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A J.C. Hart Apartment Community in Carmel, IN
 

How To Rent An Apartment In Carmel

August 30, 2023
Exterior of multi-level apartment building with attached garage.

Getting ready to secure your first apartment? Or maybe it’s been quite some time since you leased one, and now you’re going through the process again. Here’s what you ought to know about how to rent an apartment in Carmel, from figuring out your budget to selecting the right apartment and completing the application.

How Much Can You Afford?

Open apartment floor plan with connected kitchen and living room.

What you should do at the outset is determine what you can afford. You wouldn’t want to go crazy about an apartment only to realize it’s totally outside your range. Examine your income before you tour that incredible two-bedroom with a view of the lake. Here are some recommendations to help you.

  • Take note of your net income - the amount you have after taxes - and subtract your existing expenses (car payments, credit cards, etc.).
  • Factor in unexpected costs like car repairs and urgent healthcare. In general, add 10 percent to your bill total.
  • Forecast costs at your new unit, such as utility bills and groceries. If you’re not sure where to begin, designate $250 per month for both.
  • How commonly do you enjoy a night out? Approximate your dining and entertainment costs per month.
  • What is left? This amount is what you may put toward rent. Now is the time to determine if you should consider a roommate.

Selecting The Ideal Apartment In Carmel

Fitness center with aerobic and weight training equipment.

Investigating different communities and floor plans is enjoyable but also demanding of your time. Be sure you provide yourself adequate time to look - at least a month or two. Your opening step is to figure out which area you want to live in. Do you wish to be close to work or school? Are you looking in the city or in outlying areas? Is there nightlife and shopping close by? Knowing the location will be greatly beneficial.

You likely have a clear idea of how many bedrooms you’ll need, so you can direct your attention on selecting your preferred floor plan. Then, you should decide what amenities are must-haves. Is a health club or pool essential? Do you require a pet-welcoming community with a dog park? Making these decisions will streamline your search.

Finishing The Application Process

Designated dog park at apartment community.

Once you’ve discovered an apartment, you need to finish the application process. You’ll need to be ready with photo identification, proof of income, and a list of references. You’ll typically be charged an application fee to offset the cost of background and credit checks. If you need a co-signer, inform the leasing agent at the beginning, as they may not be permitted.

Your application process will generally involve the following:

  1. Pay an application fee
  2. Submit an application form
  3. Prepare for credit and background checks
  4. Sign the agreement

When submitting the application, you can expect to show the information below:

  • Name, phone number, email, and current address
  • Employment and income amount
  • Prior address(es)
  • Animals (if applicable)
  • Emergency contacts
  • References - you may be asked to supply past landlords or professional and personal references

Find The Perfect Apartment At Midtown Flats

Leasing an apartment in Carmel is easy at Midtown Flats. We have a wide choice of amenities and floor plans to match your lifestyle. Arrange a tour to see our property or dial 317-597-4596 to speak with one of our friendly leasing specialists about how to rent one of our apartments in Carmel.