1. Strong Schools Close to Home

Access to quality schools is often one of the biggest factors when choosing a neighborhood. Bethany is known for its highly regarded schools, making it a popular choice for families planning ahead.

The area has even been recognized nationally. Bethany was ranked “50 Best Places to Live for Families” by Fortune in 2024.

Living close to schools helps simplify your daily routine and keeps everything within reach.

2. Childcare and Youth Programs Nearby

Having childcare close to home can make a big difference in your day.

At South Parc Apartments, you are just minutes from BKids Daycare & Preschool, offering structured care and early learning in a convenient location. For older kids, nearby programs and activities help support busy schedules and growing families.

3. Fitness, Recreation, and Family Activities

A family-friendly neighborhood should offer ways to stay active and spend time together.

Right nearby is Bethany Athletic Club, with fitness, aquatics, youth programs, and childcare. Whether it is swim lessons or after-school activities, having these options close to home adds everyday convenience.

4. Walkable Shopping and Dining

South Parc Apartments is located near Bethany Village Shopping Centre, making errands and dining simple.

Pick up groceries at QFC, grab a quick meal, or enjoy local restaurants all within a short distance. Having these essentials nearby helps save time throughout the week.

5. Apartment Options That Fit Your Family

Finding the right layout matters just as much as the location.

South Parc Apartments offers thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, giving you flexibility whether you need a little extra space or room to grow. Select units also include garages, providing added convenience for storage and parking.

Each apartment is designed with everyday comfort in mind, including features like an in-unit washer and dryer, private patio or balcony, and functional layouts that make the most of your space.

6. A Neighborhood That Supports Everyday Life

Bethany offers a balance of residential comfort and convenience. With parks, local businesses, and community gathering spaces nearby, it is a place where families can settle in and feel connected.

At South Parc Apartments, everything from school drop-offs to weekend plans fits together in one location.

Final Thought

If you are looking for apartments in Bethany, Oregon, the right neighborhood can make all the difference. With access to strong schools, nearby childcare, fitness options, and everyday conveniences, South Parc Apartments offers a setting that supports family life from day one.

Ready to Find Your Space?

Explore our one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans and find the layout that fits your lifestyle. From comfortable living spaces to select homes with garages, South Parc Apartments offers options designed for the way you live.

Visit our floor plans page to take a closer look and schedule your tour today.

Come see what makes South Parc feel like home.

The post Family-Friendly Apartments in Bethany, Oregon: A Guide to South Parc Living appeared first on South Parc Blog.

Current Leasing Special

Move in and take advantage of Up to 2 Months Free + $1,000 Gift Card + $500 Rent Credit*! This exclusive offer is available now through December 31, 2025, so don’t wait.

*Rent credit applied if you apply within 24 hours of your tour.

Why Choose South Parc Apartments?

Located in Bethany Village, South Parc Apartments offers a peaceful community just 15 minutes from Portland, providing the perfect balance of convenience and comfort. Enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, parks, and entertainment.

• Spacious and modern 1, 2, & 3 bedroom floor plans
• Coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries right outside your door
• Swimming pool and hot tub
• Pet-friendly living
• Walkable community lifestyle
• 24-hour fitness gym
• Carports and garages available

Don’t Miss Out

These promotions won’t last long, and select homes are limited. Schedule your tour today by clicking here to learn more and reserve your new apartment.

Ready to take the next step?
Contact our leasing team to schedule your tour and secure this limited-time offer before it’s gone.

The post Limited-Time Leasing Special at South Parc Apartments in Bethany Village appeared first on South Parc Blog.

Whether you're a current resident or considering a move, here are some ways to make the most of your summer at South Parc Apartments.

Stay Cool with Community Amenities

At South Parc, you’ll find features that help you enjoy the season without the stress of the heat:

• Take a Refreshing Dip in the Pool: Our outdoor pool is a go-to spot for cooling off. Whether you’re looking to swim a few laps or just relax poolside, it’s the perfect place to beat the heat.
• Keep Moving Indoors: Our fitness center offers a climate-controlled space for daily workouts—no matter how hot it gets outside.
• Time Outdoor Activities Wisely: Step out early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler. A stroll through Bethany or nearby green spaces can be the perfect way to enjoy some fresh air.

