After several years of diligently saving money, I’m nearly ready to purchase my first home. Because I’ve been thinking about buying a home for so long, I know exactly what I want my house to look like. I desire a place that has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. I also need a quiet space to set up my home office in. I want a massive, walk-in closet in my master bedroom. My master bathroom needs to have double vanities, a tiled, walk-in shower, and a Jacuzzi tub. On this blog, I hope you will discover how to set priorities during your new home search. Enjoy!
A New Home Search
3 Tips For Finding An Accessible Apartment
Elli Jokela
Finding an accessible apartment can sometimes be challenging. Even though there are rules and regulations regarding accessible housing that apartments are required to follow, some are doing the bare minimum. Unfortunately, that can sometimes translate to an apartment not quite meeting the needs of the renter. If you are looking for an accessible rental apartment, here are a few tips to help you find one.
Know Your Rights
Before you start your hunt for a new apartment, take the time to familiarize yourself with the state and federal disability rights. If you know your rights, you will know what a landlord or property manager can and cannot refuse to do when it comes to making accommodations for your apartment.
For instance, if you use a service animal, the property manager cannot refuse your request to move in with one even if there is a no pet policy. He or she must also be prepared to make reasonable modifications to the common areas, if necessary.
Make Newer Complexes Top Priority
Newer apartment complexes in your city are more likely to be up to the latest codes when it comes to accessibility standards set by the state and federal government. For instance, the apartments will have accessible parking, wide doors, and kitchens that are friendly for people with a range of disabilities.
Focusing on newer complexes first will increase the chances that you will find an apartment that is comfortable for you. If you need additional features, such as lower cabinets and sinks, ask your real estate agent to narrow your search to apartments that have those amenities.
Ask the Right Questions
While apartment hunting, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the aesthetics of the places you tour. However, you need to also focus on if an apartment meets your needs and wants. To do this, you should prepare a list of questions to ask of the landlord before you arrive for the tour.
Your questions should not only focus on the apartment itself, but also the common areas and the neighborhood. For instance, "How accessible is the mail room?" If you need public transportation or walk to and from nearby locations, you need to know how safe it is to do so in the area.
Your real estate agent can assist with finding an accessible apartment that fits your budget and meets your needs. If you are not working with an agent, consult with one to save time and effort on the search.
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