MOVING CHECKLIST
- All Required Fees and Security Deposits Paid, Pet Deposits/Fees Paid, Confirm Date to Pick Up Keys
- Change of Address forms filed with your postmaster
- Electricity provider scheduled for set up, cable and internet provider scheduled for installation or transfer, renter liability & insurance policy (Call 281-414-5258, our Concierge Team can provide free electricity quotes, internet/wifi, renter insurance and more, free service)
- Temporary pet accommodations if needed; food and water bowls, food, pet meds, crates, leash, harness, toys, blankies, treats
- Parking Permits/stickers, Gate Card, Key Fob or door keys, signed copy of new Lease Agreement
- Pool Pass or Key fob, mailbox key (Don’t forget to return these to the leasing office upon moving out or you’ll be charged for them)
- Security cards and codes for community amenities
- Moving Company Confirmation and Checklist – OR if moving yourself: Rental truck reserved w/deposit, confirm pick up hours, and drop off location, hours
- Moving Supplies (boxes, tape, blankets, packing materials)
- Return all keys and gate cards; schedule walk through with your landlord; take pictures; keep lease documents
AptExpert.com
We Work With Apartments
that suit all lifestyles, locations, and amenity preferences. So many apartments to choose from yet so little time! I can narrow the apartment search quickly and efficiently with properties that match what you’re looking for, and absolutely no cost to you. That’s right, our apartment locator service is 100% Free to you. Renters need help navigating a new city and that’s where I come in. Allow me to be your best resource for your apartment search.
Simplify your next move! Moving is never easy but we can make your apartment search a fun, fast, and easy task with my free apartment locator service at AptExpert.com and as a licensed agent with Texas Apartment Locators Houston, and 25+ years experience, we got you covered.
281-414-5258 Kathy Curtis, Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent, your local apartment expert.
Tips To Narrow
Your Apartment Search
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Rental Rate
Compare the total rental price over the course of the lease term.
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Lease Term
A 12+ month lease term is how we get the best price or any special offer, and locks the rental price in for that time period.
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Additional Fees Paid by Renter
Additional fees paid separately by the renter can include water, sewer, trash, gas, pest control, parcel service, facility fee, etc.
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Utilities Included Apartments
All bills paid or utilities included apartments are not as plentiful but there are a few scattered throughout the Houston area. Most do not have w/d or w/d connections however!
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In Unit Laundry
You’ll be spending time doing laundry, and the convenience of having an in unit washer and dryer are high on the list for most clients.
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Electric, Furniture Rental, Internet or WiFi, Cable and more
We offer the use of a Concierge Team to assist you with quotes for these services prior to moving in. They are a free service also, and you're under no obligation to use what they offer.
Renters Insurance
Your landlord, apartment management, or apartment owner is not responsible for your personal belongings or other personal property loss due to natural disasters such as floods, fires, pipe bursts, theft, etc. Additionally, most apartment owners require you to purchase a Renter Liability or Building Protection Policy. Your leasing office can advise where to obtain the minimum required amount or I can refer you, call 281-414-5258. Usually, these types of policies are a minimal monthly fee. You can add personal belongings coverage to the building liability policy for additional fees. We work with a free Concierge team, they can provide you with free quotes for whatever you need. No obligation, just another service Kathy Curtis, AptExpert.com, Texas Apartment Locators offers to our clients.
Cable, Satellite, or Digital and Internet
Most properties don’t include cable and internet in the rental price. There are also properties that require you to subscribe to their cable or internet package. That’s not the majority but a handful of communities are in a contract with a specific internet or cable provider, you will be required to use that service and they will add the additional monthly fee to your base rent!
If you’re looking for a reputable internet or cable provider, our Concierge team can also assist you with free quotes, and absolutely no obligation. Another service we offer our clients.
We recommend asking the leasing office if a satellite is allowed! Some apartment owners have very specific rules regarding a satellite dish or Direct TV; follow the rules regarding the location or placement of the dish; they may also have insurance liability requirements.
There are a handful of apartments that include basic or expanded cable channels as a part of your rental price but that’s not as common.
Parking
Be sure to ask how many parking spaces you’re allowed, and ask about guest parking as that has become an issue with some apartment communities.
It’s best to ask upfront, especially if you own more than one vehicle. Parking can be limited due to high occupancy and or a shortage of parking. Some do charge a fee for open or unassigned parking.
Select communities have private detached, or attached garages included in your rental rate, while others have community parking garages – some with assigned, and some first come, first serve in the parking garage.
Fitness And Health Facilities
The majority of apartments for rent in and around Houston feature exercise and workout facilities for residents as part of their rental amenities – some include separate pilates, spinning, and yoga facilities. Newer built apartment communities and luxury apartments feature commercial grade, state of the art equipment including cardiovascular, treadmills, free weights, techno-gyms with flat screen televisions, water, towels, scheduled fitness classes, and personal trainers.
In the event the apartment of your choice does not have a workout facility, consider a membership at one of the many fitness clubs in your area. Houston is home to hundreds of fitness facilities and recreation centers.
Swimming Pool
Most Houston apartment properties feature swimming pools as one of the amenities. Pools are a highly requested feature considering our summer season is hot!
Pool Safety – Pool safety practices and rules are posted. Very few, if any Houston apartments provide pool lifeguards. Residents use apartment pools at their own risk.
Emergency
POLICE, FIRE, or MEDICAL EMERGENCY Please dial 911 Every apartment leasing office will tell you that your personal security is your responsibility. If you see something, say something. We suggest getting to know your neighbors, together we can all look out for and help each other which can cut down on the crime factor. There may be a Facebook Group page for your apartment community that you can join or try the Next Door app. These have been very helpful in getting to know your neighbors, finding out about local incidents, or being prepared for weather related events.
This is the link to the Houston Police Department website for non-emergency
Houston Fire Department website
Poison Control Website, Call Toll-Free (800) 764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Website or Call Toll-Free (888) 426-4435