Circumstances often beyond our control force us to relocate, Hurricane Laura is a perfect example.  However, no move is more abrupt than one triggered by a hurricane.  Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Laura.  With estimates in the billions of dollars in insurance claims, many will have lost their home - or at a minimum been temporarily displaced.  Rebuilding will not be easy, as construction resources will struggle to supply the current market conditions. It is a time of loss, confusion, and uncertainty for many - but there is also hope.  
 
Relocating after a Natural Disaster
Displaced by a natural disaster, many families will search for short- and long-term Corporate Housing Accommodations near the epic-center.  This allows displaced families to travel back and forth while their homes undergo the rebuilding process. 
 
Corporate and Executive Housing Solutions
The beauty of corporate and executive housing is that most units will come partially or fully furnished.  In the case of those who have lost everything to Hurricane Laura, finding the perfect corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana can prove a Godsend.  These furnished units allow a semi-return to normalcy.   Complete with full-sized kitchen, living room, dining, bedroom, and bathroom furnishings, the displaced can rent 1 bedroom – 1 bath, 2 bedroom – 2 bath, and 3 bedroom – 2 bath units to accommodate families of varying sizes. 
 
Finding Comfort in Unexpected Places
Evacuees looking to truly find the comfort of home, can look for apartments in Lafayette Louisiana that offer the amenities they were accustomed to back home.  Many corporate housing accommodations in Lafayette offer 24-hour fitness centers, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, and even dog parks.  While searching for a short-term lease, be sure to look at the corporate housing community amenities page to ensure they offer the comforts of home you desire.
 
Hope After the Storm
In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, life can look a little bleak - especially for children that are facing six months to a year to rebuild.  Lake Charles school age residents were due to start school the week Hurricane Laura set its path.  Short-term housing in Lafayette Louisiana is available in award-winning school districts, allowing a smooth transition for their children.  COVID-19 delayed the start of the school year for all of Louisiana, so chances are the children will not have missed too much of the school year.
 
Fur Babies Welcome
Many of Lafayette Louisiana Short-term Housing realize that families include pets and welcome the furry children of families with open arms.  You will be able to find interim housing in Lafayette Louisiana that accommodates most breeds of cats and dogs, chances are they will have a dedicated dog park or two where dogs can exercise and socialize. 

Please recognize that while most communities’ welcome pets, their need to protect their residents, and their pets may exclude certain breeds of dogs deemed dangerous.
 
If you or someone you know has been displaced by Hurricane Laura and need temporary housing in Lafayette Louisiana, call Lafayette Gardens Apartments for a tour of their 1, 2- or 3-bedroom pet-friendly apartment community.  They offer short-term housing in the River Ranch area of Lafayette Louisiana. 

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The most significant difference between a studio apartment and one-bed apartment is the separate closed off bedroom.  Deciding between the two depends entirely on your budget and lifestyle.  Considering issues such as privacy, amenities and maintenance responsibilities may help influence your preference.
 
When you are on the hunt for an apartment and think you want something smaller, typically you think about a studio or one-bedroom apartment.   If it is just you and your spouse, chances are either will do, but there is a difference in the layout and privacy. 
 
What is a studio apartment?
Unlike a one-bedroom apartment, a studio has a more open and compact design. “A studio apartment is essentially an open box, possibly with a partitioned wall, that houses everything in the single open room with except of the bathroom.
 
With some variation, a studio apartments single large room houses a full-size kitchen or kitchenette and a separate bathroom.  Usually you are working with limited space and will need double duty furniture in order to make this space work.   The placement of furniture and a little strategy can help define the space.   By combining a double duty dining/office space, you could have a separate but defined sleeping space and lounging/entertaining area.  Studio apartments are typically around 600 square feet but can be found with as little as 300 square feet.  With the smaller space, the more creative your design will need to be. 
 
What is a 1-bedroom apartment?
The key difference between a studio and one-bedroom apartment is there will be a doored off room dedicated to sleeping.   You will most likely get a few additional walls that provide distinct separation of spaces for the kitchen, dining and entertaining areas, as well as additional storage and washer and dryer space.  
 
