Rental Hunting: Defining Your Needs

Finding a rental home or apartment that suits your needs is a daunting task, particularly when disability, children, pets, credit issues, or any combination of the above create additional complexity. I'm seeking a new rental right now. Learn from my mistakes and successes with this series of short articles on the process of finding a rental. This is the first in a series provided by Disaboom, a website connecting the millions touched or affected by disability.

Before you can start searching for a rental home or apartment, you need to know exactly what you're looking for. It's easy to get sucked into thinking, "Well, I suppose another $50 each month isn't out of my price range after all," or "I guess we don't really need two bathrooms," if you start looking before deciding exactly you're looking for. Jumping to rent a unit that meets some, but not all, of your needs can be a big mistake. You don't want to lock yourself into a lease and later regret not waiting for that house with the privacy fence or third bedroom.

Start by calling a family meeting that includes all the adults in the home who will have a say in the decision. It's best not to include children at this initial stage, even if their opinions will be considered when looking at properties. Get out a map of the area where you're looking, and have each decision maker circle the area where they would be comfortable living. Where the circles overlap is the radius in which you'll seek a rental property. Next, discuss the rent. The number that's most important is the total amount each month you're able to budget for housing and utilities. It's not a savings if you find a rental for a lower amount and then realize that it has an inefficient heating system and will cost you hundreds more a month than a pricier rental with an energy-saving heater.

Once you know what you can afford, total, each month, research average utility costs for the size of home or apartment you're seeking. Subtract that number from the total amount budgeted each month. The difference equals the rental amount you can afford. Because utility costs will vary and some rents include all or some utilities, feel free to enter a number $50 to $100 above that amount into search engines when seeking rentals, but make sure that you are continually cognizant of the need to fit both rent and utility costs into your monthly budget.

The third and final thing to discuss at your family meeting, after location and cost, is features. You may absolutely need a rental with no stairs, that allows large dogs, or with a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms. Make a list of non-negotiable features, a list of features you'd like but don't absolutely need, and a list of features you absolutely will not accept. Pass the list around the table and give everyone a chance to add their needs and give feedback. When everyone can agree on location, price, and necessary features, it's time to start your search.