Moving to a New Apartment

I need to find a new apartment. My lease ends next month and the landlord has decided to sell the building. I have been living here for three years and I feel sad about leaving. This apartment has become my home. I know every corner, every creaky floorboard, every way the light comes through the windows at different times of day. But I cannot stay, so I need to start looking for somewhere new. I begin searching online. There are many apartments available but most of them seem too expensive or too far from my work. I prefer to live near the city centre because I like walking to work. I do not want to spend an hour on the bus every day. I keep looking and make a list of five apartments that seem promising. I will call the landlords tomorrow to arrange viewings.

The next day, I call three landlords. The first one does not answer. The second one tells me the apartment is already taken. The third one says I can come and see it on Thursday at five. I feel a little discouraged but I keep trying. I call the other two numbers. One landlord is very friendly and invites me to see the apartment today at lunchtime. The other says Saturday morning is the only time available. I now have two viewings arranged. I feel better. My colleague at work hears me talking about apartments and says, "I know someone who is renting a flat near the park. It is a nice area. Shall I give you the number?" I say, "Yes, please!" She writes it down for me. I call immediately and the woman says I can come on Friday. Three viewings in total. I feel hopeful.

The first viewing is today at lunchtime. I leave work at twelve thirty and walk to the address. It is a ten-minute walk from my office. The building is old but well-maintained. I ring the bell and the landlord lets me in. He is a tall man in his sixties with a kind face. He shows me the apartment. It is on the second floor. There is a living room, a bedroom, a small kitchen, and a bathroom. The living room has a big window that lets in lots of light. The kitchen includes modern appliances: a fridge, an oven, and a washing machine. I ask, "Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?" He says, "Unfurnished. You need to bring your own furniture." I think about this. I have some furniture but I would need to buy a few things.

I ask about the rent. He says, "The rent is seven hundred euros per month. It includes water and heating. Electricity is separate." I ask, "Is there a security deposit?" He says, "Yes, two months' rent as a deposit. You get it back when you leave, if the apartment is in good condition." I do some quick maths in my head. Seven hundred per month plus fourteen hundred deposit. That is a lot of money upfront. I ask, "What is the lease term?" He says, "The lease term is one year, with the option to renew." I ask about the neighbours. He says, "The neighbours are friendly. There is a noise policy after ten in the evening. No loud music or parties." I like that. I prefer quiet environments. I tell him I will think about it and let him know by the weekend.

On Thursday, I go to the second viewing. This apartment is further from work but it is in a beautiful area near the river. The building has a secure entry system and an elevator. The apartment is on the fourth floor. It is bigger than the first one, with two bedrooms, a spacious living room, a modern kitchen, and a balcony with a view of the river. I immediately feel at home here. The light is beautiful in the afternoon. The kitchen is fully equipped and there is even a dishwasher. The bathroom has a bathtub, which I love. The landlord is a woman called Maria. She says, "The rent is eight hundred and fifty euros, including all utilities." It is more expensive but it includes everything. And it has a balcony and a second bedroom I could use as a study.

I ask Maria about the building. She says, "There is a shared laundry room in the basement. Parking is available for tenants in the underground garage. There is also a small garden at the back where residents can sit in summer." I ask, "Are pets allowed?" She says, "Small pets are fine. Cats, small dogs. No large dogs, unfortunately." I do not have a pet, but I have been thinking about getting a cat. This is good news. I ask about the lease. She says, "The lease is one year. The rent is due on the first of the month. We need thirty days' notice before moving out." Everything sounds reasonable. I tell her I am very interested but I have one more viewing on Friday. She says, "Take your time. But I should tell you that two other people are also interested."

On Friday, I see the third apartment. It is the one my colleague recommended, near the park. It is a ground-floor flat in a small building. It has a private garden, which is unusual in the city. The apartment itself is medium-sized with one bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The garden is the main attraction. It is small but green, with a table and chairs and some flower beds. The rent is seven hundred and fifty euros, not including utilities. The landlord seems nice but a bit disorganised. He cannot find the keys at first and he does not know the exact size of the apartment. I like the garden but I am not sure about the ground floor. It might be noisy from the street. And the kitchen is quite old and needs updating.

I go home and think carefully about my three options. I write down the pros and cons of each one. The first apartment is cheap and close to work, but it is unfurnished and quite small. The second apartment is my favourite. It is beautiful, spacious, has a balcony and a river view, and includes all utilities. But it is the most expensive. The third apartment has a lovely garden but the flat itself is not as nice and the landlord seems unreliable. I keep coming back to the second apartment. I can afford eight hundred and fifty euros if I am careful with my other spending. The balcony and the view would make me happy every day. The second bedroom could be my study where I read and work in the evenings. I think I have made my decision.

I call Maria on Saturday morning. I say, "Hello, Maria. I would like to take the apartment, if it is still available." She says, "Wonderful news! Yes, it is still available. When would you like to move in?" I say, "My current lease ends on the thirtieth of this month. Could I move in on the first of next month?" She says, "That is perfect. I will prepare the rental agreement. Can you come to sign it on Monday?" I say, "Yes, I can come after work, at six?" She says, "Six is fine. Please bring your passport and proof of employment. And the security deposit is one month's rent, eight hundred and fifty euros." I feel excited and nervous at the same time. This is a big decision. But I believe it is the right one. I am going to have a beautiful new home.

On Monday, I go to sign the lease. Maria has everything prepared. The rental agreement is clear and fair. I read it carefully, ask a few questions, and then sign it. I pay the deposit by bank transfer. Maria gives me two sets of keys and says, "Welcome to your new home! I hope you will be very happy here." I say, "Thank you, Maria. I am sure I will." I go to the apartment and stand in the empty living room. The evening sun is coming through the big windows and the river sparkles below the balcony. I can hear birds singing outside. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. This is my new beginning. Next week I will start moving my things. I need to pack boxes, hire a van, and set up the utilities. There is a lot to do, but I feel happy and hopeful. This apartment already feels like home.