Pittsburgh, the Steel City, is a diverse and affordable urban center that combines old and new.
Whether you are attracted to the city’s famous museums, energetic sports scene, or charming neighborhoods, finding the right apartment is crucial to enjoying all Pittsburgh has to offer.
The problem is that finding the perfect apartment in Pittsburgh can be pretty tough. There are a lot of good apartments in the city, but you’ll want to know what to look for when renting an apartment in Pittsburgh if you want to find the right one.
This comprehensive guide will give you the lowdown on what to look for when renting an apartment in Pittsburgh.
1. Budget is Crucial
Before you move on to listing, you need to set up a realistic budget. Pittsburgh offers a relatively low cost of living compared to most major cities. However, rent prices can fluctuate according to location, amenities, and the size of the apartment.
A good rule of thumb is that you should not spend more than 30% of your pre-tax income on your rent. Also, consider other expenses such as utilities, parking and internet to ensure that you can cover your monthly expenses without any difficulties.
2. Location is Everything
Pittsburgh has a great diversity of neighborhoods, each of them having its own personality. Here are a few things you may want to consider when searching for a good location:
Urban vs Suburban
Do you prefer living in a city that’s very lively and offers convenience or would you rather live in a quiet suburb? Pittsburgh has many neighborhood and suburbs that can suit varying tastes and preferences.
Proximity to Work & Amenities
Think about how long your commute would be and if you want to live close to the grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment places.
Public Transportation Access
If you use public transport daily, choose a neighbourhood that’s well-connected by bus routes or the T system.
Nightlife
If having a vibrant nightlife is what you crave, then look for apartments that are located in areas with bars, pubs and other entertainment spots. But, if you like peace and quiet, you should look for apartments that are surrounded by more residential properties.
Think of your lifestyle before picking the right apartment to rent. If you use public transport daily, check for apartments that are situated near bus routes or train stations. Also, if you commute by car, search for apartments that have plenty of parking space.
3. Amenities Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Although granite countertops and roof-top decks are alluring, you need to look for places that offer amenities that are valuable to your daily life. Here are some amenities that you need to look for;
Laundry
On-site laundry can be a real time-saver, especially when you’re a student or during harsh winters. If the laundry facilities in your chosen apartment are communal, ask the apartment’s management about laundry schedules and maintenance schedules.
Pet Policy
If you’re a pet owner, check with the rental office if they’re pet-friendly and inquire about any size or breed restrictions for pets. Some apartments, while pet-friendly, may charge you a monthly pet fee.
Parking
Limited or expensive parking can be a big issue when you’re looking for an apartment. If you’re a car owner, you should keep an eye out for apartments with on-site parking. However, if there aren’t any apartments for rent available that have on-site parking, look for an apartment that’s close to a public parking area.
Gym
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you may want to seek out an apartment that comes with a gym, but these apartments are usually priced higher. In this case, look for apartments that are close to public gyms.
Outdoor space
A balcony or patio can be a real game changer during warmer months. If outdoor space is important to you, consider adding it to your search criteria.
4. A Good Landlord is Important
A good landlord can make your stay so much better, so it’s always a good idea to do some research on landlords before signing a contract with them. Check out online reviews on platforms like Google My Business or Yelp if you want to learn more about the property landlord and how they deal with common tenant-related issues.
5. Apartment Tours Are a Must
After short-listing some apartments in Pittsburgh, you should consider asking the landlords for a tour. Here are some important questions you need to ask them during the tour:
Could you show me the lease contract?
Read the lease contract in full before signing it, focusing on terms such as rent increases, pet policy, guest rules, and maintenance procedures. If there are any parts of your contract that you can’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask the landlord to explain things to you.
Are there utilities included in the rent? Will you pay for electricity, gas, water, trash removal, and internet service?
Information on the utilities you’ll get will help you to calculate the exact cost of rent.
How is maintenance handled?
Ask about how you can make a maintenance request and how long repairs usually take. A good maintenance team can make your stay at the apartment far more comfortable.
Is there parking available or not? Is there any on-site parking? If so, do we have to pay for it?
In case of limited or no on-site parking space, ask the landlord if there are any nearby public parking spots.
Can I talk to the residents who already live here?
Building relationships with the current residents can give valuable information about the building, the responsiveness of the landlord or property management company, and the overall feel of the neighborhood. But keep in mind that not all people living in the apartment may want to socialize with other tenants.
Now you know what to look for when renting an apartment in Pittsburgh
Finding affordable apartments for rent can be a challenge, especially when there are so many options available. But when you know exactly what to look for when renting an apartment in Pittsburgh, your search will be a whole lot easier and you’ll find the perfect space in no time.
So if you’re looking for a good apartment for rent in Pittsburgh, Get in touch with us and schedule a meeting with your property manager today!
