What should teenagers look out for when searching for an appartment?

Question

My friend and I are moving in together in June, we're looking around now and wanted some advice on what all to look out for, questions to ask, things like that, thank you.

Sorry Miss Thing, it's apartment!

Answer 1

Ask about utilities included. Do you own a washer dryer or are you willing to rent one? Does the place even have a hookup for the machine? Also if you don't mind the stairs I would consider the top level it is much quieter. Do you have pets? if so you will have to find out the pet requirements and deposit. Find out about the maintenance turn around most say 24 hours but if its not that serious , rather what they consider serious then it could remain for weeks. I'm sure theres more but I cant think of them right now.

Answer 2

You may want to rent a furnished apartment, where the furniture is included. You will definitely want to ask whether appliances (refrigerator, stove) are included. They usually are in an apartment.
If you rent a duplex or home your utilities will be extra. Apartments often charge that in the fee, but you can ask if it includes utilities.
Are there laundry facilities on site.
Is there a club room? Workout room? What are the extras they offer? Pool?
Check out the neighborhood. Is there graffitti? Do the fast food restaurants have graffitti? If so, they probably get it so often they can't keep up. It's a good sign of a bad neighborhood. Are there bars on the shop windows?
Stand outside the building and hear the local traffic. Is it going to keep you awake? Are there trains and airplanes nearby? Do you hear dogs barking? (Go there at night and listen.) Your sleep is the most precious thing that can be stolen from you in an apartment.

Answer 3

Do you need a 1 or 2 bdrm.? Are you looking for furnished or not furnished?

I would look around in the general area where you'd like to live in. See if they have a mall, grocery stores, access to ammenities...I would ask the landlord what is included in the rent? Power, Gas, Cable, how much damage deposit is? Test all major appliances see if they work properly. Go over with the landlord about damages in the apartment from prior tenants, normal wear and tear is acceptable. Punch holes in the wall is not acceptable. The landlord will have to fix that.

Ask the landlord if they allow pets? smoking? (if you smoke only). See the overall condition of the apartment inside. Is it a nice size? Are carpets and blinds/curtains updated? Lots of storage? If you have a washer and dryer, ask landlord if there is a laundry hook up in the apartment. If not, ask if there is a laundry room in the apartment building, ask about parking (some landlords charge extra for parking), look around the apartments, is it secured?

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

First, make sure that you are old enough to sign the lease. Most places require that you are 18 or have the signature of a parent.

Second, living with a best friend isn't always it's cracked up to be. I've seen more friendships end due to roommate issues than I have any other single thing. So consider it thoroughly before deciding to go through with it.

Next, make sure both you and her have plenty of money to cover rent and other bills, with at least two months' rent in the bank. Emergencies happen, and if you aren't prepared you will sink.

Make sure the apartment is large enough for both of you, and decide now who will get the master bedroom. Generally the master bedroom is larger and has an attached bathroom. Usually the person who gets it pays for it by contributing $25 or $50 more to the rent than the other person to help even it out.

Talk now about things like parties, sleep schedules, work schedules, etc. It may seem perfect that you sleep during the day and go to work at night and she sleeps at night and works during the day, but what about when she wants to have friends over, and you can't get to sleep because they are being too loud? What if you love to party and have people over, but she doesn't and gets mad at you every time you do? Who will clean the living room and kitchen and other shared areas of the apartment? Is one of you messier than the other? Having a roommate who is significantly cleaner or dirtier than you are can get very irritating, very fast. How will you divide food? Will you shop together and split the bill, or will you each have your own shelves and cupboards with your own food? What about bills? Will you split them down the middle, or will you each be responsible for certain ones? Who will take responsibility if they are late? Also discuss things like cable, internet access, and phone service to make sure you want the same things.

Be wary of buying anything for the apartment together, like couches or a TV. Remember this is only a temporary situation (I'm assuming you guys are planning on getting married or your own house some day rather than living together the rest of your lives?). When you move out, it's hard to split up furniture that you bought together. Instead, decide who will buy what, and that person will just take it with them when they move out.

And speaking of moving out...also talk about that now. What would happen if she gets a boyfriend and wants to move in with him? Decide on a notification system - like you need thirty or sixty days in advance. Be aware of your apartment complex's policies regarding that as well. Also discuss a timeline. What if you are planning on doing this for two years, but she was only thinking one? Make sure you are in sync in that respect.

It's a LOT of fun to live with your friend, but it does change the relationship. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not so much. Just think it through and be prepared as much as you can. Once you've decided to go through with it, do a lot of comparison shopping at all price levels. If you can find one that pays for gas, heat, water, etc., that's one less thing you have to worry about paying and you can take all the hot showers you want! Don't be blinded by any one apartment - take the time to look at several and really think about *living* there.

Answer 5

Check around windows and outside doors for gaps. (My daughter's first apartment front door had NO weatherstripping. This wasn't noticed until COLD wind blew under the door.) Open drawers in kitchen and check for critter leftovers. Run water in kitchen & bathroom (sink & tub/shower). Flush the toilet.
What utilities are included? (cable, electricity, gas, trash pick-up, etc.) If you live where there will be snow in the winter, ask if snow removal is done or if you will be responsible. There are probably lots more things to look out for and ask about.

Answer 6

They should first learn how to spell apartment.

Answer 7

If you want an animal ask how much the fee is for it?

Answer 8

be wary of anyone older then you are, and make sure you have locks and USE them