Square footage of a one-bedroom/one bath apartment can range widely.  A small one-bedrooms can total the size of a large studio.  Even though the square footage is the same, a one-bedroom can feel larger when your furniture has its own partitioned space.
 
Studio vs. 1-bedroom: Considerations when deciding between the two
The size difference can feel like a little or a lot more room, it's really every bit about the space you need to feel relaxed at home.  Some feel better in a cozy home, while others prefer to stretch out.  One bedrooms apartments tend to cost more than studio apartments and with the addition of separate rooms you may also see additional heating and electricity costs.  It can be to helpful to ask the property owner for an estimate of utility bills and compare the two.
 
Aside from the cost and the square footage, there are a few other differences between studios and one-bedrooms.
 
1. Privacy
In a studio, where you eat is also where you work, hang out and sleep.  Where a one-bedroom gives you the dedicated space for dining, lounging, and sleeping.   A 1-bedroom apartment affords more privacy especially if you have overnight quest of family crashing on your sofa bed, or if you desire time away from your significant other.  If you live by yourself and don’t entertain you may find all the privacy you need in a studio.
 
2. In-unit amenities
In addition to extra room of most one-bedroom apartments, there are a few amenities that you generally don’t find in a studio apartment.  Many, if not all, new one-bedroom apartments include in-unit laundry hookups, more than one closet (think bathroom and hall or laundry room), and full-sized kitchen with full-sized kitchen appliance.  While these are great amenities, they are not always necessary.
 
In-unit laundry machines could be easily be overlooked if the apartment building offers a same floor laundry room.   Perhaps you do not do your own laundry but send it out to be cleaned.  Clearly a laundry an in-unit laundry room would be unimportant.   If you do not cook, having a smaller refrigerator is just fine, so the space-saving appliance in your studio will not bother you. 
 
Amenities are by definition are extra items in your home, and must-haves differ from person to person.  
 
3. Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can impact the type of apartment you will need.  If you like to entertain and frequently have out of town friends over for the weekend, you may need more than a one-bedroom to accommodate your routine.
 
The amount of space you need may also depend on your professional lifestyle.  If your profession takes you away frequently or travel on the weekends a smaller space may just be the ticket.  However, if you are now working from home and need separate space for work, home and sleep – you might consider bumping up to a 2-bedroom apartment.  Having a dedicated room for work can help with work life balance. 
 
4. Location
Price can impact your apartment decision when it comes to apartment location. If you want to live close to a city center or near work, you may end up in a pricy area of town where property value is more expensive.  It might not be affordable to rent a one or two-bedroom apartment, but you might find studio prices low enough to get you in your desired area.
 
5. Upkeep
Generally, decorating and cleaning are easier the less space you have.  It can be faster to clean a studio apartment with the same flooring throughout, and clearly few walls to decorate.  With that said, lack of storage lends itself to more clutter. 

We hope the information above leads you in the direction of a better match for your new apartment.  If you happen to be looking for apartments in Lafayette Louisiana, we hope you'll take a tour of our luxury apartment community in the River Ranch area of Lafayette.

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​Are your current accommodations starting to feeling a little cramped? Use this time to make a wish list of amenities that would make your time at home a little more inviting.  

Many of us have spent the last two or three months living inside; we’ve become well acquainted with our homes — in some cases, maybe too acquainted. If you were planning a move before COVID-19, and are still planning to do so when the curve starts to flatten, you could take this time to reflect on what you like and don’t like about your apartment community. For instance, the stairs that lead to your apartment you climb several times a day may keep you moving while you’ve stayed home, but maybe you’d like a more robust workout available in your next apartment. Or perhaps the concrete city-style community that lacks a yard you didn’t think you needed doesn’t accommodate the new isolation buddy you adopted for company.

Well, we’ve created a list of suggestions to help you identify what you like and don’t like about your current living arrangements so you can find more comfort and resources in your next one.

Make a list – what’s working and what’s not?
On a scale of 1-10, how much do you like your current apartment?

