When choosing your next apartment, whether it is your first or your fifth, here is a video with a few helpful tips to keep in mind when inspecting the unit. These are the little things that potential tenants often overlook but that can become big headaches once you’ve moved in.

Fine Living Apartment Inspection Tips

How to Select a Real Estate Agent

It is sometimes a daunting task to approach a rental situation in Boston, even with some experience. The real estate market is saturated with agents and it becomes important to carefully consider your agent before you consider your apartment. Honesty, is always a desirable trait, as is reliability. If your agent can’t seem to be bothered to answer your calls, then they are not taking you seriously. Keep in mind, agents only earn money if you rent from them, so it is important to respect their time so that they will respect yours. A good agent should be able to give you several options based on your needs, and for this it helps to know what your needs are. If you know you’ll be able to save yourself a little extra time and make your realtor that much more able to help you.

DIY Network Tips for Finding your Real Estate Agent

Great Listing Great Price

Here is a great listing at a great price. The night time views of downtown are breathtaking, the parquet floors are craftsman quality, the porch is large enough for a kiddie pool party, and the exposed brick gives it a contemporary look not typical of Allston.

See This 2 Bed 2 Bath Penthouse

Allston

Allston student oriented nature lends itself well to Boston’s large student population. Bars and restaurants geared towards a younger crowd litter the area and make for an exciting college experience…

This radiant neighborhood is best known for its student population due to its proximity to many colleges and universities. In recent years, an influx of immigrants and young professionals has taken an increasingly active role in the neighborhood. This varied mix of people creates one of the most energetic and diverse populations in Boston. Harvard Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue and Brighton Avenue host many ethnic restaurants and popular watering holes. The Honan-Allston branch public library, named after the late Boston City Councilor Brian Honan, is a treasure of information and genuine resource for the entire community.

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South Boston

South Boston has seen a lot of recent activity. Houses and apartments spend far fewer days on the market than they had several years ago, and growth in desirability has resulted in price increases. This push has led to business expansion and high end development in previously poorer areas. It is not unusual to see kitchens that once barely met code turned into granite, stainless, and maple showrooms.

Once a predominantly Irish Catholic community, in recent years South Boston has become increasingly desirable among young professionals and families who are attracted to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community and quick access to downtown and public transportation. People from all over the city enjoy taking a stroll around Castle Island, a Revolutionary War-era fort and 22-acre park that is connected to the mainland. “Southie Pride” is on full display in March when city residents flock to the neighborhood to enjoy the annual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Today the breathtaking South Boston Waterfront is emerging as Boston’s newest neighborhood. Already home to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, planned development for the Waterfront includes residential, office, retail, and hotel use. The Institute for Contemporary Art, slated to open in September, stands as an iconic symbol of the South Boston Waterfront’s unlimited potential

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Brighton

Multi-family homes and condominiums line the streets of this welcoming neighborhood, which is located in the northwest corner of Boston, on the shores of the Charles River. Many of Brighton’s small businesses are located along Washington Street, which runs straight through Brighton Center to Oak Square. The Brighton Center Main Streets Program has been actively attracting new businesses to the neighborhood, as well as offering grants for storefront renovations. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the Franciscan Children’s Hospital also call Brighton home. Families, young professionals and graduates students are all lured to Brighton for its tranquil yet dynamic atmosphere.

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10 Things You Must Know when Renting Boston

When considering renting in Boston, there are many important things to remember. Here are a few top 10 lists of important rental facts to help ease the sometimes stressful process of renting…

 Top 10 Things Students Must Know:

10. Legal & Illegal Fees  When you move into an apartment, a landlord can charge you the first month’s rent, the last month’s rent, a security deposit, a lock fee and a portion of a re-inspection fee. A landlord can’t charge you any other fees such as a holding fee or a pet fee. A landlord also can’t charge you a broker’s/finder’s fee, unless he is a licensed realtor.

9. Roommates: If one of your roommates moves out, you may still be responsible for paying his portion of the rent until you find a new one. (You will know this if your lease claims liability as “Jointly and Severally”)

8. Leases & Tenancies-at-Will: If a landlord offers you a lease, read it carefully before signing it. Leases, which typically run for one year, are binding legal contracts. Tenancies-at-will run from month to month, but offer you less security against rent increases and evictions.

7. Renter’s Insurance: You have probably invested more in personal property than you realize. Computers, stereos, TVs, clothing, jewelry and furniture would be expensive to replace in case of fire or theft. Renter’s insurance is a good idea and can be surprisingly affordable. Don’t assume that your landlord’s or your parents’ insurance will cover your belongings. (usually only preventable liability will be covered)

6. Re-Inspection of Rental Unit: In some cases, a landlord is required to arrange to have your apartment inspected for compliance with the State Sanitary Code soon after you moving in. To check that this is being done, you can ask your landlord or call the city’s Inspectional Services Department. It is also prudent to make sure that you fill out a statement regarding the apartment condition, take pictures of the unit prior to move in, and familiarize yourself with sanitary and fire codes to help ensure your safety.

5. Code Violations: You are entitled to an apartment that is in compliance with local and state sanitary and building codes. Violations should be reported to your landlord in writing. If he doesn’t make the necessary repairs call the city’s Inspectional Services Department at (617) 635-5322.

4. Condition of Apartment: Before entering into a rental agreement, check out the condition of the apartment. If you can’t, have a friend do it for you. You do not want to be charged for damages that existed when you moved in!

3. Security Deposits & Last Month’s Rent: Your landlord can legally require you to pay a security deposit and the last month’s rent in amounts equivalent to one month’s rent for each. If your landlord collects them, he must, among other things, give proper receipts, pay interest on an annual basis, and in the case of the security deposit, put the money in a separate account in a bank located in Massachusetts and inform you of the location and account number.

2. Noise: Be considerate of your neighbors. Having loud parties late at night or cranking up the music may lead to complaints and eventually to eviction. 1. Mediation: If you and your landlord have a dispute that you can’t resolve between yourselves, you should consider mediation. Mediation is an informal process in which you and your landlord can try to reach a resolution with the help of an impartial mediator. For information about the free mediation service offered by the City of Boston’s Rental Housing Resource Center, call (617) 635-RENT.