When should I begin looking for an apartment??
Apartments become available on the rental market 3o to 60 days prior to the dates the current tenants move out. The majority of apartments though are on 30 day schedules. In Boston, June 1st and September 1st are the biggest turnover dates for apartments and the pickings go quickly.
To be on the safe side you should start looking at least 60 days before you need to begin tenancy. So for example if you are looking to rent by September 1st, start looking at the end of June or the beginning of July for apartments. This is the best way that you can stay on top of the rental market and get the apartment you really want. In many cases, Landlords call ahead of time to inform me of particular apartments coming available before they even go on the market. That's why if you don't see the apartment you're looking for on my website, contact me anyway. I will let you know what the upcoming apartment status is and keep you informed. "Enjoy" the home you live in by staying ahead of the rental market.
What are the rental prices in Boston?
Prices vary by size of unit, location, proximity to public transportation, amenities, overall condition of the apartment and floor level. Rents range anywhere from $700.00 to $1100.00 for a studio or one bedroom, $1200.00 to $2500.00 for two bedrooms and $1600.00 to about $3500.00 and more for a 3 bedroom apartment. Rents for 4+ bedrooms can be from $4000.00 and beyond in prices.
The above prices are only general quotes as many other factors affect rental prices such as the time of year, number of bathrooms, availability and the uniqueness of the apartment.
What "type" of apartment are you looking for??
Do you like modern clean lines? Turn of the century Victorian with large windows, wood details and scones? How about apartments in mid rise or high rise buildings with elevators, the classic double and triple decker's or duplexes? Let me know which style of apartment and the type of building that best suits your needs or wants.
What are your "needs" IN the apartment?
Do you prefer hardwood floors or carpeting? Do you want a modern kitchen and bath? How about a dishwasher? What type of heating do you prefer; oil or gas? Do you need a dining room for that beautiful dining room set you have? Will all bedrooms be used AS bedrooms or one as a study/computer room/plant room? This information is helpful as not all bedrooms are created equal in size and would classify as a 1.5 or 2.5 bedroom apartment.
Do you need to be close to Public Transportation?
Most Boston residents travel by the MBTA. When searching for an apartment please specify what YOU mean by being "close" to Public Transportation. Do you wish to be close to the T? Which T Station? The Cummuter Rail? The Bus? Do you intend on traveling primarily by the T or Bus? Knowing this information will guide me to settle on the "right " apartment for your transportation needs.
Do you need laundry facilities?
Most apartments in Boston have SHARED laundry facilities in the basement. Other apartments have laundry in the unit and some have hookups either on site or in the unit. Determine which of these is most important to you. Some renters prefer to have their own washer and dryer so an apartment with hookups is what they need. If going to the launderette is not an issue for you then specify that because some apartments do not have laundry facilities but are within walking distance to a launderette.
Do you have any special needs?
Do you need a first floor apartment because you cannot climb too many stairs? Do you prefer hardwood floors over carpets because carpets makes your allergies act up? Do you have allergies to certain types of paint, lighting, heating fuel? Does living on the main street make you uncomfortable? Do you need a ground level entrance with minimum steps or Handicap accessible apartment? Please make me aware of any special needs you have when you are defining your criteria for an apartment. I will do my best to find you the apartment that fits those needs.
Do you have pets?
Many Landlord's have very strict rules about pets. If you have a pet(s) please inform me of that right away as it can affect your ability to rent certain apartments. The number of pets and their size is important to disclose because when the lease is written up the size, breed and number of pet(s) inhabiting the apartment are included in the lease. A significant number of landlords require pet references and a pet interview. Be prepared when deciding upon an apartment to bring back your pet(s) for an interview. A landlord reserves the right to revoke the lease if a tenant acquires more pets than originally stated or misrepresents the size or type of pet. According to the rental laws in Massachusetts, Landlords CANNOT charge more security deposit over and above the rental amount of the apartment to cover for damages caused by pets. They CAN require tenants to sign a Pet Clause which states that then tenant will be financially responsible for any damages done to the property caused by pets.
How much money do I need to secure an apartment? Is there a fee?
Most Landlords require one month's rent and the last month OR the security deposit. In many cases Landlords are splitting the fee 50-50 with tenants. Mostly, you will need two and a half month's rent to move into an apartment. The security deposit according to Massachusetts Rental law is equal to and cannot be more than one month's rent. A landlord cannot charge any more for security than the amount charged for the rent. Some Landlord's do require a key deposit in addition to rent and security. Generally a key deposit can be between $50.00 to $100.00
Is living in an owner occupied building important to you?
Many apartment buildings in the Jamaica Plain area are owner occupied which is important to many renters. They feel secure knowing that the owner is on site, and property issues will be taken care of promptly. If this is important to you let me know.
Is off street parking important to you?
Do you have a car? More than one car? Do you intend to use your car a lot or do you plan to use Public Transportation? Many streets in Jamaica Plain have a beautiful quaint New England look and are gorgeous. They can be a nightmare to find parking on when you come home. Some areas of Jamaica Plain have sticker parking, deeded and off street parking. In Boston, deeded parking means that you have one or more DESIGNATED spots assigned to your rental. Off street parking could mean that you have a TANDEM spot reserved somewhere on the property. Designated deeded parking is usually, but not always affiliated with mid-rise or high rise buildings and are numbered or lettered.
What is your budget to spend for an apartment?
Determine what your budget is WITHOUT utilities. Some apartments in Jamaica Plain have heat and hot water included in the rent but this is not the norm. Many potential renters do not consider the cost of utilities when they tell me what they are willing to spend for rent. In Boston's cold winters, heating costs can escalate if an apartment is not well insulated. Check to see if the apartment has double pane windows installed. Is the attic and basement padded with good insulation? Are the doors updated and solid? All of this will help minimize the cost of heating an apartment.
I am coming to Boston from out of town. How do I go about making an appointment to view apartments?
Browse my website for apartments. Email me the apartments that interests you along with your answers to the "Renter's Questionaire". In your email let me know when you'll be in town. I will get in touch with you to set up an appointment to meet at the office. On the day of our meeting expect the appointment to last about 60 to 90 minutes. When you view the apartments you inquired about, I will also give you the guided "tour" of Jamaica Plain.
Thank you for viewing my website. I look forward to meeting you and working closely with you to find you your next" home".