Tips for Staying Comfortable in Your Apartment

Summers in the Pacific Northwest are getting warmer, and it's helpful to keep your apartment as comfortable as possible. Try these tips:

• Ventilate Smartly: Open windows during the cooler morning and evening hours, then close them—and your blinds or curtains—during the heat of the day.
• Block the Heat: Use blackout curtains or reflective window coverings to help reduce the sun’s impact on indoor temps.
• Choose Cool Bedding: Lightweight sheets, breathable fabrics, and moisture-wicking pillows can make a noticeable difference at night.
• Hydration is Key: Keep water close and drink regularly. It helps your body stay cool and energized throughout the day.
• Dress Light: Stick to breathable materials like cotton and linen for hot days at home or out around the neighborhood.

Local Summer Highlights & Community Tips

Living at South Parc means you’re never far from fun, refreshing activities. Here are a few local options to check out when the sun is blazing:

• Escape the Heat Indoors: Cool off with a visit to Bethany Public House. Their weekly trivia nights are a great excuse to gather with friends in a chilled, social space.
• Kids Love the Bethany Village Fountain: This splash-friendly fountain is a short drive away and perfect for little ones. Grab a drink nearby and enjoy the lively, local atmosphere.
• Explore Indoor Fitness Options: Local gyms often offer day passes or trial periods—great for trying something new while staying cool.
• Protect Your Pup: Avoid walking dogs on hot pavement during peak sun hours. Early morning or late evening walks in shady areas are safer and more enjoyable for both of you.

Looking for a New Place to Call Home?

If you’re thinking about moving this summer, South Parc Apartments offers the right mix of comfort, location, and convenience. With access to everyday essentials and a location that makes commuting simple, this community makes summer living feel natural.

Whether you're unwinding poolside, browsing nearby shops, or just staying cool at home, summer at South Parc fits your rhythm.

Contact our leasing team or book a tour to see what’s available and find a floor plan that suits you.

The post Beat the Heat: Summer Tips from South Parc Apartments appeared first on South Parc Blog.

Check out these must-attend events happening right across the street at Bethany Village.

Bethany Village Annual Egg Hunt

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Bethany Village Centre

Learn More

Spring is in full swing, and that means it’s time for the Annual Egg Hunt at Bethany Village. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season while exploring local businesses in the community.

What to Expect:

• Visit participating shops in Bethany Village for special treats and giveaways.
• Take photos with the Easter Bunny at designated photo stations.
• Enjoy interactive activities at Bethany Athletic Club.
• The event happens rain or shine, so be sure to bring your basket and get ready for some fun.

Don’t miss out on this exciting Easter celebration happening just moments from South Parc Apartments.

Bethany Village Spring Market

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Bethany Village Plaza

Learn More

The Bethany Village Spring Market is a seasonal favorite, bringing together local vendors, artists, and small businesses for a vibrant shopping experience.

Why You’ll Love the Spring Market:

• Shop from a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, plants, handmade crafts, and more.
• Enjoy live music by the fountain.
• Support small businesses in the Bethany community while discovering unique goods.
• Grab a bite to eat from featured food vendors and enjoy the lively outdoor atmosphere.

Located just a short walk from South Parc Apartments, the Spring Market is a great way to support local makers while enjoying the fresh air.

Last Day of School Celebration

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Bethany Athletic Club Gym

Learn More

Celebrate the start of summer at the Last Day of School Celebration, a fun-filled event designed for families, students, and community members.

Event Highlights:

• Live music and entertainment to kick off summer break.
• Exciting free activities hosted by Bethany Athletic Club.
• Delicious treats and specialty goods from local vendors.
• A welcoming, community-focused atmosphere for all ages.

