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The landlord

When you check out an apartment, check out the landlord and/or superintendent who comes with it. Just as you know that a good landlord can make your life pleasant, so every landlord recognizes the value of a good tenant.

Apartment hunting is competitive. Good apartments in quality buildings generate a lot of interest. The best ones may well have waiting lists. Go ahead and get your name onto a few. If you're not on the list, you won't get the call.

The way you present yourself is important. Very important. Everything about you, from your demeanor to your clothing, should say: "I am low maintenance." Think about it from the landlord's perspective: he or she wants a tenant who's tidy, quiet, pays on time and doesn't make unreasonable requests.

You, on the other hand, want a fair, responsive landlord who maintains the building well and ensures that all the tenants comply with the regulations.

When you're looking for an apartment, three components need to fit: you, the apartment and the landlord. It may take a while to find that fit; don't get discouraged.