What are things to look for while viewing apartments to rent?
Question:I need a check list if possible, I can't think of anything besides plumbing and electrical problems but if I could get a checklist, that would be great. :)
Answers:
You want to see how well the grounds are kept. How often they cut the grass, and if trash is out on the property things like that. Ask questions about the neighbors, do they have kids if so how many. Then you will know how much noise you will have to deal with. Look in the ceiling for any possible leaks, if it a ground apartment look around the corners of the walls sometime if the foundation is damaged water can seep in. These are some of the things that I look for. I hope it helps.
A cheap price & a landlord who has an eye for a cute girl could be usefull if ever your a bit short of dosh :-)
After living in numerous apartments over the past years, there are several things that you'll want to look for. I've included a link to a website that has a lot of great things that you should consider as well as recommending that you break your list into what you "must have" and what you would "like" to have (as far as wants/amentities). Good luck!
http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detai...
Location, what kind of cars you see in there, Amenitties, clubhouse, pool, spa, fitness room, things like this
I always check the water pressure in the shower..it's a big deal to me.. and the closet space. Make sure that you have plenty of closet space..and that they have the extra storage closet on the balcony...you don't realize how much you need it, even if you don't have much extra stuff!! Also, before you sign the lease ask to see the specific one that you will be renting, i've been shown the "models" and then the apt. they rented me was nothing like it!
Make sure windows all open correctly/screens installed
-Check all closets make sure you will have adequate storage
-Check to see if there is a washing machine/dryer hook up
-Check apartment a couple of different times during the day (one being night...May be too noisy at night!) to see things like noisy neighbors, trains, things of that nature
-Be sure all furniture will be able to be brought to all parts of the apartment. (Once had a couch that had to be brought in to the upstairs through a large window and going on a neighboring rooftop to get to the window!)
-Check out any appliances that may be part of the apartment to make sure working correctly.
-Check to see about Central Air and (depending on where your search is being done..) Heating
-Check to see about pets policy/smoking policy
-Check and find out if there is a full time maintence person on grounds if an apartment complex. You may want to meet him too. Maintence people usually will tell landlords about anything they see. (Once a maintence man didn't like me, and the father of my child was at my apartment a lot and he went and told the landlords I moved someone else in and the landlords tried to evict me.LoL, threatened a lawyer..never heard about it again.)
I would look under the sink for signs of moisture and mouse droppings. I would try to smell inside cupboards for signs of vermin, grease, oils, gas leaks, etc.
Check that all power points work.
Check that privacy is intact - you always find out too late that neighbours can hear every word you say or someone has direct sight into your bathroom.
Ask if you can fold away drapes, blinds or curtains you don't like and use your own, then replace the original ones when you leave. Same with light fittings. Same with rugs.
Ask if you are responsible for maintaining paintwork.
Ask if you can take a lodger or sub-let.
Make sure you agree on what is reasonable wear and tear.
Make sure you and the property manager walk through and take note of all existing marks and scratches and scrapes, so they don't think you made them.
Ask if you can put in wall hooks for pictures.
Ask who pays for water consumption.
Ask if any exterior stuff (such as lawn mowing, garbage removal or security) is included in rent.
Try to find out if there are any barking dogs, pesky kids or noisy neighbours.
See if you will be responsible for redirecting mail.
Ask if you can have a washing machine in your bathroom, and see if there are the appropriate taps and/or powerpoint.
Find out about hot water - if it's instantaneous gas, find out how to relight the pilot, or you may have to learn how to do so the hard way - cold, wet and naked.
Who's responsible if your drains suddenly get blocked?
Where are the main electrics and gas and water?
Will your furniture fit through the doors?
I'm sure you'll get lots more answers!
Well for one check the appliances make sure they work or ask what happens if they break down.
Also ask how soon will maintainence will get there and if they work on weekends too.
also check walls and insides closets for holes and any kind of breaks or messes.
WHen you get ther take a pad and paper and if you see something wrong with it write it down and when you go talk in the office ask about if these things will be fixed before moving in.
If the apartment has washer and dryer connnections ask if the dry discharge goes outside or where it goes. you don't want to ahve to dry your clothes three or four times especially if you have to pay electricity.
Also ask what else comes with the price of renting the apartment, like wwhat untilities it pays and whatever if furnishs for the price.
Also make sure to read the contract throughly, too
And make sure to open all appliances and see if they are clean or not, especiallyu check the bathroom to see if it's clean you know the toilet especially under the rim, you don't want to get something from someone else.
ALso amke sure if you rent an apartment make sure to anyway clean the bathroom and shower and shower curtains before using them, that way you know its clean.
But other than that make sure to check every crack and crevase on the apartment.
And remember the only dumb question is the one not asked and ask away.
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