Families living at South Parc Apartments will love this interactive event, offering a great way for kids to celebrate the end of the school year in a safe and fun environment.

Experience the Best of Bethany Village This Season

Located just across the street from South Parc Apartments, Bethany Village is more than just a shopping center—it’s a hub for community events, local businesses, and seasonal celebrations.

From festive family gatherings to outdoor markets and summer concerts, there’s no shortage of things to do this spring and summer. Be sure to check out these events and explore all that Bethany Village has to offer.

Looking for an apartment near Bethany Village? Discover the convenience and comfort of living at South Parc Apartments. With spacious floor plans, top-tier amenities, and a prime location in Portland’s Bethany neighborhood, South Parc offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and urban convenience.

Learn more about South Parc Apartments and schedule a tour today.

The post Exciting Events Near South Parc Apartments in Bethany Village appeared first on South Parc Blog.

Keep Your Things Safe

First and foremost, you want to worry about keeping your valuable's from being water-damaged once you notice the beginning of the flooding. Take everything you can into a room of your apartment that the upstairs water isn't leaking into. Also, consider moving things to your car or asking your neighbor if you can keep things in their apartment until you can handle the situation.

Call the Landlord

As soon as you can, call your landlord or property manager to notify them of the situation. In the meanwhile, seal any ceiling leaks you can and catch the water with buckets or big plastic bins. Try to minimize water damage as much as possible.

Determine the Problem

If your apartment flooded from upstairs, chances are something went awry with your upstairs neighbor. It may have been an overflowing bathtub or toilet, a busted pipe, a leaky fridge or water heater, or some other issue of the sort.

By immediately calling your landlord, they'll probably go up and inspect the cause. The sooner the cause is identified, the sooner it gets fixed. Eventually, you'll be able to start worrying about what happens next instead of scrambling to figure things out while water continues to leak into your apartment.

Have Insurance

Frequently, tenants will be required to have renter's insurance before moving in – not always, but often. Even if it isn't needed, it's smart to get in case of situations like these. Luckily, it isn't too expensive either, just a few hundred dollars a year or less. The point is, if you have renter's insurance, things will end up going a lot smoother.

Your renter's insurance will cover the cost of your damaged belongings such as clothing, jewelry, electronics, etc., and sometimes even appliances under some policies. The renter's insurance does not cover the damage done to the apartment building itself, like to your floors and the pipes, but that will usually be taken care of by the landlord. If you don't immediately notify your landlord when the flooding begins, however, they may try to get out of paying for repairs.

If you don't have renter's insurance, things will be a little more troublesome. While your property manager will most likely replace your carpets and make sure any stains in the ceiling are taken care of, you'll be responsible for replacing your personal belongings.

On the occasions where your landlord does not offer to take on repairs themselves, ask if they can reimburse you for taking the repairs into your own hands – either by doing them yourself or hiring a repair-person out of your pocket. Alternatively, negotiate whether or not you can take the cost of repairs off the next rent payment.

If your landlord refuses to repair anything inside your apartment and your upstairs neighbor was proven to be at fault but refuses to cover the cost of the damage they caused, you can always attempt to take either of them to court.

Natural Disasters

Flooding via natural disaster such as a hurricane or tropical storm may be unlikely, but it happens sometimes. If your upstairs neighbor experiences flood damage due to natural conditions, their water will leak into your home, too, assuming your apartment hasn't been affected by the weather already.

In this case, your renter's insurance may not cover the damage done to your belongings because the cause was a natural disaster and not any fault of anyone in the apartment complex. If you don't have flood insurance, which you can tack onto your renter's insurance, then you may be out of luck, even if your landlord makes the structural repairs.

If your apartment flooded to the point where it's no longer able to be lived in, it might just be time to move. In these cases, you can often end your lease without any financial complications. If you're lucky, you can get a new place within the same apartment complex, but you may have to move out if things get that bad.

