If you are getting ready to search for a new apartment, you already know how stressful and complex that process can be. However, it is important that you thoroughly evaluate any apartment you are considering renting before you sign on the dotted line. The time you spend up front in the evaluation process can save you a lot of time, money and frustration down the road.
Here are 8 steps that you should take when evaluating an apartment.
To evaluate an apartment, you will first need to find an apartment you are interested. Then make an appointment to go on a walk through with the leasing agent or landlord. While you are evaluating the apartment just remember that attention to detail is of the utmost importance.
Step 1. Size up the neighborhood
Before you even go inside the apartment, it is very important to check out the outside surroundings. Look for anything that might affect your level of enjoyment or quality of life from inside the apartment. Does the neighborhood have any potentially noisy nightclubs or bars? Are there lots of children or adults out in the streets making a lot of noise?
Schedule your appointment on the weekend so that you can best gauge the noise levels of the neighborhood and your neighbors. If no one is at home when you view the apartment, you won’t know if the apartment walls are paper thin or what level of activity there is outside.
Step 2. Ask about safety
Ask the landlord some safety related questions such as if the front lobby entrance doors are locked and whether there are any carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the building.
Step 3. Check the common areas like laundry rooms and stairwells to see how clean they are
Are there rodent traps or any other evident of pest or insect problems?
Ask if the carpets in the apartment will be steam cleaned.
Step 4. Check for peeling paint and holes in the walls
Open and close all of the doors, windows, drawers and cabinets to ensure that they all work properly.
If you see any signs of damage or things in need of repair, ask for them to be fixed before you sign the lease or move in.
Step 5. Flush the toilet and run both the cold and hot water in all of the faucets to ensure that there is god water pressure and that there aren’t any slow drains or leaks.
Step 6. Inspect all of the appliances and electrical fixtures
Plug in an electronic device or appliance into the outlets to ensure that the power is working correctly.
Step 7. Ask the leasing agent or landlord about the air conditioning and heating systems
Find out if you will have control over them or not and make sure you know where the vents and thermostats are located. Check to make sure they work and that you know how to use them.
Check the lighting in the apartment as well. Make sure it is well lit and not dark and gloomy.
Step 8. Get all repairs that need to be done in writing. Have the leasing agent or landlord sign off on these before you sign a lease.
Completing the 8 steps above will result in a thorough inspection of the rental apartment you are considering. Taking the time to do a proper evaluation will prevent many problems and help you find a quality apartment that you will truly enjoy living in.
