Hints, Tips and Tricks needed....

[Disneyland_emily]

As some of you may know I am moving to Orlando as I was offered a position with Disney in their Management Training Program and now I have to "grow up"

I am looking for my 1st "regular" apartment to rent (previous have been on campus, program provided etc) and have more questions than answers so I need help for both general tips and orlando tips if possible.

1) How far in advance do I need to make a decision?
2) What do I need to have to sign a lease?
3) What factors should I look for in an apartment?
4) What questions should I ask?
5) Whats the time factor between renting and moving in?
6) How much of the utilities will I need to "connect"
7) Anything else Ive fogotten?

I'm planning to get to orlando 2 weeks before my job starts- Do I need to have everything in place before I move or can I do it within 2 weeks?


Thanks soo much! -em

 

[mom2of2]

I'll do my best

Once you find an apartment that you like you will have to fill out an application, most likely pay an app fee ($100) and possibly a credit check/and background check. That usually takes a few days. If an apt is available then you should be able to move in relatively quickly.
You will most likely have to set up all utilities, phone, electric, cable, you may have to pay deposits for them as well as a hook up fee. Water, sewer and trash are usually set up by the management company (was for us)
I personally looked for safety, closeness to job/services, cleanliness, extras.
2 weeks should be good.
I went to about 14 different places and wound up going back to the first one and renting there.
Good luck
Welcome to Orlando

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Bump!

 

[golfgal]

I would ask some of the people you are working with if they have recommendations of where to/not to live. I know when we went looking for DH's (then fiance's) apartment the gal at the hotel we were at said to stay away from a couple complexes. That was a nice tip.

The main thing with apartment living is how quiet is the building, how are the management people to deal with and is it safe. Try to look at the apartment in the evening or on a weekend when most people will be there so you can tell if you have paper thin walls or it is sturdy. I would think that in Orlando there would be some concerns about what happens during a hurricane. You might want to find that out, too.

If you are paying for utilities now, they should give you a letter of reference for your next utility company and with that you may not have to pay a deposit. The landlord should tell you want utilities you will have to sign up for. Some apartments include heat, for example (well in Minnesota) so you wouldn't need to worry about that.

Try to find one for as little money as possible and still be safe/livable. You don't want to put too much money into an apartment and not be able to save for a house. We had a lot of friends right out of college rent these $1000/month apartments, which almost 20 years ago was really expensive. We rented a $300/month place and were in our first home years before our friends.