Moving isn't easy but your apartment search will be with AptExpert.com 

• 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, c​able and internet provider scheduled for installation or transfer box yourself, renter liability/insurance policy 
  
• 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 prior landlord or you'll likely be charged for them) 
  
• Security cards and codes for community amenities
  
• Moving Company Confirmation and Checklist - OR if you're 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 prior landlord if possible; take pictures; keep lease documents  

Call for contact information for electricity provider, Hi-Speed Internet, Cable TV,  Appliance Rental, or Furniture rental. I can provide you with these contacts.  I can also provide you with a company that can do it all with one phone call! - Email  

• Your leasing office will discuss utilities that you'll be responsible for at the time of lease - Water, Sewer, Gas, Trash Service, Pest Control services are the items you will have to pay additionally at many properties but not all. You'll receive a monthly statement from your apartment's utility billing provider for fees mentioned above.  
  

• The leasing office will inform you of policies regarding trash and fees - some properties have valet trash included in the quoted rental price and others are additional, prices vary by property.

• Water is usually billed on a sub-metered basis or the number of occupants, gas may also be an additional submetered item if the property has gas. Some newer built properties offer gas ranges, only a handful of the older communities have them.   

• Hi-Speed Internet; Cable; Digital TV - the leasing office will inform you of the companies that provide service at your community. 

• Washer and Dryer rental and furniture rental are available. Call me for contact information. Your leasing office can also provide you with contacts.   

Clear Creek Independent School District - https://www.ccisd.net/ 

Pearland Independent School District - https://www.pearlandisd.org/

Alvin School District (Some of Pearland properties are zoned to Alvin School District) - https://www.alvinisd.net/ 

Friendswood School District - https://myfisd.com/

Pasadena School Information - https://www1.pasadenaisd.org/ 

Deer Park School Information - https://www.dpisd.org/

LaPorte School Information - https://www.lpisd.org/

Humble School Information -  https://www.humbleisd.net/

Spring Branch School Information - https://cms.springbranchisd.com/district  

Houston School Information - https://www.houstonisd.org/

Alief School District - https://www.aliefisd.net/

Katy School Information - http://www.katyisd.org/

Klein School District - https://www.kleinisd.net/

Fort Bend School District - https://www.fortbendisd.com/

Lamar Consolidated School District - https://www.lcisd.org/

Cy Fair School District - https://www.cfisd.net/en/

Spring School District - https://www.springisd.org/ 

Conroe School District - http://www.conroeisd.net/

Magnolia School District - http://www.misd.org/

Other School Information and Ratings  - https://www.greatschools.org/

Self Storage - There are many storage​ companies throughout the area, this is one that I have worked with.

Storage Choice, 14640-B Hwy 3, Webster, Tx 77598 See Website at https://storagechoice.com/texas-storage-locations/webster/14640-b-hwy.-3/ 

Your landlord/apartment management/apartment owner ​is not responsible for your personal belongings or any property losses as a result of natural disasters, theft, fire, pipe bursts, etc. 90% of landlords require that you purchase a renter insurance/liability policy. Your leasing office will advise where to obtain the minimum requirements and you can also add on to a liability policy for personal property coverage. 

Call or email me for Renter's Insurance contacts  

There are a handful of communities which offer cable as part of your rental price. Most do not however, I can provide you with a reputable company who can set up everything for you and get the lowest rates! (electricity, renter insurance, cable, internet, furniture or washer/dryer rental). 

I can also provide a coupon for Xfinity/Comcast cable and internet. If you're contracted with ATT-Uverse, be sure to ask if they're able to provide service to your new apartment. ATT has a high speed fiber optic network being installed at several communities throughout certain areas of Houston, and the new 5G network from Verizon has also been announced with a date to be determined. 

It's best to ask your leasing office prior to leasing if you're a satellite TV user, some properties have rules and guidelines regarding a satellite dish or Direct TV; follow the rules regarding location or placement of the dish; they may also have insurance liability requirements!  

