Advice for first-time renters in L.A.

La Fontaine Apartments in Hollywood, L.A.

If you’re planning on renting an apartment in Los Angeles, you’d better get ready for a serious adventure because the city offers an extensive range of housing options. And since it’s not quite prime time to buy a house, most people turn to renting these days so you’ll have plenty of competition.

The best way to approach the renting issue is coming up with a plan of attack: make a checklist of all the things you want or don’t want in an apartment; do your homework on the city neighborhoods; take some time to feel out a few places, maybe have a cup of coffee at a neighborhood coffee shop to observe the people and the general vibe of the area; and be open to new ideas. If you fall in love with an apartment but don’t quite afford the price, you could take in a roommate. That’s a fun way to relieve some of the financial stress that comes with renting.

Here are a few things to consider before you dive in the tumultuous process that’s going to get you a brand new home and a flexible lifestyle.

1. Pricing

Monthly rent is probably the most important aspect to take into consideration when going on an apartment hunt. Think of how much rent you can afford (try to keep your monthly rent down to 30 percent of your income if you want to live comfortably) and then start selecting apartments in that price range based on size and location.

2. Curb Appeal

Pay much attention to the exterior of the building as it tells a lot about the property itself and its manager. Curb appeal does matter as much as your personal appearance matters to a landlord when you’re going in for the interview.

3. Pet-friendliness

If you’re a dog-owner and you find a pet-friendly apartment community, make sure that by “pet” they don’t mean just cats or rabbits. Pet-owners should expect to pay a higher monthly rent and security deposit if they bring in their four-legged companions with them.

4. Community Amenities

In addition you may want to check if the property features all the amenities you need for a comfy lifestyle: proximity to shopping and transportation, storage options, availability of laundry services, a fitness room, and a pool, or any other features you can’t do without.

LA is very diverse and can accommodate any kind of personalities, be it extrovert artists, young professionals, pet-owners or families with kids. If it’s nightlife, a lively ambiance and vivacious people that you’re most interested in, you can start your search in Los Feliz, Silverlake, Hollywood, or West Hollywood, but there are many other charming places to consider. Santa Monica and Venice constantly attract outdoorsy, energetic people, while Melrose will always stand as an epitome of diversity and dynamism.