If you’re looking to rent an apartment in two different states, there are a few things you should know. These include whether it’s legal, what you can expect, and how to avoid rental scams.
You’ll want to make sure you can afford the monthly rent and fees for both apartments. You should also have a good credit score and no history of missed payments or financial strains.
Renovations
If you’re a renter and have an apartment that is undergoing renovations, then it may be possible to lease a second place in a different city or state until the work is complete. However, it’s important to make sure you find a quality apartment in a good location and that the property you’re renting isn’t overcrowded or unsafe.
One of the biggest benefits of renting is that you don’t have to worry about real estate taxes, which can be an expensive burden for homeowners. Additionally, a lot of midscale to upscale apartments feature amenities that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars per month. For example, many complexes offer amenities such as an in-ground pool or fitness center that you wouldn’t be able to afford to enjoy on your own. Proximity to public transportation is also something to consider if you’re looking for an apartment in a new city. Choosing a rental that’s close to buses, subways or bike shares can be an excellent value-add for many renters. But remember, a landlord may decide not to rent to you if they feel your finances are too stretched or you have poor credit.
Overlapping Leases
Moving living spaces is rarely easy, but one of the most stressful parts can be having overlapping leases. It’s a common situation that often happens when you are searching for a new apartment, but you find one that you like that has an upcoming lease that overlaps with your current lease.
Fortunately, there are ways to make the transition easier and avoid a lot of the stress that comes with having overlapping leases. The first step is to make sure that you cancel your lease for the upcoming month so that the rent doesn’t continue to overlap with your current lease.
Another option is to look for a sublease. This is a great way to find a temporary home that can help you through the upcoming months until your lease is up on your current apartment. It can also save you some money by paying partial rent for the time that you aren’t living in your current space.
The next step is to check with your landlord to see if they allow this. In most cases, they will be happy to accommodate you with this. However, it is important to understand that there may be some restrictions on this type of move depending on your financial status and the condition of your previous apartment.
Aside from that, you should take note of the joint and several liability that comes with having a multiple-tenant lease. If you are a landlord, you can explain this to your tenants in your rent agreement so that they know exactly what their responsibility is.
Finally, you should ask any prospective roommates to obtain their own credit report before you accept them as a cotenant. This will give you the opportunity to check their credit history and ensure that they meet your landlord’s good-tenant criteria.
Having two apartments in two different states is not an uncommon practice for people who travel frequently. It can be a great way to keep your primary apartment while saving money on transportation costs. Additionally, it can be a way to get closer to work or school if you have to travel for business.
Temporary Relocation
If you are moving to a different state and need to find temporary housing until you can get a permanent residence, renting an apartment is a great option. It gives you more flexibility than signing a long-term lease or buying a property, but it also can be more expensive.
If possible, try to rent an apartment in the city where you are moving. This can be helpful because it will make you more familiar with the area and help you find a place that suits your needs. It can also help you avoid wasting time and money looking for an apartment that you don’t like.
When looking for an apartment, make sure you do a thorough walkthrough before signing the lease. You want to be confident that the apartment is safe, clean and has all the basics you’ll need. You should also check the kitchen layouts, closet space and storage areas to ensure they’ll meet your needs during your stay.
Having someone you trust go through the apartment with you can be helpful too. They’ll be able to let you know if the apartment has anything you don’t like and if there are any safety hazards.
A landlord should also offer an option to extend the lease until you have a permanent housing solution, so you can start making regular payments while your search is underway. This will give you more time to save up enough for a house or an apartment.
Another benefit of moving into a short-term rental is that it will help you save money while you are looking for a home in your new state. You’ll be able to minimize the upfront costs, such as closing costs and realtor fees.
In addition, if you need to stay in temporary housing for a while before finding a permanent place to live, you won’t be responsible for any additional mortgage or property taxes that are incurred during your time in the apartment. It’s important to understand that the amount you save while staying in a temporary housing option will eventually be eaten up by the closing and other transaction costs of purchasing a home or apartment.