• What’s your apartment’s best quality?
• And its worst quality?
• Do you like the style of your apartment? If not, are there architectural styles you prefer?
• What’s your favorite room in your apartment, and what makes spending time there enjoyable?
• Space and flow: How do you feel when you’re at relaxing at home?
• Is there enough space, or too much space? Which rooms could you use less or more space?
• How would you define the layout — is it a studio-style floor plan? Or more compartmentalized? Does the apartment community suit your lifestyle?
• Do you have just enough or too many bedrooms? Do you need a two bedroom apartment or three bedroom apartments.  Or the big question, do you have enough bathrooms?
• Do you like the floor you are living on? Or would you prefer a first floor or third flood?
• Are you happy with the natural light? Do you need more natural light?
• How do you like the finishing touches and fixtures?
• Does your apartment lack a specialized room you now find you need (like a home office or a room for exercising)?
• What amenities does your current apartment community offer outside of the apartment, and how does it affect your experience at home?

We hope this article has given you some food for thought when you are looking for apartments for rent in Lafayette Louisiana, and makes identifying the perfect apartment just a little easier.

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Are you someone with questions about corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana and whether it might be a suitable alternative for your short-term housing needs.   In this article, we hope to clear up your questions and provide you with a few considerations that may apply to your situation.

Corporate Housing – What it is and how to find them

Corporate leasing refers to housing that offers furnished units for long-term stays.  Its name is derived from the fact that corporate leasing was primarily used by companies to house their employees for long-term assignments to save the cost of hotel bills.  It can be used for employees on temporary assignment in a distant city or to house contract workers or employees temporarily.


While corporate leasing started out as a housing alternative for company employees, the service has expanded to include students, vacationers, and those requiring interim housing when moving. While fees can be higher than traditional leasing, corporate units are usually stocked with everything you need for comfortable long term lodging.   Typically corporate leases include parking, cleaning and are near the short term assignment location to make commuting easier.

When to Consider Corporate Housing
When moving to a new city and looking for a new home, or the home you purchased will require extensive remodeling before you can move in.  However, if your needs are shorter than 3 months, this may not be the right path.   

May we suggest investigating vacation rentals such as VRBO or Airbnb.  Clearly, pricing, comfort, and location are important.  With a little research, you are sure to find temporary lodging that meets your needs and budget.  If you need to move during the off-season, it should be easier to find Airbnb or VRBO rental deals. 

Often those offering corporate housing are familiar with the market and can help you compare your options and may even have short-term housing deals during offseason.  Most people want to stay close to family during the winter holidays, so this may be the key to finding a bargain

Costs
Corporate Housing is like traditional housing when it comes to pricing, location, length of stay, and how many rooms you will need will determine the pricing structure.   Typically, corporate leasing is more costly than renting a long-term unfurnished apartment.   

Length of Your Stay
The length of your stay has a significant impact on what you will pay.   Corporate housing companies offer weekly and monthly rates, prices decrease as the length of your stay increases.  Also, you will pay less for a studio apartment than a one-bedroom apartment, less for a one-bedroom than a two-bedroom, etc.   Special needs may also cost more, such as pets or infants; many corporate leasing properties are designated adult leasing only, so be sure to ask before you book.

The location
The location also has a significant impact on price.  While opting for a place further from the center of town can save money, your commute and parking may be impacted.  Sometimes the location is non-negotiable.   Do consider safety when choosing a location and conveniences such as cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores.

How to Find Corporate Housing
In today’s technology environment, it is as simple as opening the Google browser on your cell phone and asking Google, Suri or Bixby for corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana, or corporate leasing in Lafayette Louisiana.  Do include the city and state name where you would like to find a lease; otherwise, your phone's digital assistant or search engine will use your phone's GPS to find and serve up local search results.  If you happen to be searching for corporate housing in Lafayette, Louisiana, stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments and take a tour of our dog and family-friendly corporate leasing units.  L.G.A. offers one-bedroom apartments in Lafayette Louisiana up to three-bedroom apartments in Lafayette Louisiana, stop by or call today. ​

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Sometimes shopping for an apartment cannot wait, and what do you do when you find yourself in the middle of stay at home orders during a pandemic.  You would be surprised how literal the phrase "where there is a will there is a way" truly is.

The real estate industry has had to make significant changes in how it is conducting business. From real estate sales to leasing, the need for social distancing and hyper-disinfecting has led many companies to offer virtual tours of their properties through FaceTime, their websites, and other apps too. 