Overall, a flooded apartment is a terrible time for anyone, but it's able to be dealt with often than not. By keeping as much safe as you can, fixing the problem as soon as possible, and having the right insurance, you can get back on your feet even after all the hassle. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst, as they say.

The post My Apartment Flooded from Upstairs; What’s Next? appeared first on South Parc Blog.

Tip 1: Use Caution While Cooking Food

The kitchen is the most common place to have a fire, and in some cases, it is caused by not using the proper precautions. Make sure to stay near to the stove while you are preparing a meal. While cooking, keep your clothing and hair away from the flames. If your apartment has a balcony or a patio, then follow the guidelines for barbecuing outside so that sparks don't land on fences or other flammable structures.

Tip 2: Make Sure that You Have a Working Smoke Detector

You should have at least one working smoking detector on each level of your apartment, and you should test the batteries in these items each week. For additional protection, you can install smoke detectors in other areas, and some of these devices have extra things to protect you, including bright lights to help you find emergency exits or systems that will notify a local fire station immediately.

Tip 3: Do You Need a Portable Fire Ladder?

If you live in a multistory building that doesn't have exterior fire stairs, then you should buy a portable fire ladder or escape tube. These devices are dropped from an apartment's balcony or out a window so that you and your family can escape from the fire. You should keep these devices near to the windows or balconies, and you must teach everyone how to use the items when a fire occurs.

Tip 4: Watch Burning Candles

You may want to have candles in your home to enjoy the fragrance from these items or to create a relaxing atmosphere. Candles are also essential during a power outage, but if you use these in an apartment, then you must watch the items carefully. Avoid leaving candles unattended, especially when you have children or pets.

Tip 5: Don't Block the Proper Flow of Air from Climate-control Equipment

An air conditioner or a furnace can overheat when it is covered with piles of stuff. Don't use a utility room in your apartment for storage because it will prevent the proper flow of the heated or cooled air. In addition, walk through your apartment to verify that the intake and outlet vents aren't covered with rugs or draperies.

Tip 6: Fire Safety Drills with Your Family

Apartment renters should have fire safety drills with a family at least once a month. In addition to knowing how to get out of an apartment, you should know how to leave a larger apartment building that has multiple doors and windows. Remember that when a real fire occurs, you may need to exit a building in a different way because there are flames in the area nearest to your apartment.

Tip 7: Maintain A Dryer's Exhaust System

If your apartment has a laundry area, then make sure to clean the dryer's exhaust system once a year. The plastic or metal exhaust hose can become filled with lint that can overheat and start a fire. In some cases, you can empty the hose, but if it is damaged, then you should replace it.

Tip 8: Don't Leave Burning Cigarettes Unattended

Check your lease to determine if smoking is permitted in your apartment. If smoking is permitted, then follow the guidelines about smoking in certain locations. At the same time, you shouldn't smoke cigarettes in bed or while reclining on a couch. You should have smokeless or fireproof ashtrays to prevent an accidental fire in your apartment.

Tip 9: Check Electrical Cords

Apartment renters should check the electrical cords on electronics and appliances to make sure that the items aren't frayed. It is often possible to buy a new electrical cord at a home improvement store to replace the frayed ones that can cause a fire.

Tip 10: Monitor Your Apartment's Space Heaters

If you use a space heater to stay warm in an apartment, then make sure that it is in good condition. Electric space heaters are less likely to cause a fire, but don't cover the items with blankets or piles of clothing.

The post 10 Fire Safety Tips for Apartment Renters appeared first on South Parc Blog.

Read on to learn what is a security deposit.
 

What is a Security Deposit?

There’s more to a security deposit than meets the eye. A security deposit is actually a certain amount of money that a tenant hands to their landlord along with their rent. On paper, this just sounds like you’re giving extra money to the landlord. However, this isn’t exactly the case. Consider a security deposit like a form of insurance. It’s a way of protecting you, specifically your money, in the event that the apartment is damaged or you’re not able to pay your rent.

