Look at the Classified Ads

• Online classified ads are a good place to start looking for apartments. Many of the apartments you can find on craigslist or other classified ad websites can help you locate apartments that you might want to check out.
  Combing through the online classifieds can produce some showings for you.
  
  

Hire a Real Estate Agent

• Make an agent work for you. Real estate agents know their local areas extremely well and can pinpoint places that meet your needs. Renters with children, for example, might want to be near schools and parks, and urban commuters might wish to live near a train station.
  Real estate agents also can help you find apartments within your budget and apartments that fit other needs--such as pets or off-street parking.
  
  

Keep Your Eyes Open

• If you pass through the area where you'd like to live, or if you're not sure where you want to live, be on the lookout for signs and "For Rent" banners on newly constructed buildings. These often have telephone numbers, so if you see something you think you might like, make a call.
  
  

Tour the Apartment or House

• If you're interested in renting, request to see the actual place where you would be living. Do not settle for seeing a "display unit," as it might be in far better shape than the one you would occupy. Ask plenty of questions, make sure you know what comes with the place and make sure everything you'll be getting is in good working order. This is not the time to be quiet and polite. It's the time to speak up and make sure you're getting what you're paying for.
  
  

Know the True Price

• Know exactly what's included in the rent, whether there are additional charges for off-street parking or laundry, for example. Also, be sure you can pay a security deposit and first and last month's rent, if required.