It is not just renters who are changing their methodology to shopping for apartments during COVID-19; property owners and managers are looking for new ways to conduct business while practicing social distancing as well.  Most apartments in Lafayette La are willing to offer virtual tours using any number of apps and video conferencing services, and adapting is proving beneficial.  

Non-contact lease signing options are available as well.  If you are familiar with what a lease looks like, and what you should look for, this digital contract solution is providing a suitable alternative to hard copy leases.  If precaution is more your style, most apartments in Lafayette Louisiana can get a copy of their lease agreement to you through email, so you can read it, sign, and scan it to email as a non-editable PDF. 

You may be able to view a property in person, call to verify a property's showing procedures during Louisiana's stay-at-home and social distancing orders.   

As long as a property is sanitized, it is still acceptable to see it in person – provided, it is legal in your area.  In addition to federal and state agency guidelines, local restrictions may apply.  Calling the local city hall can help you navigate the ever-fluid local guidelines.  If no such restrictions apply, ask the property management agent if they require specific measures while visiting and if extra measures are being taken to ensure the community and apartment are government compliant with disinfecting public spaces during COVID-19.  

When shopping for new apartments in Lafayette, Louisiana, you should know your rights as a tenant. Do not allow the agent to apply pressure to sign a lease and be sure to ask as many questions as you can before signing a contract.  Between facemasks and gloves, and maintaining a social distance of 6 feet, current shopping conditions are a little overwhelming; your preparation, attitude and calm mental state can make looking for an apartment an exciting adventure.  
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It will pay to have a game plan.
Consider making a list of all the amenities you would like in a new apartment community in Lafayette Louisiana, then compare apartments online, when you have narrowed it down to two or three, call and find out about the property's availability, showing restrictions and schedule for tours.  

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​Many of us are spending an abundance of time inside right now, but that time need not go to waste.  Who doesn’t love a freshly cleaned home, and what better time to do a little spring cleaning.  Once the weather gets more beautiful, we are not going to want to be stuck inside with rubber gloves and a duster. This month is considered a sweet spot when the weather is still up in the air – pardon the pun, when dedicating a day indoors can still be justified.

Below is a list of the best spring-cleaning tips we found.  We suggest going room to room, taking your time if you can.

• Dust shelves, moldings, light fixtures, blinds, ceiling fans, and vents.  Anything that accumulates dust and you usually overlook.
• Wash the windows
• Clean window treatments.  Including your shower curtain. 
• Flip and turn your mattress.  This should be done up to 3 times a year to get the maximum life out of your mattress.
• Change your winter bedding to spring.  This could mean just storing winter blankets. Be sure to wash and dry them first.
• Change your clothes from warm to cool and pack away your seasonal clothes.  Donate unused clothing items
• Vacuum and shampoo carpets and area rugs.  
• Take removable sofa and chair cushions outside for a little sunshine.  Sunshine is an effective disinfectant.
• Wax wood floors.  Adding a shine really makes a difference. 
• Check your smoke detector batteries
• Replace your air conditioning filters.
• Clean your medicine cabinet out, and your makeup bag too
• Organize your paperwork and clean up your desktop
• Clean your computer and TV.
• Clean your deck and furniture including trash bins
• Clean your refrigerator top to bottom.  Pull out drawers and shelves, it will be easier to clean the backs and sides.
• Clean out your coffee maker
• Clean the stove and oven. You will be surprised how much build-up happens in a short time.  

Things you will need to complete an effective spring-cleaning checklist. 

Check your local dollar store, it's where many of these items can be found. 

• Cleaning caddy
• Plastic gloves
• Paper towels
• Scrubber
• Mop
• Bucket
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Duster
• Dusting mitt
• Microfiber cloths
• Garbage bags
• Sponges
• Scrub brush
• Blind cleaner
• Oven cleaner
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Dust spray
• Wood cleaner
• Disinfecting spray
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Vacuum
• Distilled white vinegar
• Ceramic cooktop cleanser
• Toilet brush
• Dish soap
• Scented room spray

​Looking for a new home to hang your hat?  
If you are searching for apartments in Lafayette Louisiana be sure to stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments.  Located in the heart of Lafayette, it’s only minutes for shopping and dining in the famed River Ranch area.  Call to schedule your tour of this community.