There are a few properties left that include free basic cable channels as a part of your rental price!      

Apartment parking accommodations vary from property to property. The Houston apartment hunter can expect to find one of the following types of parking situations at every apartment property in Greater Houston. 

Be sure to ask how many parking spaces you're allowed!

The number of parking spaces will be specified in the terms of the lease but it's best to ask upfront if you own more than one vehicle. Even the highest quality apartments may have limited parking especially when the property is at a high occupancy and most are. There may be additional parking spaces available for a fee. Some properties charge for parking even on open, unassigned parking.

Exposed, surface parking is standard with most communities, some offer carports on a first come first serve basis or assigned carports for an additional fee, some also offer detached garages for an additional fee. Many newer built properties, mid-rise and high-rise offer community parking garages. Select communities have private detached or attached​ garages included in your rental price.  

Guest Parking

Ask where your guests should park! Many apartment properties have a limited number of guest parking spaces. Parking in a non-guest space can result in unauthorized vehicles being towed at the vehicle owner's expense.   

If you expect many visitors, check out the guest parking situation before you sign the lease.

The majority of apartments feature exercise and workout facilities for residents as part of their rental amenities - some include separate pilates, spinning and yoga facilities. Newer built properties 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, personal trainers and more. 

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. Contact me for information in the area you choose to lease your new apartment!      

The majority of Houston apartment properties feature swimming pools 

Pool Safety

Pool safety practices are common sense and rules are posted. 

Very few, if any Houston apartments provide pool lifeguards. Residents use apartment pools, at their own risk.

Apartments with pools require an adult resident to be present at the pool, with the child or children for their safety, same rule for apartments with hot tubs. 

POLICE or FIRE EMERGENCIES

Houston Police Department 

Link to HPD  https://www.houstontx.gov/police/ 

911

To report an emergency requiring the attention of the police department or fire department, please dial 911

911 is the emergency reporting system for the entire Houston, Texas metroplex.  

Neighborhood Crime Stats

There are online sites to review crime statistics in all greater Houston neighborhoods.  

FIRE EMERGENCIES

Houston Fire Department Mission Statement

Link to the HFD https://www.houstontx.gov/fire/

OTHER EMERGENCIES

Emergency Medical Services 911

Emergency Fire 911

Emergency Police & Law Enforcement 911

Poison Control

(800) 764-7661

Here are some things to think about before you decide on the ideal apartment: 

Security is a cooperative effort. No matter what type of security effort an apartment landlord or community management company makes,  the apartment communal environment dictates that all residents share in the responsibility for effective security and safety. A helpful idea is to get to know your neighbors through social events or community activities, at the amenities, and even while walking your dog. No community can guarantee your safety. 

Report Suspicious Persons

Tailgating is the most common form of unauthorized entry into apartment property grounds. When entering and exiting at controlled portals, be aware of unfamiliar or suspicious situations. Report any suspicious activity to the property security office, when in doubt call 911 for emergency concerns and situations.

Safety vs. Convenience

Many communities offer electronic digital keypads or limited access gates, exits, gated pedestrian entrances and perimeter fencing. While these are an added benefit, it's not a guarantee of safety. Limited access gates break and or become damaged, and it happens more frequently than you may expect. They can also be down for repair for extended times in different circumstances. People often follow other vehicles into the gate. It's recommended to be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye out - no property owner or management company can guarantee your personal safety.  Don't give out your gate code. 

Key Fobs and Smart Home Technology

Select communities offer key fob entry mechanisms or smart locks for entry, mostly in new construction, mid-rise and high-rise properties. Smart Home technology has quickly become a sought after amenity with apartment owners and developers building them into new luxury communities all throughout the Houston, Texas metroplex.     

Check Out the Neighborhood

The neighborhood surrounding an apartment community should be a primary factor of consideration for your apartment search. You can check crime statistics for the areas via apps, search engines and the local police departments.

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