city center or in suburban areas? Is there shopping and nightlife close by? Knowing the location will greatly benefit you.
You probably have a good idea of how many bedrooms you’ll require, so you may focus on selecting your preferred floor plan. Then, you should think about what amenities are must-haves. Is a health club or pool non-negotiable? Do you need a pet-welcoming community with a dog park? Making these decisions will simplify your search.
Finishing The Application Process
After you’ve discovered an apartment, you have to finish the application process. You’ll need to be prepared with proper identification, evidence of income, and references. You’ll typically be charged an application fee to cover the cost of background and credit checks. If you intend to use a co-signer, let the leasing agent know at the beginning, as they might not be allowed.
Your application process will generally involve the following:
- Pay the application fee
- Complete an application form
- Anticipate background and credit checks
- Sign the lease
When completing the application, you should expect to supply the information below:
- Phone number, name, email, and current address
- Occupation and income amount
- Previous address(es)
- Dogs or other pets (if applicable)
- Who to call in case of emergency
- References - you may be asked to supply previous landlords or professional and personal references
Come Home To The Ideal Apartment At City Flats on Tenth
Leasing an apartment in Bloomington isn’t hard to do at City Flats on Tenth. We have a wide range of floor plans and amenities to match your lifestyle. Arrange a tour to discover our property or reach out to 812-561-1974 to talk with one of our helpful leasing specialists about how to rent one of our apartments in Bloomington.