I'm officially going to look at 3 different apartments tomorrow.
I may fall in love, or I may hate them all. Who knows? Anyways, what are some things I should take into consideration when deciding aside from price and distance from work?
I'll obviously look for signs of mold or bugs, signs of water leaks, etc. but what else should I take into consideration? I'll also see if I can talk to any other current residents to see what they say.
I know which one I'm moreso interested in thus far (7 minutes to work vs 20 minutes, though it is an extra 100 a month...) but I'm not jumping the gun and will check the other two places out and decide what will work best for me, ultimately.
I'm officially going to look at 3 different apartments tomorrow.
I may fall in love, or I may hate them all. Who knows? Anyways, what are some things I should take into consideration when deciding aside from price and distance from work?
I'll obviously look for signs of mold or bugs, signs of water leaks, etc. but what else should I take into consideration? I'll also see if I can talk to any other current residents to see what they say.
I know which one I'm moreso interested in thus far (7 minutes to work vs 20 minutes, though it is an extra 100 a month...) but I'm not jumping the gun and will check the other two places out and decide what will work best for me, ultimately.
I'd say safety features are a big thing to check! I'd hope there are smoke alarms, but how many are in the apartment/building? Are they kept up to date? What are the locks on the door like, and if you're on the ground floor, the windows too. Is it a gated apartment community? In a safe part of town? None of the above?
I'd also be sure to check how much storage space each apartment has, what the kitchen is like, and whether it's too easy to hear your neighbors, as you don't want to not be able to sleep due to people walking around above you!
That's all I can think of besides the basics, like what utilities are included and such, but I'm sure whichever apartment you choose will be awesome! Best of luck in apartment finding! :D
I'd say safety features are a big thing to check! I'd hope there are smoke alarms, but how many are in the apartment/building? Are they kept up to date? What are the locks on the door like, and if you're on the ground floor, the windows too. Is it a gated apartment community? In a safe part of town? None of the above?
I'd also be sure to check how much storage space each apartment has, what the kitchen is like, and whether it's too easy to hear your neighbors, as you don't want to not be able to sleep due to people walking around above you!
That's all I can think of besides the basics, like what utilities are included and such, but I'm sure whichever apartment you choose will be awesome! Best of luck in apartment finding! :D
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spindelberrygirl
I know you said you'd check for bugs, but make absolutely sure bedbugs are included in that equation. Don't ever sign a lease that has a "bedbug waiver" that means the complex has already dealt with them (or refuses to deal with them), the unit most likely already has them and they want you and only you to take responsibility for it.
My roomie, while not a messy person lived in a place that made her sign such an agreement, when she moved out of there and in with me, they hitchhiked and it was a nasty, expensive surprise that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy (she was not aware they existed until my bored cat discovered them).
@
spindelberrygirl
I know you said you'd check for bugs, but make absolutely sure bedbugs are included in that equation. Don't ever sign a lease that has a "bedbug waiver" that means the complex has already dealt with them (or refuses to deal with them), the unit most likely already has them and they want you and only you to take responsibility for it.
My roomie, while not a messy person lived in a place that made her sign such an agreement, when she moved out of there and in with me, they hitchhiked and it was a nasty, expensive surprise that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy (she was not aware they existed until my bored cat discovered them).
Are there train tracks nearby? Airports? An apartment might sound quiet while you're there, but rare-but-loud noises are a huge pain.
Try to get a feel for the landlord. You don't want to get stuck with a jerk, no matter how good the deal seems at first glance (cost increases when they refuse to give back your deposit, cheap out on repairs, etc).
Scout out the route you'd be taking to work. Are you going to have to drive into the sun (east in the morning, west at night)?
Make sure there's affordable and accessible groceries. One of my few complaints about my current place is how far I have to drive to get affordable groceries and gas.
For the 7 minutes vs 20, if those 13 minutes are highway, you might be saving yourself 20 miles of driving/day. Depending on fuel economy and gas prices, the $100 difference might pay for itself.
If you're new to the area, check the local news/police blotter (do they still have those?).
Consider ALL the terms of the lease. Deposit? How are utilities handled? Pets? Are there rules about extra people staying in your apartment? It's not just the policies themselves, but the fact that they're present. If the would-be landlord tells you not to worry about something not in the contract, that's a great time to start worrying.
Are there train tracks nearby? Airports? An apartment might sound quiet while you're there, but rare-but-loud noises are a huge pain.
Try to get a feel for the landlord. You don't want to get stuck with a jerk, no matter how good the deal seems at first glance (cost increases when they refuse to give back your deposit, cheap out on repairs, etc).
Scout out the route you'd be taking to work. Are you going to have to drive into the sun (east in the morning, west at night)?
Make sure there's affordable and accessible groceries. One of my few complaints about my current place is how far I have to drive to get affordable groceries and gas.
For the 7 minutes vs 20, if those 13 minutes are highway, you might be saving yourself 20 miles of driving/day. Depending on fuel economy and gas prices, the $100 difference might pay for itself.
If you're new to the area, check the local news/police blotter (do they still have those?).