Another thing you should know about security deposits is that they’re refundable. If you’re a tenant who takes care of their apartment and always pays their rent on time, the company that owns the building will give your security deposit back.
 

How Much Does a Security Deposit Cost?

The cost of a security deposit depends on the location you’re in or looking to move to. Although most places don’t have a set limit for a security deposit, there are a few locations that do, so keep that in mind. Let’s take Kansas for example. Kansas is one of those places that actually has a law set in place where you must pay a set amount for a security deposit. If the place is unfurnished, then you must put down one month’s rent. Or, if it is furnished, you’ll have to pay a month and a half’s rent instead.

Always remember to do some research on the building you’re looking to rent. The company may also charge you a fee of their own if it’s in their policy.
 

When to Pay For a Security Deposit?

You’ll have to pay your security deposit before you move into the building, along with your first month’s rent. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you have to pay the security deposit on time. Failing to do so can end up hurting your chances of securing your apartment.
 

When Does The Company Return The Security Deposit?

As with the amount you must pay, when you’ll be able to get back your security depends on the property and who the company is. In some cases, you might get your deposit back within two weeks. In others, you may have to wait as long as two months. However, there is another thing that you need to take into consideration. The company is able to take away a bit of your security deposit. This will only happen if the apartment you were in was damaged or not taken care of. Make sure to keep your apartment in good shape before you move out.

A security deposit plays a very important role when it comes to renting an apartment. However, the way it's handled, how much you have to pay and how much you'll get back all vary on the company.

The post Renting 101: What Is A Security Deposit appeared first on South Parc Blog.

1.Measure Everything

Before you buy anything, take some measuring tape with you to your new apartment. Write down the dimensions of every room, including the hallways and doors. Just because a piece will fit inside the room doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get it in there! If you’re not on the ground floor, measure the elevator and stairwell as well. Inside each room, don’t forget to measure closets, windows and cabinets. It’s not easy, but it will be worth it!
 

2. Make a Plan

Draw out a diagram of your apartment’s floorplan, and label it with the measurements you took. Take inventory of any existing pieces you have, and note their dimensions. You can even cut out scale models of your pieces that can be arranged and rearranged quickly on top of the diagram! It’s a lot easier to move little pieces of paper than buying furniture for your apartment, moving it in, and then shuffling it all around.
 

3. Get Creative

Can any of your furniture pieces do double-duty? When you’re low on space, make everything in your house really count. For example, a daybed with extra pillows or a futon can double as a couch during the daytime. Or a dresser with a chair nearby can also be a desk. Extra chairs can be used as nightstands, and pulled out when you need more seating.
 

4. Cover the basics

If you’re starting from scratch, keep in mind that you really just need three things: a place to sleep, a place to sit, and a place to eat. Just think: a sleeper sofa with a coffee table could be enough! Once you’ve satisfied those necessities, start thinking about storage. Moving is a great chance to evaluate your belongings as well. Are they all really necessary?
 

5. Find what you need

First, remember to take it slow- your apartment doesn’t need to be picture-perfect overnight. As you shop for furniture, bring your room measurements with you. You may fall in love with that big, oversized armchair at the store, but if it takes up half your living room, you might not love it as much at home. For chairs, beds, sofas, and anything you sit on, be sure to try it first and make sure it’s comfortable. Those dining chairs you saw online may look elegant, but if you can’t sit comfortably for more than a few minutes, they might not be the best choice for your home.
 

6. Work with your budget

Ready to start shopping? There are furniture stores in every price range and style, online shops that offer everything under the sun, and big-box retailers that can always cover your basics. On the other hand, furniture can be pretty expensive. If you’re willing to put a little more time and energy into it, scouring garage sales, craigslist ads, and thrift stores can yield some amazing results. As a rule of thumb, mattresses and upholstered pieces should be bought new to avoid bringing unwanted guests into your home (hello, bedbugs!). But for everything else, you can often find higher-quality pieces secondhand for a fraction of the price.

With a little preparation and a little creativity, you’re sure to find everything you need. And last but not least, don't forget to have fun furnishing your apartment!

