Apartments for Senior Citizens

For senior citizens that plan on downgrading from their house to an apartment, it is important to know what you are looking for when you downgrade. Before you go out and find apartments for senior citizens, figure out exactly what you want. Some factors you want to consider include how the apartment is built, the location of the apartment, and also the services that are offered on the complex.

When you are looking at the physical layout of the apartment you will want to determine what would work for you. For example, if you are not able to go upstairs, then a ground floor apartment would be good for you. If you are in a wheelchair, then you would want a place that has a more open floor plan. The hallways and doors should be wide enough that you can fit through.

The next characteristic of the apartment you should look at is whether or not is close to shopping areas or close to transportation. If you are unable to drive these would certainly be something important to consider. Also, make sure that the surrounding area is a good area. It would not be a good idea to rent in a crime infested area as you would have to deal with break-ins or worse.

Also consider what types of activities are offered on complex. Sometimes apartment complexes that only allow seniors will plan some events. It would be a good way for you to get to know your neighbors and make new friends.

Finally, you should look at several senior citizen apartment complexes to get a good idea of what you want. You will want to evaluate the rental price. A higher rent probably means the apartment is in a good area with lots of amenities. A lower rent would probably mean you get less out of the apartment. However, everyone’s budget is different so some seniors can afford to pay more while others not. For those seniors that are in the low income range, you could apply for government assistance.

Apartments for the Disabled

If you or someone that you know are disabled and have searched for an apartment, you may realize that it can be tough to find the right apartment complex. Before you go out looking for apartments, you should get familiar with your rights. By doing so, your search for apartments will come easier and you will find a place that you suit you best. The two main laws you should be familiar with are the Americans with Disability Act and the Fair Housing Act. These laws protect you when it comes to renting housing. The Americans with Disability Act calls for landlords to provide disabled people easy access to their property. The Fair Housing Act bars landlords from discriminating against disabled people looking to rent property.

Once you are familiar with these laws, you can begin searching for apartments. There are a number of websites that will help you find apartments. One of them is Rent.com and another is apartments.com. It is very important that you actually go see the apartments that you plan on renting. You may want to prepare a checklist of things that you are looking for. For example, the doors should be wide enough if you are in a wheelchair. Switches and knobs should be easily accessible to you and not too high. Hallways should have enough room and bathrooms should be large enough to accommodate you. If there is something that you want to change about the apartment, you should ask the landlord beforehand.

Another important feature to look at when selecting an apartment is the location of the community. The community should be close to shopping plazas or transportation. Make sure the sidewalks are adequate so that you can traverse them with ease. For people that are blind or deaf, be sure the crosswalks are appropriately fitted with equipment to help you cross.

Although it may seem that finding apartments for disabled people is hard, you will realize that it is not too bad if you know your rights and the questions to ask. With these in hand, you should be able to find your dream apartment in no time.