As a renter, finding a new apartment is just a part of life. Perhaps your rent increased, you are tired of your current roommate, or you got a new job on the other side of town. Whatever the reason, here are a few tricks that will help you find the perfect new apartment.

1. Check Your Phone's Cell Reception

There is nothing worse than moving into a new apartment, only to discover that your phone only seems to get reception when you are standing out on the patio and nowhere inside your home. Take your phone and check the number of bars that you get in each room of the apartment. Make sure you are touring the apartment you would actually rent, not just a showroom apartment.

2. Turn on the Shower

When you tour an apartment you are interested in, turn on the shower. Check and see if the water actually is hot. Make sure the water pressure is intense enough for you. You don't want to rent an apartment only to discover that the water isn't hot enough for you or that the pressure is lower than you like.

3. Check the Inside of the Cupboards

When you look at an apartment, open all the cupboards. Make sure the insides of the cupboards are in good shape. Also, make sure that the cupboards are not hiding any holes in the walls. Holes in the wall impact the insulation of your apartment and can also allow rodents into your apartment, so be wary of any apartments with holes inside the cabinets.

4. Ask About the Average Electrical or Heating Costs

Next, if you have to pay for electricity or other utility costs outside of your rent, you are going to want to find out what the average electricity and utilities are for the apartment or apartment complex where you want to rent. It is important for you to have an accurate idea of what you are going to have to pay for the apartment.

5. Check Out the Reviews

There are reviews for basically everything nowadays, which is why you should check and see if previous tenants have left reviews of the apartment complex where you want to live. This can give you some insight into the quality of the building and what the building management is like to work with.

6. Find Out What's Included

Finally, find out what is included with the apartment. Don't assume that your apartment comes with appliances or a parking space. Make sure that any extras such as storage, parking spots, window coverings, and appliances, if offered, are all included in the actual lease agreement.

When it comes to finding the right apartment, you need to pay attention to the details. Check on the little details, like the shower pressure and what type of cell phone reception you get inside the apartment. Make sure you understand the full cost of renting the apartment, including utilities, and always check the lease to make sure it details everything that is included with the apartment. By paying attention to the small details, you should be able to find the right apartment for you.