Finding a new apartment always starts with figuring out what you don't like about your current one and improving on it. It also means locating and utilizing as many resources as possible to find a new apartment that matches your needs. There are a lot of resources out there, but to use them effectively, you really should understand all you can about them so you know where you can turn when one source of information is exhausted.

Newspaper and Online Listings

As hard as it may be to believe, the newspaper is still one of the most commonly used forms of advertising for local apartments and rental property. Being the 21st century though, many newspapers also provide an online listing too, which makes skimming your local paper for rental opportunities a bit more convenient. Be aware that not every apartment or rental property in your area will be listed here.

Newspapers offer a cheap way to list rental properties and get them seen by a relatively large audience. Unfortunately, most such listings don't include pictures, and online listings usually have limited space. The only way to know for sure if the apartment listed is going to be right for you is to go and visit it yourself. Many such properties are privately owned and managed, which can save you on rent each month.

Property Management Firms

Usually operated as part of a real estate agency, property management firms have a vested interest in making apartments and houses they lease look as nice as possible. Most will maintain a central database to simplify the search process, and many have a wealth of properties that aren't listed anywhere else. Be aware that a comparable property listed through a firm will often be more expensive to rent because of the management fee being paid by the owner of the property.

The benefit of renting through a management company is the detailed lease agreement that most keep in place. This is as much for your protection as it is for theirs, so read it carefully and know your rights. Management firms also tend to have repair personnel on staff as well, which is a great help if something in the rental unit breaks down or stops working.

Newspaper listings offer access to a wide variety of lower priced rentals, and online listings can put you in touch with many private landlords. Meanwhile, a good management company provides a professional relationship and a larger selection of different rental properties. Make use of all your resources when apartment hunting, and you'll be sure to come out with a place you love and lease terms you can live with.