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Renting
an apartment can be a daunting task. Below is a list of apartment
renting tips to make the process a little easier:
8 apartment renting tips
- The best way to begin your apartment search is to call
the local property
management companies about 45 days before you want to move,
and ask what they have available. Be prepared
to provide them with your desired price range and move-in date.
Take note of their level of customer service.
- Search the MLS. Here's how to find rentals
in Miami Beach, Click this
link and select "Rental" from the "Property
Search". Then, insert "33139" in the "Zip
Code" field.
- After you have called the management companies and weeded out
the MLS listings, search Craigslist.
Note: the website is heavily spammed so you will need to track
the classifieds multiple times daily. If RSS is your thing, Craigslist
has an RSS
feed exclusively for Miami apartments and houses for rent.
Miami Beach 411 also has an
RSS feed from our "Relocating"
forum.
- Know the rental market you are moving to. As of April, 2007
the average price of a studio apartment in South Beach is $750.
The average price of a 1-bedroom is $950. The average price of
a 2-bedroom is $1,400.
- Make a list of requirements. Do you need a quiet building, parking,
a dishwasher, or a building that accepts pets?
- Drive or walk around the neighborhood and look for hand written
“For Rent” signs. This is often the best way to find
cheap "For Rent By Owner" deals.
- Be prepared to sign a one-year lease and be asked to pay the
first and last months rent plus a security deposit in advance.
- Don't be afraid to negotiate. Landlords
and property management companies in Miami will often negotiate
the rental price and/or security deposit.
Good luck! If you give yourself enough time before you have
to move, you should be able to find a nice place for a decent price.
Also see
How
To Get A Security Deposit Back
This article covers basic procedures tenants should follow from signing
a lease, to move out day, to ensure you get your deposit back.
How
I Moved to South Beach: Budget-Minded Tips from A New Resident
A step-by-step guide to moving to South Beach when your eyes are bigger
than your pocketbook.
Miami
Relocation Guide
Prepare yourself for a culture shock. Moving to Dade County is not
like moving to any other place in the U.S.
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