The post The Ultimate Checklist for Buying Furniture for Your Apartment appeared first on South Parc Blog.

First, there’s that dreaded IKEA trip, and then there is the issue of actually assembling the furniture. Trust me; I know the feeling. Although it’s easy to make a list of what you want to do with flat-packed furniture, we believe that when completing a task, you don’t want to go back and correct mistakes. Nobody has the time for that. So, we’ve compiled a list of what you want to avoid instead of what you want to do when building flat-packed furniture.

Now, without further delay, let’s dive in.

1. Ditching the instructions. There is a time and place to prove your independence and trust me; building flat-packed furniture is not the time. Throwing that little pamphlet in the recycling bin is going to be a colossal error and far more damaging to your pride, in the long run, then it will be if you take the time to read it. Taking the time to, for a start actually opening it, and then carefully reading it from start to finish is always the better option than just tossing it the second you open the box. Let’s leave it at; the instructions are there for a reason.
2. Not stopping when it’s broken. If you open the box and find that the headboard is broken, we strongly advise against plowing forward anyways. Your first step should be to contact the company and explain what happened and request a replacement or refund. Even if it’s your fault that the furniture is damaged, you still shouldn’t continue. Not only does it look bad, but it can also be dangerous. Having broken parts of any piece of furniture is potentially hazardous to you, and that’s not a chance you should take.
3. Not following the steps in the right order. It can be tempting to pick the easiest thing on the list to do first but believe me; there’s a reason that they list the order in which you should do things. Although you might get the urge to do things outside of what the manual directs you to, you don’t want to. Only ever change the order of your building if you’ve done the same project so many times that you could do it without looking.
4. Not receiving help. Flat-packed furniture is best done with a team, meaning that if you can get the assistance, you should take it. Not only will this make the task go much quicker, but you’ll also have other opinions to make sure that the job is done correctly and no mistakes are made. It’s overall just more efficient and faster to assemble flat-packed furniture if you’re doing it with a pal.
5.  Not getting the basic tools. You may think that it’ll only take a simple screwdriver to put together your furniture, and some of it might, but you don’t know until you open it and you don’t want to be taken by surprise. I know, just about all flat-packed furniture sellers will insist that you only need what comes in the box (and maybe the occasional wrench), but that’s not always a guarantee. The real flat-packed furniture professionals take the time to invest in the basic tools. This isn’t to say that you have to go all out and get every tool you can think of, just a few basics that you think will come in handy when you’re assembling your furniture. A hammer, some assorted nails and screws, a drill, and a level are all probably a good start to your assembling journey.
6. Not stopping when it doesn’t fit. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit. It’s as simple as that. Forcing something to fit where it doesn’t fit is a sure way to ruin your piece of furniture. If a peg doesn’t quite fit or the screw is having trouble going in, don’t force it. If this is the case, then you’re probably using the wrong piece. Screws will tend to look similar, with only a slight size difference, and the same goes for pegs. If you find yourself in this position, then take a moment and make sure what you’re doing is correct. Be sure that you’re actually supposed to be using wood or screws and then double-check to make sure you have the right one. If not, you may run into an issue.
7. Not considering hiring someone to do it for you. Okay, I know, the whole point of flat-packed furniture should be that you do it yourself, but sometimes you need help, and that’s okay. Some flat-packed furniture is more difficult to assemble, and when this happens, you may want to consider hiring someone. It’ll save you time, they’ll already arrive with the right tools and know-how, and honestly, it’ll probably look a lot better then it will when you attempt to do it yourself. This isn’t to say that you should attempt DIY, but you should most certainly consider it if a project is getting too complicated and at least think about hiring someone.

Flat-packed furniture is widely used across the world and for a good reason too; it’s affordable and still keeps your home looking classy. Above are seven mistakes that you want to avoid when building flat-packed furniture. These are mistakes that we see happen all the time when people attempt to build flat-packed furniture, and we want to make sure that you don’t have them happen to you. Remember, you should at least consider hiring someone to do it for you; after all, you never know what’ll happen, and it may just be one of your best decisions. We hope this blog post has been helpful and you’ll now know what to avoid when you get back from your IKEA trip!

