Things To Check & Inspect When Apartment Hunting

Your apartment is where you’ll be spending most of your time for at least the next year; naturally, you want to make sure it has everything you need.

When you’re shopping for a new home, it’s important to do your research first. But how do you find a place with all the amenities you want, at a price you can afford? Places that seem to tick all the boxes may have hidden issues. It’s up to you to find them before you sign the lease.

During your next apartment tour, take note of the following:

Check Out The Neighborhood

How secure is the building? If you’re concerned about the area, then you need a place with heavy-duty locks, cameras, and on-site security. Ask the landlord if there is a history with break-ins at the building, and what they are doing to protect the residents.

Even if the apartment seems ideal, you should take a look at what’s nearby. How close is the building to your most-frequented places? Map out the distance to:

• Your work or school
• The grocery store
• Public transit routes

Depending on the amenities that the building offers, you may require a few additional services. Check if there’s a gym or laundromat nearby if you need one. By mapping things out ahead of time, you’ll get a clearer picture of what your commute will look like.

Read The Lease

You know that stack of papers your landlord hands you when you’re signing for an apartment? The one you added your signature to, then handed back without a glance?

Avoid skimming the fine print lease—it’s better to check each section when you’re renting an apartment. If the place isn’t pet-friendly, you’ll be in for a nasty surprise when you show up on moving day with your furry friend!

Listen

You’ll be surprised at how much you notice when you stand still and pay attention to what’s around you. The next time you’re touring an apartment, keep your ears open for the following:

• The neighbors. Do you really want to live above a family of screaming children? Probably not. The soundproofing in your apartment is important. It may be worth talking to your neighbors to ask what they think of the building.
• The outside noise. Instead of scheduling a tour during the daytime, try to book one after the sun sets. You can get an idea of how loud the apartment will be when you’re relaxing or trying to sleep.
• The cupboards. Do you hear any movement when your ear is pressed against the drawers, cabinets, or closets? If so, something might already be living in the apartment—an unwanted family of critters.

Check Your Phone

We use our phones and the internet nearly every day of our lives—at this point, good reception is almost a necessity. Basement suites might be less expensive, but how is the reception down there? Send a few texts to test it out. If the building offers Wi-Fi, run a speed test on it.

Inspect The Appliances

You love the high-end dishwasher stowed beneath the counter, but how well does it really work? Try to test the appliances as much as you can before signing the lease.

If the things you use most are broken, you’ll dread coming home after a long day. Watch out for common oven problems, sinks that don’t drain, and dryer vents that are covered in lint.

You’ll thank yourself later if you check the air conditioner, like a mini split AC unit. Adjust the temperature on the thermostat, and see if anything changes. Or, you can schedule an apartment tour on an especially hot day, and see what the temperature is like.

If you notice that anything is broken, mention it to your landlord, or write it down on paper. This will prevent you from being blamed if it’s noticed after you’ve already moved in.

Utility Costs

Talk to your landlord about what bills will be covered, and which ones you are expected to pay. The answer varies from building to building. With some apartments, the costs of internet, heat, water, or electricity may be included in the rent. With others, you’ll be expected to cover these costs. This is important to figure out before moving in, or it might throw your budget off track.

Apartment hunting can take months. By the time you find the right place, you might have visited dozens of different buildings. Your thoroughness will pay off when you find the place that you can call home.

Author’s Bio

Catherine Holland is a writer based in Canada. She writes articles with a focus on marketing and home improvement for a variety of businesses. Some of her favorite pieces can be found on the Globe Property Management's website.