If you had lots of money to burn, you wouldn’t be worried about finding an apartment to rent, wherever you are in the world. In fact, you would just buy your own property and be done with the nerve-wracking hassle of house hunting for good. However, if you have a budget that you have to operate within, then being practical with your objectives is not an option. You have to find an apartment that chimes perfectly with your needs such that you don’t pay an extra penny for something you don’t need.

You are probably confused about where to start–and what to put in your checklist–as you strive to find a home that will house you and your loved ones for the next couple of months or years. That’s a universal problem that has a very simple solution: having a list of needs and priorities beforehand. If you are struggling to piece up a list, this article is for you. Read on for five important things to consider when looking for an apartment to rent:

Apartment features

Whether an apartment is furnished or not, the features should not be overlooked. Are the taps and the toilet working? How spacious is the shower? Is there a garbage disposal in the kitchen or will you have to install one yourself? Is there a phone, internet, and cable company available to help with line installation to your apartment?

If you are looking for apartments for rent in Switzerland or any other country or state, ensure important features are present and working before moving in.

Rent amount and payment options

Albeit price should never solely stop you from living in the home of your dreams, it is an important factor to consider when looking for an apartment. If your budget is $600 for a month’s rent, do not be tempted to consider an apartment that goes beyond that even if it seems cheap for what it offers.

Consider payment options too. Will you get the money if the policy of the apartment is that you cover six months’ rent in advance? This two factors can help you narrow down your list of options to something short and manageable.

Terms and conditions

The terms and conditions sheet is the most disinteresting part in contracts, whether you are signing up for a social media account or signing a marriage contract. We may just press “Agree” at the bottom of the page without going through the details because we are sure there are no major consequences associated with breaking social media rules. When it comes to rented apartments, however, each apartment sets their own rules and it is only wise that you know about the restrictions to brace up for before committing.

Location of apartment

As regards location, most people will only look at the convenience of travelling to work or school. There is a myriad of other factors that should be considered. For instance, is the neighborhood safe? Is there a children’s playground around? How far from your house is the closest pharmacy or grocery? All these cannot be ignored if the comfort of your family is a top priority for you.