Houston is a vibrant and diverse city that attracts many people who are looking for a new place to live. Whether you are moving to Houston for work, school, or personal reasons, finding an apartment that suits your needs and budget can be a challenging task. However, with some research, planning, and common sense, you can avoid some of the most common mistakes that people make when they find apartments in Houston. Here are some of the mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Not doing enough research

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they find apartments in Houston is not doing enough research before signing a lease. Houston is a large and diverse city with many neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics, culture, and amenities. You should not rely on online listings alone to find your ideal apartment. Instead, you should try different methods, such as:

Asking for recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers who live in Houston or have lived there before
Visiting different neighborhoods in person and getting a feel for the area, the traffic, the public transportation, the safety, and the vibe
Talking to local experts, such as real estate agents, property managers, or community leaders, who can give you insider tips and advice on finding apartments in Houston
Reading reviews and ratings from other renters who have lived in the apartments or neighborhoods that you are interested in
Comparing different options and weighing the pros and cons of each one

Doing enough research will help you find an apartment that matches your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. It will also help you avoid unpleasant surprises or disappointments later on. If you want it all on a silver platter, fill-in our short form and we’ll find your dream apartment for you with no hassle.

Mistake #2: Forgetting about renters insurance

Another common mistake that people make when they find apartments in Houston is forgetting about renters insurance. Renters insurance is a type of insurance that covers your personal belongings in case of loss or damage due to events such as fire, flood, theft, or vandalism. It can also cover your liability if you cause damage to the property or injure someone else. Renters insurance is not mandatory in Texas, but some apartment communities may require it as part of the lease agreement. Even if it is not required, you should get it anyway. It is not a big expense and well worth the investment. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of renters insurance in Texas was $232 per year in 2019.

Renters insurance can save you a lot of money and hassle if something unexpected happens to your apartment or your belongings. It can also give you peace of mind and security. To get renters insurance, you can shop around online or contact an insurance agent who can help you find the best policy for your needs.

Mistake #3: Not reading the lease carefully

Another mistake that people make when they find apartments in Houston is not reading the lease carefully before signing it. The lease is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of your rental agreement with the landlord or property manager. It should cover everything from the rent amount and payment schedule to the rules and regulations of the apartment community. It should also specify what happens if you need to break the lease, move out early, sublet, or add a roommate.

You should not skim or sign the lease without reading it thoroughly and understanding what it means. You should also ask questions if anything is unclear or confusing. If you sign the lease without reading it carefully, you may end up agreeing to something that you don’t want or can’t afford. You may also miss important details or clauses that could affect your rights or responsibilities as a renter.

Mistake #4: Not inspecting the apartment before moving in

Another mistake that people make when they find apartments in Houston is not inspecting the apartment before moving in. Inspecting the apartment means checking for any damages, defects, or issues that may need to be fixed or addressed by the landlord or property manager. It also means taking photos or videos of the apartment’s condition as proof of how it looked when you moved in.

Inspecting the apartment before moving in is important for several reasons:

It can help you avoid paying for damages that were already there when you moved in
It can help you get any repairs or maintenance done before you settle in
It can help you avoid disputes or conflicts with the landlord or property manager later on

You should inspect the apartment with the landlord or property manager present and document everything in writing. You should also keep a copy of the inspection report and the photos or videos for your records.

Mistake #5: Not negotiating the rent or other fees

Another mistake that people make when they find apartments in Houston is not negotiating the rent or other fees with the landlord or property manager. Many people assume that the rent or other fees are fixed and non-negotiable. However, this is not always the case. Depending on the market conditions, the availability of the apartment, and the landlord or property manager’s willingness, you may be able to negotiate a lower rent or other fees, such as:

Application fee
Security deposit
Pet fee
Parking fee
Utility fee
Amenities fee

Negotiating the rent or other fees can help you save money and get a better deal on your apartment. However, you should not be too aggressive or unrealistic in your negotiation. You should also be respectful and polite to the landlord or property manager. Here are some tips on how to negotiate the rent or other fees:

Do your homework and research the average rent and fees for similar apartments in the area
Highlight your strengths as a renter, such as your good credit score, stable income, rental history, and references
Ask for a lower rent or fee in exchange for something that benefits the landlord or property manager, such as signing a longer lease, paying upfront, or referring other tenants
Be flexible and willing to compromise on some aspects of the apartment, such as the size, location, or amenities
Be prepared to walk away if the landlord or property manager is not willing to negotiate or meet your needs

Mistake #6: Not communicating with the landlord or property manager

Another mistake that people make when they find apartments in Houston is not communicating with the landlord or property manager. Communication is key to maintaining a good relationship with your landlord or property manager and avoiding any problems or misunderstandings. You should communicate with your landlord or property manager whenever:

You have a question, concern, or request about the apartment or the lease
You need to report a repair or maintenance issue
You want to renew, extend, or terminate your lease
You want to make any changes to the apartment, such as painting, installing fixtures, or adding furniture
You have an emergency or an urgent situation that affects the apartment

You should communicate with your landlord or property manager in a clear, timely, and respectful manner. You should also keep a record of all your communications, such as emails, texts, phone calls, or letters. This can help you avoid any confusion or disputes later on.

Conclusion

Finding an apartment in Houston can be a rewarding and exciting experience if you avoid some of the common mistakes that people make. By doing enough research, getting renters insurance, reading the lease carefully, inspecting the apartment before moving in, negotiating the rent or other fees, and communicating with the landlord or property manager, you can find an apartment that meets your needs and expectations. You can also enjoy living in Houston and exploring all that this city has to offer.