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1st apartment search?

i'm looking to move in january 2008. i'm going to stay in the same city, dallas, so i'm familiar with the area. when should i start actively looking for an apartment ie visiting and touring complexes, filling out applications....right now ive just been searching on the internet, finding areas that would be close to work/school. what do i need when i go visit an apartment complex?

Public Comments

1. Bring your checkbook and any documentation you need for the application (e.g. your employer's contact information) in case you want to put down a deposit. In Seattle, I had to immediately put down a deposit or else the next people would have! This varies from place to place, but if you see a place that you really like, be ready to snap it up.
2. $25 or so per adult for credit checks for each property you visit. (some dont charge) Employment info (address, 2 paystubs, telephone). Social security number. address and telephone of 2 friends and 2 relatives. Ask about move in specials. When you do choose an apartment, they'll be giving you a checklist of anything you can find wrong with the unit, they will try to quickie you on this and make like its a non important item. It is VERY important. Look for cracked tiles, peeled up linoleum, cracks or damage to tubs, appliance condition, condition of window screens. If the slightest thing is wrong, check it off or write it down, because that is where they get you when you leave, they will find the slightest things wrong and mark it off your deposit, even if it was existing, because you didnt mark it down and cannot prove you didnt do it while living there.
3. end of November would be good make sure you can afford it and have a really good look at everything in side i recently changed houses and found one i loved think it was cause they still had everything inside and it looked so nice but now i have moved in Ive had so many hings break the best thing to do is get a new one i just had a light bulb full out of its holder and smash in mid air than the glass above the stove fall out on to my head lucky i caught it in time door handles falling of so trust me look carefully good luck it takes awhile to find on though
4. You don't need anything but yourself. Seeking without making personal contact is self-deception. You want to see apartments so you can know whether you want to apply. They will then tell you what they require. Make a hobby out of it. There is often a charge for a credit check--but that comes when you have actually applied. Usually you get it credited against the first month's rent if you are accepted. You don't need to fill out the application on the spot.