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5 Things to Consider Before Renting Apartments in Trinidad & Tobago

Thinking about renting an apartment? You’ve come to the right place. Renting apartments in Trinidad and Tobago is very straightforward, but there are certain things you need to consider before you make a decision. It’s very easy to get excited about a new place you just saw and immediately want to put down the deposit for fear of losing the apartment.  However, you need to pause, assess the apartment fully, and ask yourself a few critical questions.

Does this location work for me?

The location of the apartment is a major factor to consider because where you live matters a lot.

Is the location of the apartment close to the essential shops and services you need and use?   

Getting groceries and other essentials shouldn’t require you to go miles away from your home.

You also need to consider the distance between your potential home and your place of work. 

You don’t want to spend so much to commute from your place of work to your house. 

Does the location feel safe? 

Ask about the general safety of the location. You don’t want to live in an environment with a high crime rate.

Long-term cost

The rental cost is just a part of the cost that you’ll incur for your apartment. There are other financial obligations that would need to be paid.  These costs range from monthly utilities to regularly-purchased items. 

The list will vary based on your needs, but they include:

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Internet and cable
  • Cell phone service
  • Trash
  • Gas

It’s important to factor in all these expenses before you go ahead to rent an apartment.  They’ll impact how much rent you can actually afford.

Rental Terms

It is important you know all the terms of rent before going ahead to pay for an apartment.  Every Landlord has personal terms in addition to the the general rental law.  If it’s your first apartment, this may be the first time you’re reviewing a legal document and it may be hard to interpret.  If you don’t understand anything in the document, ask about it before you sign. Check the areas about regulations and restrictions for behavior, the policy on late rent, and what actions can lead to eviction. If you don’t agree with any of the terms and conditions of the rent, it’s better to discuss it with the agent or property owner/Landlord. And it’s OK to ask for changes to your rental conditions. Bottom line, you want to make sure you’re completely clear about all the terms before getting locked into a contract.

Parking space

In the city, parking space can be a bit of a problem in some apartments. If you are getting an apartment in the city and you have a car, it is important you should check if your apartment building has available parking spaces.

  • Some apartment buildings will charge you extra for a parking space
  • Some offer free parking
  • Some places don’t have parking spaces at all, and it can be a long and tedious task trying to locate one close to your apartment.

It’s worth checking the availability of parking space while looking for an apartment to save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run.

Amenities

Make a list of things you can’t live without in your apartment.

  • Do you like to do your own laundry? 
  • Do you need a gym to help keep you in shape?
  • Do you prefer an elevator instead of stairs to get to your apartment after a long day of work?

These are important things to consider when renting an apartment to have the full picture of what the real cost to live there will be. Will you need to buy more equipment to have these things? Or does your apartment offer some of these amenities? ensure you enjoy where you’re living. 

Conclusion

Renting apartments in Trinidad and Tobago that meet your needs doesn’t have to be hard.  Once you’ve taken the time to ask these questions and also work with the trusted realtor, you should be well positioned to make the best decision on your apartment.

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