The post 7 Mistakes to Avoid Building Flat-Packed Furniture appeared first on South Parc Blog.

Sometimes the apartment is real; sometimes, it is not. The person posing as a landlord seldom has the right to rent out the space in question.

Unfortunately, apartment hunting can have your emotions running high, and it's easy to be too trusting. Other times you're in a time crunch, wanting or needing to get out of your current apartment as soon as possible due to personal reasons or when in the process of relocating for a job. Being eager to hurry up and get moving can make you vulnerable to scammers. It's also easy to be excited about moving, making you more trusting of a shady landlord.

Finding a new apartment can consume both your time and your energy, and even more so when you have to be on the lookout for apartment rental scams constantly.

At South Parc, a family-friendly apartment complex in Portland Oregon, we've gathered a few tips for you on how to reel in a real apartment with a reputable landlord that isn't trying to scam you.

Always Look Before You Buy

Perhaps this one seems obvious, but you would be surprised to find out just how many renters make up excuses as to why their new landlord can't show them the place, yet.

If you have a landlord unwilling or unable to show you the place they have up for rent, it probably means it's not their place. If you are relocating from far away and can't look at the place yourself, have a trusted friend or family member that's local take a look at it for you.

Stay Away from Sub-leasing

It's almost impossible to verify whether or not the original tenant is allowed to sub-lease to you. It is an easy way to facilitate an apartment rental scam, and it can even get both the original tenant, as well as yourself, evicted if the original lease doesn't allow for sub-leasing.To avoid any issues with eviction, convince the original tenant to add you onto the original lease.

Don't Do Cash Only

Not all landlords that deal in cash run apartment rental scams, but landlords who are up to no good usually do deal in cash since cash will never leave a trace. If your landlord is unwilling to accept anything but cash, do yourself a favor and move along. The same goes for landlords who require wire transfers.

Insist on a Lease

If a landlord insists that you don't need a lease, move along. Even in states that allow oral agreements to be legally binding, insist on a written lease. Also make sure that both homeowner and tenant sign this contract, and get a full copy of the lease

Know Who You Rent From

In the same vein as making sure the landlord has access to the property, making sure the landlord can prove homeownership is essential to avoid apartment rental scams. Don't take anything but documents with your landlord's name, and don't believe that the papers will be sent later.

If it Looks Too Perfect

If it looks too perfect, it probably is. If an apartment seems extra nice, and is going for several hundred dollars less than you were expecting to pat, be aware that it might be a scam. The same goes for listings that are worded differently but still has the same pictures. Scammers often borrow text and pictures from existing ads.

Don't Trust the Middleman

Make sure that you aren't walking straight into an apartment rental scam by meeting your actual landlord in person when looking at the apartment you want. Don't accept the word of a middleman. The middleman is especially common on platforms like Craigslist, and this includes property managers.

Don't Forget to do Your Research

Verify as much info as you can, both about the landlord and about your apartment. Running a reverse image search in Google of the pictures in the ad is a good way to find out if the place you're looking at is allready listed in other places. Also google real estate agents or companies if that is who you are dealing with.

The Price

Look into your area. Notice the average housing prices and see if your new place fits the monthly rent at your new place or not. Also make sure to verify with the landlord that the rent price will in fact be what was listed in the ad.

Talk to the Tenants

If the apartment you are looking to rent has tenants that currently live there, talk to them before signing the agreement. If you can get a hold of previous tenants that don’t have to worry about talking badly about the landlord, that is even better.

Thankfully, not everyone is out to scam you. As long as you stick with common sense and the abovementioned tips, chances are you will find a legit apartment to rent, without getting scammed out of your money. Good luck!

The post How to Avoid Apartment Rental Scams appeared first on South Parc Blog.