how to scrutinize prospective apartment?

Answer 1

Search for an apartment rental checksheet and prior to renting, go over the checksheet and have the renter sign it. Make a note of EVERY problem you come across, this means anything that isn't new looking. Simple things like hard water stains in a sink can mean no deposit return. When you first walk in, turn on the shower and leave it on while you inspect the rest of the place or at least 10 minutes. Make sure you have plenty of hot water. Start the dishwasher, check the fridge for excessive frost. Leave no stone unturned. If the renter won't sign it, move on.

Answer 2

If possible, try to visit the neighborhood a few times at different hours of the day or night, to get a feel for the place--are there lots of noisy children playing ball outside your bedroom window? Is there a shortage of parking in the evening when everyone comes home? Are the neighbors quiet or noisy? Did former tenants discard their old furniture in the street? Are there any non-operating cars parked there? (seems to be a recurring problem at my place) Is there heavy traffic going past? What about garbage disposal--is it orderly or is there garbage everywhere? Plus the more obvious stuff about whether it's well-maintained. Good luck.

Answer 3

Look over the lease for any weird provisions. Note the amount of the deposit; if it's very large, then the landlord has probably had problems with previous tenants and it may indicate the quality of renter that they attract (in other words, who your neighbors will be). Personally, I would avoid any Section 8 housing like the plague.

Inspect the apartment before you move in for water damage, status of the windows, drapes or blinds if provided, plaster, mold, etc. Check for available electrical outlets/phone jacks/cable outlets, etc. to make sure they are adequate. Make sure any provided appliances (refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, microwave) are all clean and operational.

Answer 4

some of the above point do not appear to be indian, most of the points are ok. regarding water the problem is all india. so need to check the timing of the water, and so is electricity check any hours of load shedding and timing, in Mumbai there is no power cut, on the border beyond Mulund we have 3 hours of cut and little further six hours, also check if there is underground storage tank and terrace tank. all said and done , the most important in india is breeze/wind. make sure your important room/drawing room has windows facing west... o o o o o what breeze u get, next dont take top floor, your rooms will boil in summer, leak during monsoon, children might be playing, and tennants might celbrating on terarce and disturb u late night

Answer 5

Make sure you can pay the utilities. Make sure you at least drive by at night too. Make sure you can fit your furniture in it. Ask about noise complaints, police activity and kid rules. We once rented a place that wouldn't let the kids ride bikes or skateboards or scooters. We didn't realize the rules until we were already in for a six month lease.