{"id":11261,"date":"2017-04-24T15:22:58","date_gmt":"2017-04-24T20:22:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abodo.com\/blog\/?p=11261"},"modified":"2021-01-05T09:25:20","modified_gmt":"2021-01-05T15:25:20","slug":"4-things-look-first-madison-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentable.co\/blog\/4-things-look-first-madison-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Things to Look for in Your First Madison Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"

So you\u2019re looking into renting in Madison. Congratulations! Wisconsin\u2019s capital is a fine place to live, with two lakes, a major research university, and restaurants and bars galore. Plus, a recent construction boom in rental properties has provided potential renters with a wealth of options. Whether you\u2019re a sophomore at UW or an Epic employee brand new to town, there\u2019s a place for you. Here are four things to look for as you search for your first <\/span>Madison apartment<\/span><\/a>.
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The Money, Of Course
\n<\/strong>Compared to the rest of Wisconsin, and the Midwest more generally, the Madison rental market is a bit pricey. The large student population, along with building height restrictions and geographical constraints (the is city situated on an isthmus between two lakes, after all) make rent in Madison a bit higher than you might expect. One bedrooms range from about $750 to $1,200, depending on your neighborhood and the level of luxury you require.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to set up a budget before you start thinking about signing a lease. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends that you spend no more than 30% of your income on rent<\/a> to avoid being housing cost-burdened. So add up all of your monthly expenses, including your prospective rent, food, and your \u201cplay money,\u201d and subtract it from your income. Is that a feasible amount? If not, recalibrate \u2014 choose a cheaper apartment, or commit yourself to a more Spartan lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Distance from Campus
\n<\/strong>If you\u2019re a current UW student, being close to campus is probably a major priority. Who wants to live all the way in Atwood when they have an 8am class?<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re a young professional or have put quite a few years between yourself and fraternity keggers, proximity to campus might not be the best choice for you. Don\u2019t live on Langdon if you\u2019re looking for peace and quiet, and don\u2019t move to Maple Bluff if you want to walk to organic chemistry. If a property advertises itself as \u201cclose to campus,\u201d read that as code for \u201cstudent-dominated,\u201d and act accordingly.<\/p>\n

The Tenant Experience
\n<\/strong>Most properties on Rentable have specs and photos online, and property reviews on Rentable are a great way to see how other tenants feel about a property and its management company. But nothing beats getting a firsthand experience of going there yourself. Even if you think you\u2019ve already found the apartment that\u2019s perfect for you, it\u2019s a good idea to go on multiple walk-throughs of other properties, so you have some context for what a specific rent price is worth in the city.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t jog through a tour. Linger: Check out the view from the windows, and keep an ear out for road noise. Peek under sinks and inside cabinets for water damage or evidence of pests. Try all the faucets and bathroom fixtures. How are the carpets? How\u2019s the paint job? Even if you end up not wanting the apartment, it\u2019s good to know how well (or poorly) a management company keeps up its properties.<\/p>\n

The Management Experience
\n<\/strong>Often, you\u2019ll get the chance to meet the property manager during the tour. That\u2019s a good thing \u2014 they\u2019re the person you\u2019ll be dealing with should you have any issues during the term of your lease. So chat them up about maintenance, protocol, and details you might not be able to discern from the apartment tour. Try these sample questions:<\/p>\n