when looking at an apt to rent what things should i watch for?

Question

what main things should i look for when looking at an apartment i might rent? like flooring, etc. dont want to get a place w mold and get sick!

Answer 1

Take a tour of the unit you will be renting, if it is available. Often they will show a primo unit that is a model of what you will be renting. Test things as you go. I encourage my prospective tenants to run the disposer, test the fans in the bathroom, raise and lower blinds to both check their operation and to see their views. I open up the filter compartment for the HVAC so that they can see they get a clean filter and for best operation of their unit that they will have to do so on a monthly basis. I show them the report from my cleaning company indicating that the unit has not just been cleaned, but sanitzed and anti-bacterialized. I show them the laundry, trash and parking facilities, so that they can see how the property is maintained and that the residents respect that, too. Take a good look at how the grounds are kept.
Look at how the residents live, what they drive and how their units are kept. Do you hear loud music, see unsupervised children and people congregated where they should not?

Inspect your lease. How are repairs and maintenance handled? What is their turn around time from when they are notified to when the work is started? What is included, water, trash, any other incentives? What are the utility costs for the unit on an annualized basis? What are the maintenance records for that particular unit? What is the average length of the leases and the occupancy? (My term was a year, but most tenants stay an average of 5-7 years.) Occupancy lengths tell you that the current residents are satisfied enough to stay longer than the term of their lease. Are their emergency plans in place, if so what are they? What are the procedures in a fire, for example. Are there house rules, if so what are they? You don't want to move in only to find that there are not rules governing disturbances, like loud music. What are the rent and security deposits and what does the security deposit cover? How are you expected to leave the unit to receive your deposit back in full? Is there security in the building or guards? When is the rent due and when do late fees start? Are their any other penalties (i.e. bounced check fees, NSF fees, etc.) Finally, ask about the other people who live there already, like what professions they are in, tells you a lot about who your neighbors will be.

Good luck and I hope you find a wonderful place to live. In a well maintained apartment, you should not have anything like mold problems to be concerned about.

Answer 2

First check out the neighborhood. The people, places close to shop, how close are the schools (if needed). When touring the complex see how well management does the upkeep. Cleaning the grounds, landscaping. Is it a gated community, is there security. Pick up a lease form and read it thoroughly. Ask about utility's, what's paid and what isn't. When being shown an apt. be sure to look everywhere you can, drawers, cabinets, bathrooms, windows. Anywhere where water might be, or could have been. Look at the ceilings for any leaks that might have been above. Is there new carpet or is it cleaned. Is there new paint. Also, check out any appliances that are available in the apt. Newer appliances are better than old ones because your utility's will be less.

Call the BBB for any information on the complex that they might have.

Good luck and happy shopping.

Answer 3

Some maint things you should look for are...location (make sure it is in a safe area), air conditioning, heat, rodent-free, if there is a grocery store near by or any other department store, the building (you don't want to live in gross), sturdiness of the floors (doors etc.), and make sure if the door of the apartment has secure locks on it, and finally make sure the bathroom and the kitchen are clean and everything is in working order there. I hope this helps!

Answer 4

check all of that stuff..how does the place look..ask about security..keep an eye out on the neighbors while you are looking..what types of things do you see going on? Check everything inspect cabinents, bathrooms etc..ask questions about the place..you could even try contacting the better business bureau to see if they have had any complaints about the complex..etc

Answer 5

if you have pets, check if their pet friendly, if their a bit expensive make sure they offer insentitives like free cable, free water, laundry facilities, maybe a pool or tennis court. Make sure all also that they have good maintenence.

Answer 6

check the size of each room, check the fridge and stove, are they clean. the size of the closets. is there anything broken, let it be told to the landlord. if you have children, how far to the school they would be going to. how far to shopping