What kind of things do I look for when looking at an apartment for the first time?

Question

What kind of questions should I ask? I haven't done this on my own before =(

Answer 1

If you can afford.

Answer 2

First and foremost, security. While your lease probably gives your landlord limited access in case of emergency, you want to change the locks so there's no chance of prior tenants with keys. You probably have to give the landlord a copy, but you still want to change the locks, make sure all the windows are secure, and visit the place at midnight and see how safe it seems. Do the smoke alarms work? Yes, you can put your own in, but if the landlord doesn't insist on yours, he doesn't insist on your neighbor's.

While you're there at midnight, think about noise levels.

Does everything in the place work? Check the lights, how hot the water is, any appliances, and bring some small electric device to check all the outlets. If it has a fireplace you intend to use, be sure it is cleaned before you move in.

What utilities are included and what is not?

Take pictures of the place if it is not in brand new condition. You may need them to prove the rug was already damaged when they try to keep your deposit.

Understand what the lease says happens if you break the lease early. Are you liable for the full rent, or can you give notice, and if so, how much? What happens if the place become uninhabitable from fire or flood or other cause? Do you still have to pay rent?

Are there restrictions on pets, visitors, roommates?

Read the whole lease. If you don't understand part of it, find out what it means before signing. Your signature means you read it, understand it, and agree to it. Everything is negotiable before you sign, nothing is negotiable after you sign.

If there are some repairs to be made, the best idea is to have them done them before you sign. Second best is to add an addendum that specifies what is to be fixed, by what date, and what your remedy is (less rent or option to terminate lease) if they don't perform. If you don't get it in writing, don't expect the repairs.

Answer 3

A few things you might want to consider:

What are the terms of the lease and what is the cancellation policy?
Does it include a washer/dryer and if not, how close are the laundry facilities?
You want to try and make sure that no one in the unit below yours smokes (the smoke will rise up into your apartment).
Pet policies if you have a pet.
When you move in, look at everything very carefully and write down EVERYTHING that you notice--stains, tears, gouges, etc. so you don't get charged for this stuff when you move out.

Answer 4

Among thinking an apartment just LOOKS cool - here are more things to consider:

*Neighborhood, conveniece, and safety of location.
*Parking - accessability, guest parking, lighting at night
*Included amenities - gym, pool, security guard, gated community, etc.
*In Apartment itself - appliances included (microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer), washer/dryer hook-ups (if not provided), number and size of rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, closet space, windows and doors, security of those windows and doors, balcony or patio space, fireplace, flooring
*Lease policies - what wear and tear will the lease cover, deposit amount, responsibilities of tennant vs. owner, lease terms, ease of breaking the lease
*Rental amount - compare to other nearby apartments. Also, does the rent amount cover water, trash, and sewer? (Usually standard) Is the apartment more all-inclusive - power, internet, cable?

And also, after moving in, make sure to document any and all faults with the apartment and maybe even take pictures. Make sure to alert your renters and keep a copy for yourself.

Answer 5

check out the area, if possible drive around the community during the day and at night to see what's going on. Tour the community, see if it looks clean and safe. Check to see if it has the amenities you are looking for. Make sure it's in a good location and close to what you want it to be close to. Make sure you can afford it, the last thing you want is to be late on your rent.

Answer 6

is rent price locked in or can is go up at any time?
are there any fire detectors?
what is the deposit amount?
what is the lease term?
who pays for the heat, electricity, water and sewer?
what is the pet/children policy?
how old is the apartment?
is there any storage?
is there parking and if so is it indoors or outdoors? is it reserved or first come first serve?
who else has a key?
is there air conditioning?

Answer 7

first check out the building, is it in a safe area, are there smoke and fire alarms in apt., ask other tenants about upkeep of building is it in good repair, does landlord fulfill his promise of repairs, do not take an apt. as is. check all plusgs to be sure they are in good condition check for drafts in windows what is the plan if a fire breaks out if a lease read it carefully check taps for leaks and lastly be sure that is the one you want.

Answer 8

Location and Price are the two things that would have the largest impact on your happiness or unhappiness about your choice. The rest, you can deal with.

Answer 9

Location shopping and price and also how old the apartment buildings is

Answer 10

sun and ventilation , high or law , rent of course , neighbourhood , transport