August 18, 2001
Looking for the new place you call home is not as easy as you might think. You need a lot of time for research, reconnaissance, and reconsideration. Give yourself at least 2 months before your expected move-in day. Think about where you might want to live, and what you want in your apartment. For the readers who are still in Thailand, it is better to start early before you even set foot here by looking online for apartment listing websites. Some of university housing web pages might even point you to some listings. Then you can contact the local Thai Club for some assistance in either looking at some places, or finding yourself shared living quarter.
Actually, before you start searching, you’d have to understand that the standard of what is “reasonable rent” is different in each area of the neighborhood or city. Find out the average rent in the area so that you know what to expect. You must also know your budget for rent and utilities. Calculate your total living expense and see how much you can really afford in rent. In some cases, rent includes all utilities (electricity, water, and gas), but most cases electricity and/or gas are separate.
Now that you have a budget, you have to decide if you can afford to rent on your own, or if you need to find a roommate. It is probably easier for the first year to share a room with someone who already has a place. Start looking from your Thai Club, then the flyers on your campus bulletin boards, and then check campus newspapers for any listings. Give the person a call to discuss further details. You might be invited to visit the apartment and to meet in person. Don’t commit to that roommate until you have explored other options. Then again, sometimes you would sacrifice some conveniences just to have the right roommate, or for the place you feel at home. I sacrificed the short 15 minute commute from my stuffy studio apartment, and moved to Long Beach, 30 miles south of USC campus (about 40 minute drive), because I’ve found a friend to room with, and I’ve found the much needed peace away from the city.
Oakley and Cheech. We would have made perfect roommates.
We both love USC, music, singing, and dancing.
(Oh and also he's gay.)
Some people start from finding out availability from listings then they scout out the neighborhood. Others start from the neighborhood before the availability. It is up to you. You can pick up a free apartment listing and local newspapers from local grocery stores, or go online to search for availability. Then pick out places from the listings that appeal to you and do the reconnaissance. You can make a much better choice if you scope out the area you’re interested in during the day AND at night. Grab a friend, go drive around, and bring a notebook. Take a walk around during the day, and observe from your car at night. Write down your thoughts on the area. Check out the neighborhood to see if it is to your liking. Some people prefer a nice and quiet neighborhood, but some might want a more lively and active place. Consider the safety factors such as well-lit and well-traveled streets, and parking lots, and how well the neighborhood is being maintained. Find out where grocery stores and malls are, and figure out the transportation route as well.
Once you find the area you like, then the search is narrowed down to the place you can call home. If you happen to see the signs that say “Renting” or “Leasing” while you are walking around, go ahead and jot down the information. Use the call box outside the building, if available, to call the manager, or you have a cell phone, you might want to even give him or her a ring right there to see the apartment right away, or to make an appointment for later on.
At the apartment viewing, don’t hold back any questions you want to ask the managers. Be acquisitive. Thoroughly go through the apartment. Look out the window/balcony. Open the cabinets and closets. Ask to take a look at their facilities like garage, laundry room, pool, and gym. Take good notes so you can compare them later. Some place may give you an application to fill out at the viewing, and sometimes it includes a credit check. If you are interested in the place, fill it out and return it later.
Once you find that special place, it’s time to sign the lease. Most apartment complexes have 1-year lease, meaning that you are legally bound to rent from them for one full year. Some places offer 6-month or month-to-month lease. Be sure to read through all the legal mumbo jumbo on the lease and understand it before signing. Most apartments require a security deposit, which may be as much as one or two months' rent. This deposit is fully refundable after you move out, as long as you have complied with the terms of your rental contract, such as keeping your place clean and in good repair. Once the lease is signed, you’re ready to move in.
Remember that apartment hunting is like shopping. You get to be as picky as you’d like, and you don’t have to commit to anything. If there’s something you don’t like about the place, you can walk away. And of course as I said earlier, sometimes you like the place so much you might have to sacrifice some conveniences. Once you find the perfect new home, you’ll have to prepare for the move-in and really making it your comfy new dig/crib/pad. And I’ll talk about that in the next installment. As for now, Happy Hunting!
Oakley's requirement for her new place was a room big enough
for her bed and her piano.
Related Links