Consider ALL the terms of the lease. Deposit? How are utilities handled? Pets? Are there rules about extra people staying in your apartment? It's not just the policies themselves, but the fact that they're present. If the would-be landlord tells you not to worry about something not in the contract, that's a great time to start worrying.
Ask about soundproofing! If the unit that you are looking at has a floor above you with other tenants in it, then it's important that you ask about that.
I made the mistake of forgetting to ask that and I ended up hearing nearly all the conversations the upstairs tenants had and whenever their kiddo had a fit in the late hours of the night for the duration of the lease.
Ask about soundproofing! If the unit that you are looking at has a floor above you with other tenants in it, then it's important that you ask about that.
I made the mistake of forgetting to ask that and I ended up hearing nearly all the conversations the upstairs tenants had and whenever their kiddo had a fit in the late hours of the night for the duration of the lease.
As an additional point, if they're unfurnished, keep in mind that while the rooms might look roomy enough without furniture in them, that is going to change quickly when they do.
As an additional point, if they're unfurnished, keep in mind that while the rooms might look roomy enough without furniture in them, that is going to change quickly when they do.
UK time. Sorry for timezone-related delays in responses. They/Them.
Try to check out the neighbourhoods, too- perhaps google recent crime in the area, or have a walk around the area yourself and see how it feels.
Try to check out the neighbourhoods, too- perhaps google recent crime in the area, or have a walk around the area yourself and see how it feels.
[quote name="Oranitha" date="2018-02-23 12:15:43" ]
Try to get a feel for the landlord. You don't want to get stuck with a jerk, no matter how good the deal seems at first glance (cost increases when they refuse to give back your deposit, cheap out on repairs, etc).
Consider ALL the terms of the lease. Deposit? How are utilities handled? Pets? Are there rules about extra people staying in your apartment? It's not just the policies themselves, but the fact that they're present. If the would-be landlord tells you not to worry about something not in the contract, that's a great time to start worrying.
[/quote]
THIS. Definitely make sure you're not renting from a scumbag. If you're renting in a complex owned by a large management company, look at reviews.
Also, don't count on getting your deposit back. You might, but when making the financial decision count on that money being gone.
Oranitha wrote on 2018-02-23 12:15:43:
Try to get a feel for the landlord. You don't want to get stuck with a jerk, no matter how good the deal seems at first glance (cost increases when they refuse to give back your deposit, cheap out on repairs, etc).
Consider ALL the terms of the lease. Deposit? How are utilities handled? Pets? Are there rules about extra people staying in your apartment? It's not just the policies themselves, but the fact that they're present. If the would-be landlord tells you not to worry about something not in the contract, that's a great time to start worrying.
THIS. Definitely make sure you're not renting from a scumbag. If you're renting in a complex owned by a large management company, look at reviews.
Also, don't count on getting your deposit back. You might, but when making the financial decision count on that money being gone.
Good questions I'd say are:
Are there "special deals" for contracts longer than a certain amount? Signing within so many hours of a tour?
What are the trash and other utility services? Here, a lot of apartments have a system to where you can leave trash by your door at certain times and it will be picked up by someone for you. Also, there are varying ways to request repairs / issues, so how does their system work? (Do you have to wait 4 days over a weekend if your toilet is gushing because they don't have 24/7 repair men?)
Why do people typically pick this apartment? Why do they leave? They won't say specifics about the type of people living there, or at least they shouldn't for privacy reasons, but it's nice to know that people like the area due to XYZ (shopping, quiet, safe, events) but usually leave because of ABC (had children / got married, promotions, etc.). I'd hate to hear people left due to the land lord or high crime.
What is the move-in fee? What is the deposit? When is rent due? How do I pay rent? Are there pet fees? Are there extra utility fees due to a gym, pool, or park?
I'll stop now so this isn't a mini-essay, but those come up when I think of questions to ask.
Good questions I'd say are:
Are there "special deals" for contracts longer than a certain amount? Signing within so many hours of a tour?
What are the trash and other utility services? Here, a lot of apartments have a system to where you can leave trash by your door at certain times and it will be picked up by someone for you. Also, there are varying ways to request repairs / issues, so how does their system work? (Do you have to wait 4 days over a weekend if your toilet is gushing because they don't have 24/7 repair men?)
Why do people typically pick this apartment? Why do they leave? They won't say specifics about the type of people living there, or at least they shouldn't for privacy reasons, but it's nice to know that people like the area due to XYZ (shopping, quiet, safe, events) but usually leave because of ABC (had children / got married, promotions, etc.). I'd hate to hear people left due to the land lord or high crime.
What is the move-in fee? What is the deposit? When is rent due? How do I pay rent? Are there pet fees? Are there extra utility fees due to a gym, pool, or park?
I'll stop now so this isn't a mini-essay, but those come up when I think of questions to ask.
I haven't really personally hunted for one but I do know this: Don't go alone if you can help it! There's some shady people out there and you don't want to be alone in a private apartment with a stranger.
I haven't really personally hunted for one but I do know this: Don't go alone if you can help it! There's some shady people out there and you don't want to be alone in a private apartment with a stranger.