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The hunt is on for the perfect apartment

The process of finding and moving into an apartment usually involves a number of sequential steps and a bit of research.

First, decide how much rent you feel comfortable paying each month. The rule of thumb is never spend more than 25 percent of your monthly gross income on rent. With that figure in mind, it's time to start looking at various properties.

You may have a good idea of the area in which you'd like to live. Do ask friends, family, coworkers for recommendations as well. Real estate agents or apartment locator services may also be of assistance. But they usually charge a fee for service equivalent to about one month's rent. And, of course, you always can peruse the classified advertising section of your Suburban Journals.

Next, narrow the list of property possibilities. If time permits drive past the property in the morning, the evening, on weekdays and on weekends. In that way you'll have a good idea of your prospective neighbors and the lifestyle of the complex or neighborhood.

Before you sign a rental agreement, make a visual inspection of the apartment checking for damage. Take photos of any problem areas, date them and get the landlord to sign as well. Don't move in before the necessary repairs are made.

Read your lease carefully before signing. Be sure you understand the amount of rent, the payment schedule, rules about pets, what happens if you must break the lease, and who is responsible for any repairs as well as heat and utilities.

You will probably have to provide a security deposit to the landlord equivalent to one or two months' rent prior to taking occupancy. Your landlord may keep the security deposit if you fail to pay rent, break your lease or damage the apartment. The security deposit should be refunded if you fulfill the lease agreement and leave the apartment in good condition.