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Whether it’s your first apartment or you are starting over in a new city, furnishing an entire apartment can be an expensive, if not overwhelming process.  You may already have some idea of what you’d like your space to look and feel like, but your bank account is not quite ready to support your vision; we have a few solutions for that as well.  The most common mistake is leaving the big purchases to the last minute.  Planning for the essentials early affords you time to find, save, shop and possibly order what you really want. 
 
Thankfully, others have been where you are, made the mistakes and shared their valuable hindsight.  Give yourself a 3-month lead, and in three easy steps, you’ll be on your way to first apartment heaven.
 

• Start a Design Board – pin photos of the look you want to accomplish, paying special attention to prices and order times of the larger pieces (mattress, bed, dresser, sofa, dining).  Furniture stores typically don’t stock everything on the showroom floor.  It may take a week or so to receive it from the furniture store's central warehouse, possibly 4-12 weeks if they need to order it from an American manufacturer, and 3-6 months if they need to order it from overseas.  Giving yourself the 3-month lead allows you time to order, shop for suitable alternatives, or wait for a sale if the items don’t fit your budget.  * Furniture stores generally have a sale every couple of months. 

 

• Place your order for the larger pieces 8-10 weeks ahead of the move-in date, unless the store or website suggests differently.  About two weeks before your move-in date, arrange for pickup or delivery of your ordered items. Many furniture stores have a week or longer wait time for delivery, depending on the season.

 

• Next, you can focus on the smaller essential pieces - bed linens, window treatments, bath towels, pots, pans, plates, bowls, utensils and cleaning supplies (broom, dustpan, mop, sponges for bath and kitchen, lavatory brush, etc.)

 
With the large and small essentials out of the way, you can relax on the finishing touches.  Take your time finding the perfect wall art, accent tables, and other decorative touches.  Give yourself time to curate accents that reflect your unique taste and personality.  Better yet, if you or your friends are crafty or artsy, create a few one-of-a-kind pieces yourself.  Below we offer a few nationwide locations for inspiration and fixer-upper finds. 
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Keep in mind, you don’t need to start with all of the essentials at move-in, if you own a mattress, but don’t have a frame – furniture stores carry metal bed frames starting around $50, and platform bed frames can be ordered for about $100. 
 
Estate Sales
Estate sales happen for a variety of reasons, downsizing, debt, divorce, or in some cases, the passing of a loved one.  While most estate sales are run by professionals who know the value of the items being sold, occasionally you either find something that you feel is undervalued, or worth every penny they are asking for it, and you considered it a steal.  Opening day at estate sales are very busy, many local antiquers, and even dealers, will visit hoping to score a treasure or two.  You can expect to pay full price for the first and possible second day of an estate sale.  By the third day, discounts usually ensue, if an item has not sold.  You can expect prices to drop 25% on the second or third day, and 40 – 50% on the last day.  If you find you have fallen in love with an item, you can ask the professional in charge to be placed on a sort of last call list.  If the item has not sold when they are wrapping up the estate sale, the professional will start the call list for the remaining items.  It helps if you establish a relationship with an estate sale professional. 
 
Flea Markets are Gold Mines
Sometimes in the most literal sense, you are just as likely to walk away not having found anything as you are finding the perfect fixer-upper.  But the sheer amount of creativity, ingenuity, and variety behind the vendors at open markets is hard to find. You never know what you’ll see, and it is probably different every time you go.  For many of the vendors, this is a full-time job.  Their time is spent acquiring and curating the best finds.  It is possible you’ll find a seller that matches your taste to a tee, and you’ll find yourself visit them for years to come.  The great thing about these small businesses, they are hunting for new items all the time.  If you share the piece, treasure or concept you’re looking to execute, they might just be able to find it for you or point you in the right direction.    
 
