The Denver Metropolitan area is comprised of six counties-Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson. Those six counties contain 40 communities in 4,500 square miles. Adams is the largest with 1,199 square miles; Denver is the smallest with just 154.2 square miles but has the highest population density at more that 3,000 people per square mile. There are over two million residents in the Denver area. The city and County of Denver has more than 500,000 residents.

The various choices you have in rental housing:
Apartments.There are the various styles of apartments: Garden Style, usually 2-3 stories, many have a private entrance. High-Rise, more than 6 stories, most are security buildings. Mid-Rise, usually 4-8 stories. Low-Rise, less than 5 stories.
Condominiums can be any style of building...highrise, garden, townhouse, or apartment style. The only difference is that they are privately owned, so rent would be paid to an individual rather than a management company or corporation.
Townhouses Prices range from approximately $950 and higher per month, depending on the size, complex amenities and the location. Townhouses are usually more expensive because they consist of two or three levels. The bedrooms are located on the upper level with the living room, dining room and kitchen on the main floor. Some units have basements that are finished with an additional bedroom or family room as well as washer and dryer hook ups. Most basements are unfinished and used primarily for storage. Some townhouses include garages, but they will be in the higher price range.
Houses are all privately owned and are usually rented very quickly. Timing is important. Sometimes we have a good selection; other times we do not have many available.

Lease Terms:
The most common lease term is six (6) or twelve (12) months. Few short term are available. Owners of apartments are usually fair about refunding deposits, as long as you honor the terms of your lease or agreement and do not damage the property.

Search:
You can find Apartment Guide book in couple of stores like King Soopers,K Mart and few other.Which will give you detailed information about different apartment homes.You can seach by area in them. The other way around is to search online using couple of websites like Rent.com, springstreet.com, forrent.com and apartments.com.
Apartment Ratings is a useful web-site where you can find ratings and reviews for apartments in the area. Apartments are rated by tenants themselves. Most of the apartment management check for your rental history.Need to provide reference from previous.And some of them will check the credit report. Looking for room-mates? Check out the message board

Check List before Check-in:
Basics:
Rent & initial deposit.
Lease type - monthly, semi-annual, annual.
The rent differences with the different types of lease.
Type. Studio, one bedroom, two bedroom or higher?
Baths. One, one and a half, two?
Covered parking.
Security (Gated community). Some apartment complexes have gates and fences so that unauthorized people can't simply enter the apartment complex.
Handicapped access.
Allow pets? Most apartments do not allow pets. Some allow cats and small dogs.
On-site maintenance facilities available?
Air-conditioning: In Denver area will will see both ends of heat and cold,check out for air conditioning.
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer facilities. Is washer/dryer in the apartment itself? Will the rent be lesser if you don't take the feature?
Closet space.
Extra storage space.
Fans.
Cable TV. Does the property provide it's own cable TV service? Is the service free? What other companies provide cable TV service.
Utilities. Are utilities (water, electricity, gas) included in the rent?
More:
Gym.Spa, swimming pool. Swimming instructors? Is the pool heated in the winter? Is it a indoor pool?
Recreation facilities like pool tables, tennis courts, racquet-ball courts, etc. Any charges for the use of these facilities?
Fireplace.
Clubhouse. Rental charges for use of the clubhouse
Balcony/Deck/Patio/Porch.
Microwave.
Humidifier.
Internet access services like T1 link, etc. Whether cable modem or DSL services are available in the area.
Guest parking space.
In-sink-erators. These are attached to the kitchen sink and you can dispose most perishable food waste in this. Useful feature to have.
How is garbage managed? Are there recycling facilities for newspaper, cans and bottles?