During Your Apartment Search:

Be up front during your viewing.
Do you regularly go to bed early, have small children or are concerned about late night noise? Be sure to make that clear when you go to view an apartment. Oftentimes leasing agents will know which buildings or areas are quieter, or can offer advice on best locations for you and your family.

Aim for an upper floor.
Being in a lower level apartment may mean saving on cooling bills in the summer, but it also means you’re likely to be disturbed by an upstairs neighbor. High heels, large dogs and sliding furniture can all contribute to a noisy environment below. Think about aiming for a higher floor if you’re concerned about the potential of noise.

Many times, noise can happen when you get a new neighbor, or discover you’ve got a rowdy bunch living upstairs after you move in. Now what?

After You Move In:

Be reasonable.
It’s understandable that you might be annoyed at an all-night party on a Monday, but general noise during reasonable hours is expected when you live in an apartment. Determine what’s reasonable so you have something you can propose to your neighbor if you eventually need to speak to them. For example, lowering the noise level after 10pm on weeknights.

Talk to the offender directly.
Chances are your neighbor might be unaware that they’re disturbing you, particularly if they’re a newer resident. Very few people set out to be difficult neighbors. Stop by and speak to your neighbor directly about what’s bothering you in a calm, friendly manner and be sure to give specific examples. Also offer to swap phone numbers so you can call or text if the noise is getting too loud for either one of you.

Start a paper trail.
If the problem occurs regularly, it’s a good idea to start documenting it so you have something to show your community manager or leasing office. Make a note of noise problems, including time, date and any action you took (for example, knocking on the door, asking for the noise to be turned down, etc.).

Speak to your apartment community manager.
When you’ve spoken to your neighbor a few times and the issue doesn’t seem to be getting any better, it’s time to involve your apartment community’s management. While this may make relations between you and your neighbor slightly frosty, it’s important that you’re allowed to enjoy your apartment as much as they’re enjoying theirs. Additionally, there may be clauses within the lease or apartment by-laws that allow for more formal measures to be taken should the neighbor refuse to comply.

Ask other neighbors.
If your noisy neighbor is particularly bothersome, it’s likely they’re also disturbing other residents. Speak to your surrounding neighbors and ask. If they indicate that they have also had trouble with noise, encourage them to also contact your community manager.

Dealing with unexpected noise is a part of apartment life. While some noise is fairly common, if it becomes a problem you need to take action. What are the most common noise experiences you have in your apartment? How did you handle them?

8 Keys to Finding the Perfect Apartment

Finding a rental apartment could be easy or difficult depending on your approach and certain factors that must be considered if you want to get the best.

The Perfect Guide

Before you plunge into the apartment search, here are some things to consider making the process easier and productive.

Budget – The first factor you must consider is your budget, because your rent should not exceed your income. If this means you have to move to a less popular neighborhood to find an affordable apartment, you should do so.
Convenience – Another thing you should think about is convenience. If you work in the downtown area and do not drive, it is a good idea to choose an apartment that is near your job and public transportation.
The Area – Another thing you should do is visit the apartments you’re interested in. This will give you an idea of the area you would live in. Ask the realtor about the community and the average price for apartments in the area. While you’re in the apartments, check for any potential problems such as a faulty meter, leaky faucets or a malfunctioning smoke detector. Look at how spacious the apartments are and see if the amenities match your needs.
Credit History – Most landlords are going to check your credit history, so before you search for an apartment, it would be a good idea to go over your credit report. If there are outstanding debts that need to be paid, pay as much of them as possible. Landlords want to know that you’re financially stable enough to pay rent on time each month.

By the numbers: It’s a good idea to check your credit score before applying for an apartment. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three nationwide reporting agencies at AnnualCreditReport.com. (Wonderlane via Flickr)

The Amenities – Maintain realistic expectations when seeking certain amenities in an apartment. You may want an apartment with four bedrooms for your good friends when they visit, but your budget may only allow for a two-bedroom apartment. Or you may want central heating and air, but the apartment you’re interested in may have other amenities you need such as a spacious closet, a functional kitchen and a wide dining room area.
The Terms and Conditions – You should read the lease agreement thoroughly before signing it and always ask questions if you’re not sure of certain terms mentioned within the lease. This is important, because when problems arise with the apartment or your landlord, you can look at your copy of the lease to see what your rights are as the tenant.
Your Income – If you have a relatively low income, you may qualify for local housing assistance. Visit the local housing authority and inquire about Section 8 housing. Section 8 is a program where you receive a voucher to assist you in paying rent. The local government pays for part of your rent, and you pay the rest.
Use of Professionals – Finding the apartment yourself could be very tough, and this is why the use of SMC could be a very good thing. The use of professionals takes away the burden of scheduling, filling out paperwork and many other things.

Finding the best apartment could be a daunting task, but if you research apartments carefully and use the tips discussed above, you will succeed in locating a great place to live. Get to know the neighbors and drive around the area when you move in so that you will know the community better. If you need a roommate, it is better to rent with a trusted friend or relative who has a steady income and who is responsible.

So when you are looking we hope you turn to SMC. We have a great selection of units available in all shapes and sizes, 1 , 2, 3, or 4 Bedrooms, Luxury, Pet-Friendly, Certain location, just ask because we more than likely have the place for you. And right now we have some great incentives happening as well as Military discounts. So give us a call at 701-839-4200 or stop by and see us at 1408 20th Avenue Southwest-Suite 10

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How To Handle A Noisy Neighbor

How To Handle A Noisy Neighbor

During Your Apartment Search:

After You Move In:

8 Keys to Finding the Perfect Apartment

8 Keys to Finding the Perfect Apartment

Search Properties

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