Whether you’re searching for your first apartment or planning to relocate to Los Angeles and looking for a good place to stay, it’s important to stay ahead of the game. As is the case with most top cities, it can be overwhelming to choose the ideal unit with the thousands of options available.

Luckily for you, we’ve highlighted some of the key things to consider, followed by a list of the pros and cons of renting an apartment.

A quick guide to renting an apartment in Los Angeles

Renting an apartment isn’t much different from renting a standard rental. Some of the key metrics to consider here include;

Budget

The idea is to choose an apartment whose rent you can easily pay. This should be inclusive of all upfront and future expenses. Your budget will also determine the size of the apartment you can go for.

Neighborhood

The ideal neighborhood should be near your workplace, school, and amenities like public transportation, e.g. bus station and subway. The proximity should be such that you can get there quickly and safely even at night.

Other features to look for when choosing a neighborhood is whether it’s near attractions such as sports clubs or bars so you can unwind when you need to.

Amenities

This mainly applies when you’re looking for the best-furnished apartments in Los Angeles. Start your search by first considering what your wants and needs are. This will guide you on the must-have amenities the unit should have, including shared amenities. Remember, their availability or lack of will significantly impact the quality of your stay here.

Some of the key amenities to look out for include;

• Air conditioning
• In-unit laundry
• Dishwasher and dryer
• Fitness center
• Pet-friendly amenities
• Ample natural lighting
• Parking space

Apartment tour

Once you’ve identified a few apartments that meet your criteria, schedule a physical tour to authenticate all you’ve seen online. This will also help you understand what to expect if you move into an apartment. If any of them don’t meet your expectations, cross them off the list.

While on tour, don’t be afraid to ask questions or for clarification on any matter. It would also help if you carried a checklist with you as you tour.

Paperwork

Once you have settled on an ideal apartment to rent, you will need the following documents to get started with the booking process;

• Photo ID
• Contact information
• Proof of employment
• Salary statements for the last two months
• Latest bank statements
• Latest tax returns statements
• Latest W-2 forms

Benefits of renting an apartment in LA

Renting an apartment in LA comes with many benefits, including;

No down payment

When renting an apartment, you’re often only required to pay the first month’s rent and a deposit that is refundable, unless stated otherwise.

This is unlike buying a house where you’re required to make a down payment, especially when buying on the mortgage. In these cases, you will need to pay a lot of money which may not always be reachable.

Modern appliances and amenities

Renting luxurious apartments means you get the best of everything, including your home appliances and amenities. Can it get any better than this?

Flexibility

Buying a house means you’re tied to it and its location, which is often limiting. On the other hand, renting allows you to choose an apartment from different, and often elegant, locations easily. And while buying a house in such locations can be hefty, renting is a more affordable option.

Disadvantages of renting

Even luxury has its drawbacks such as;

Expensive

Without a doubt, all those high-end amenities and the luxury of living in posh areas will cost you an arm and a leg. But as we mentioned earlier, this is why you must have a budget in mind before going out to house hunt.

Scarce

Luxurious apartments in LA are not only expensive to rent but also often in short supply. This is because they are often rented or sold out soon after opening due to the high demand.

Conclusion

In Los Angeles, everyone is a star and if your wish is to shine, choose a luxurious apartment to unlock the magic. The ideal unit should check most if not all the boxes of amenities, budget, neighborhood, and space to name a few. Good luck in your search for one!

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