Secondhand Stores
Industry insiders refer to it as the resale industry.  You may also hear it called goodwill hunting, consignment cruising and bargain hunting.  Regardless of the name, you might be surprised that 1 out of 6 Americans goes thrifting a year.  On the hunt for a good deal and perhaps you want to contribute to a good cause, you can find new and used clothing, shoes, electronics, washers, dryers, furniture and exercise equipment at thrift stores across the U.S.  Research estimates there are around 18,000 reseller stores across the nation, bringing in revenues over $12 billion annually.
 
Donations to these stores come from all walks of life.  Often, they are the recipients of yard sale leftovers, emergency move-outs or relocation, estate sale leftovers or upgrades.  Donators receive charitable donation receipts for the value of their gifts.  There is really no telling what you might find at a thrift store.   TV shows like Baggage Battles, American Pickers and Storage Wars publicize locating rare and valuable treasures in peculiar places.  Thrift stores are among the hiding spaces of these items.
 
Are you hunting apartments in Lafayette Louisiana?  Do put Lafayette Gardens Apartments on your must-visit list. ​

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Apartment hunting in any city can be a formidable task, but when you are searching for one out of state, it presents a whole new set of challenges.  No matter your reason for the move, we found a few tips that can help make you go a little smoother.
 
IF POSSIBLE, VISIT YOUR NEW STATE AHEAD OF TIME
If your schedule permits, it’s advised to visit your new city ahead of time. Getting a feel and the vibe of your new city and potential apartment in-person is the best way to start your search. If you are fortunate and have a company relocation package, they may provide you with temporary housing while you’re visiting.  If not, visiting your new city will afford you the opportunity to visit different areas in relation to your new job or school.
 
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
Today, information is readily available via the internet. Most reputable apartment communities have websites that offer images of their grounds and apartments, along with amenities and special features.  And with Google Maps, you can research the area to get a feel for local features, hangouts, shopping, neighborhood groceries and other points of interest.
 
SEEK LOCAL HELP
Many times, the university or your HR department can shed light on relocation. Check with these sources first, usually, someone there will have the inside scoop on popular neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Consider reaching out to the leasing agents at apartment communities. Often, they can share distance to the school or business that brings you to the city and possible benefits or hindrances of their location. It’s their job to stay informed on the area, so be sure to ask questions. 
 
SEEK OUT VIRTUAL TOURS
Most apartment communities are going to share their best images on their website.  But the more tech-savvy apartment communities are jumping on board with 3D touring. This technology gives a more accurate depiction of your new living arrangements and is considered the next best thing to a live tour. 
 
BE AWARE OF THE LOCAL MARKET
While we all like to shop around to find the best bang for our buck, keep in mind the rental market of your new city. College and large cities often have a high demand for temporary housing arrangements. The earlier you start looking, the better, and if you find something you like, you need to act quickly or could end up missing out. 
 
FOCUS ON LOCATION
Finding an apartment near your employer or school would be great and relieve you of the stress associated with learning your new city's layout. But occasionally, where you are employed or go to school may be in high demand area and out of budget. If this turns out to be the case, look for alternatives that are close to public transit or near the interstate just outside of your desired area.   
 
BE READY WITH A SECURITY DEPOSIT
If you are relocating for work, your deadline may be out of your control. Make sure you have a security deposit ready when you start looking. While you are at it, have your references and bank statements available as well. It would be very disappointing to miss an opportunity for a lack of preparation.
 
MONEY MATTERS
For students and fist time renters, take time to understand the full cost of renting. Most apartment managers can share the average utility bill for a 1-bedroom apartment. But you need to factor in groceries, transportation, internet/cable and possibly renters insurance. Be sure that the apartment you are considering works well within your budget. Also, keep in mind that your credit score plays a role in your approval to rent. If you have not established credit, now is a good time to do so. If your credit score is low, consider taking steps to improve your score. Most local banks can help you understand the steps you need to take to establish or clean up your credit.
 
HONESTY REALLY IS THE BEST POLICY
If you are honest with the property manager about your credit situation, you might find they have a little wiggle room or discretion in this matter and can offer solutions to help you secure your first apartment.
 
Apartment hunting can be stressful, especially when you are out of town or state. Our friendly property managers are here to help   If you are looking for apartments for rent in Lafayette,LA be sure to stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments to take a tour or call to schedule your virtual tour. ​

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