How To Rent an Apartment in Oklahoma City

Here's How:

1. Establish Your Apartment Rental Priorities - I often get e-mails from people moving to Oklahoma City, and in them, I'm frequently asked an impossible question: Where should I live? Each of us has different priorities. Parents might place a significant value on the educational district while others focus on cost, proximity or amenities. So evaluate what's important to you, and write it down before you do anything else.
   
   Ron Leshnower, About.com Guide to Apartment Living/Rental, can cut down on the stress by walking you through some important considerations and helping you create an apartment budget.
2. Get to Know the Area - Due to job, school or family proximity, many apartment seekers already know the precise area in which they want to live. But it's best to get a firm lay of the land before exploring apartment listings in Oklahoma City. The metro area is a large, diverse area, so explore the many neighborhoods and communities to narrow your focus. Once you have a good feel for the geography, you can evaluate each based on your above priorities.
   
   Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide to Moving, has an excellent article on how to choose the right neighborhood.
3. Seek Opinions - One of the great things about the internet is the opportunity to take advantage of the collective knowledge. Before you even attack the Oklahoma City apartment listings, utilize the information you've acquired from the previous two steps to seek opinions on the areas you're considering. For example, post a question on the OKC forum and get feedback from others who might know exactly how a specific area fits into what you want and need.
4. Start the Search - With that preliminary research done, you're ready to begin the apartment search in Oklahoma City. Simply driving the area of interest is a good beginning, as one will often see apartments advertising amenities or even move-in specials. Also, do a thorough internet search for listings. The Oklahoman has both print and online classifieds as does the Oklahoma Gazette. Then, there are any number of online apartment search sites out there, but a handy one is called RentCompare.com. It allows you to search multiple apartment sites at once.
5. Prepare Your Renter's Resume - While some apartments require very little in the way of documentation prior to moving in, many are quite strict in this regard. So before you even begin looking at properties, make sure you're armed with the background information potential landlords will want to see. The resume could include previous addresses and landlord contact information, employment details such as length at current job and income, personal references and possibly a copy of your credit report.
6. Thoroughly Investigate the Options - The above search has likely netted you a list of Oklahoma City apartment possibilities, and you're armed with a resume to sell yourself to potential landlord. Now, it's time for the landlords to sell you on the apartments.
   
   See what each has to offer. Get to know the complex and check on amenities such as parking, laundry, pool or recreation, storage and yard space. In addition, go through the apartment and examine the overall condition of walls, carpet, doors, appliances, etc. Consider common walls with other tenants as well as any common entrances or facilities.
7. Choose the Apartment That's Right for You - Don't make any on-the-spot decisions, even if pressured to do so by a landlord or a management company. After examining all of the apartments on your list, weigh their attributes in regard to your priorities. Take some time to consider the options because even though you're renting, a lease is often a lengthy commitment and a home is one of the most important decisions you can make.
8. Negotiate the Lease - Most landlords or property management companies have pre-written leases, but often, you can negotiate rent, deposits or move-in incentives. Either way, though, it's important to make sure you read a lease carefully and understand every clause. Don't hesitate to ask questions, and never sign a lease without a complete understanding of it.
   
   Clarify any damages or problem areas you noted from step 6. It is important to consider these before signing a lease as you could potentially be blamed later. Pay particular attention to rules on painting or other apartment modifications.
9. Enjoy Your New Apartment - Just like any other major purchase or agreement, finding an apartment is not something that should be taken lightly. Be willing to walk away from any apartment or lease that doesn't fit your needs. But once you've signed the papers, handed over your deposit/rent and gone through the unpleasant act of moving, sit back and enjoy your new place. If you put time and research into the process of choosing an apartment, you will likely have found a home you're very happy with.

Tips:

1. The Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma might be able to help in your Oklahoma City area research. Not only do they have crime reports and resources, they may be able to refer to neighborhood associations for an area of interest.
2. If you have a pet, don't forget to mention that immediately when examining an apartment. Find out up front the policies on pets, including any potential security deposits, and make sure these are clearly stated in the lease.
3. Consider Renter's Insurance.
4. Watch out for illegal housing discrimination.
5. Rental agencies in Oklahoma City might be able to assist you in your search, but they likely cost either an up-front fee or a percentage of your rent upon signing a lease.