Many people choose to rent apartments versus buying a home. One reason for doing so, and more than likely the main reason, is the financial aspect. Unfortunately, there are times when the renter ends up paying more to live in an apartment. In most cases, this is your largest monthly expense, and once the lease is signed, it is a recurring expense. The result is too much money coming out of your bank account. Below are four ways to lower your monthly apartment living cost. 

All Utilities Included – Find an apartment that advertises all utilities included in their monthly rent. Make sure the necessary utilities are included such as water, gas, electric and sewer. Find out if internet, cable and phone is included as well. Normally, these are considered a luxury utility and not a necessity. If the necessary utilities are included for no additional cost, you will never have to worry about paying an excessively high electric bill in the summer or gas bill in the winter. It will be much easier to budget when rent includes the utilities and there are no surprises. Always make sure you read the fine print and understand what you will be paying for before signing the lease. 

Take Advantage of the Amenities – Always take advantage of the available amenities offered by your apartment complex. Many have gyms, hot tubs, swimming pools, and even shuttle bus rides to and from places. Many apartment complexes include this in to the cost of your rent, so you should use what you are really paying for. If you have free shuttle service, save money not using your vehicle and the gas expenses. Additionally, use the gym at the apartment complex instead of paying for a gym membership. Again, ask before signing a lease to see what is offered. 

Cooking at Home – Your new apartment comes with a stove, refrigerator, oven and microwave. To save a lot of money, take advantage of cooking at home. As easy as it is to go through a drive through or eat at a restaurant, cooking will save you a lot of money. Additionally, you save gas money not going to and from restaurants. After just a few months, the savings really add up. If you are not used to cooking, the internet has plenty of easy and cheap recipes you can find with a simple search. Most apartments have a grilling area as well. Instead of eating out, invite friends over to grill out and enjoy a nice barbecue while sitting by the pool. 

Check Out the Promos – Most apartment complexes offer discounts or special rates when they have vacancies. Always call around or search online to see what type of special rate you can get before signing a lease. Oftentimes, you can secure a lease for a year with that monthly discounted rate. This can save you a lot of money. 

Apartment living can be as cheap as you want it to be. Do your homework before signing a least to get the best and most affordable apartment on the market to suit your needs.

Provide by the Shrevport / Bossier Apartment Shoppers Guide.