More and more travelers don’t simply want to skip through the city or country they’re visiting. They want to stick around for longer.
Many people are eager to experience “living life as a local” while they’re on vacation or traveling. That’s why you may want to ditch the hotel vibes for an apartment.
However, when you’re searching for a short-term or long-term apartment rental, it’s not always easy to know how to get started.
Check out our apartment hunting tips in the blog post below to enable you to discover the home of your summer dreams. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Remember to Always Check Online Reviews
If you’re searching on Airbnb or another home rental service, you need to make sure you check reviews before you agree to stay in the property.
Up to eighty-four percent of people say that they trust online reviews as much as friends. Reviewers are usually pretty reliable. But, the more you read, the better!
If someone else stayed in the property and enjoyed it, then there is a good chance that you’ll have a similar experience. However, if nobody has reviewed the property before, you should probably not risk it.
The reviews might even reveal something the description doesn’t. For example, the reviewer may highlight that the neighborhood has dozens of great cafés.
Alternatively, the reviews may simply serve to verify what the owner says. If the description says that the walk to the city center is ten minutes, check to see if the reviewers say the same.
2. Do Your Homework on the Neighborhood
If you’re traveling around then you probably won’t know the neighborhood very well. But, if you staying in a big city, you don’t want to find yourself in the worse part of town.
That’s why doing your homework on the neighborhoods in the place is crucial before you sign anything. There’s always a neighborhood for you!
If you want to go out partying and enjoying the hipster vibe, then you probably want to rent an apartment in the middle-class area of town surrounded by young families.
It’s always better to spend a little time exploring the neighborhoods. If you can’t find time for this, then research online and ask around with friends.
Once you narrow down your neighborhoods, you’re in a better position to concentrate your apartment hunting strategy.
3. Determine Your Necessities
If you’re traveling, you won’t be able to carry your necessities with you. Nobody can squeeze a refrigerator in their hand luggage.
That’s why it’s extra important that you make sure the apartment you’re renting has everything you need to enjoy your experience.
Nothing is going to be perfect. But, you need to note down everything you can’t live without in a property.
This could be anything from a double bed to the balcony for relaxing in the sunshine. Whatever is important for you, make sure the rental has to before.
4. Prepare Your Documents
When you’re renting a property, you need to make sure you have your documents already prepared before you sign up.
Remember, if you eventually find the apartment of your dreams, it’s likely that someone else has spotted the same place.
It’s probably going to be a race to secure the property. You can’t afford to waste valuable time putting together your documents.
So, what do you need? This depends on the property renter. But, you could need anything from bank statements to passports.
Some landlords may even require a letter of recommendation. But, if you’re only staying for short-term apartments for rent in Raleigh, you may get away without giving over any documents.
5. It’s Worth Trying to Bargain
If you’re in a foreign country, you may find that the apartment owner could try to persuade you to pay more than the property is actually worth.
That’s why you need to make sure you’re prepared to negotiate to get a good deal on the apartment. You need to know a little about the market generally.
During the quieter seasons (especially winter), you may be able to secure a much better deal on the property compared with summer.
Just because a particular apartment is priced over your budget, don’t let this put you off entirely. You never know if the owner is willing to reduce the price to secure your tenancy.
6. Visit the Property Whenever Possible
You don’t really want to commit to renting an apartment without viewing it first. But, that’s not possible in every case when you’re traveling.
Just ensure that you inspect the photographs carefully online before paying anything. But, if you can view the property this is even better.
Bring a friend with you when you view the property. This is good for safety. But, it’s also helpful to have a second opinion.
There is usually a lot to take in when you’re visiting the property for the first time. Therefore, try to take a video and lots of pictures on your smartphone.
7. Warning: Avoid Scammers!
Over one in twenty renters say that they have lost money from scams when renting an apartment. You need to be extra careful when you’re traveling abroad.
Making sure you don’t send anyone money over the internet before you have been a place yourself is advised. This is especially important if you’re not renting over a platform, such as Airbnb.
Scammers can leave you without an apartment and with a hole in your bank balance. That’s enough to ruin your travel trip altogether. Check out Corporate Keys Australia to rent with a secure company.
Discover More Apartment Hunting Tips
Searching for an apartment when you’re traveling can be stressful and time-consuming. But, it’s important to get the right place for you.
Now you know our apartment hunting tips, you can make sure you know how to secure the best place possible for your travel experience.
Do you want to know more about how to apartment hunt? Click the link and check out our property management website for more travel advice!