At some point or another during your lifetime you’ll live in an apartment. At least this is true for most people.
Perhaps it’s your first time living on your own. Or perhaps you’re seeking affordable housing while you save for a downpayment on your first house. Whatever the reason, apartments serve as home to hundreds of millions of people around the country.
When looking for your first apartment, it’s important to have an apartment inspection checklist so that you’ll know what to look for and what to avoid.
This article takes a look at a rental walkthrough checklist so that you’ll be able to find the perfect apartment to meet your needs. Keep reading to get the scoop on how to find the perfect home for the next stage of your life.
Table of Contents
Ask About Their Pet Policy
If you own pets, you’d better check with the apartment management before moving in. This is because every apartment complex will have a different policy in regards to pets.
In most cases, residents are allowed to have pets but be prepared to pay a pet security deposit and a bit extra on your monthly rent. There will also likely be a limit to the number of animals permitted for each resident.
Other buildings have a strict no pet policy, thus you might end up paying a stiff fine if animals are discovered inside your apartment unit.
Test the Water Pressure
Another important thing to be aware of before signing a lease contract is the water pressure in the kitchen and bathrooms. Take the time to run the water in every sink and shower.
If you notice that water pressure is low, ask building management to please take note of the problem on the lease to make necessary repairs prior to your move-in date.
After all, there’s nothing more miserable than low water pressure, and they are far less likely to make repairs once you’ve already moved in.
Find Out Whether It’s Near an Airport or Freeway
When it comes to noise, nothing’s more of a bummer than living near an airport or major roadway. That’s why it’s important to take a look around the area before moving into a building where you’ll likely have to listen to departing flights or heavy traffic all night.
Being aware of this ahead of time with save you a lot of frustration and headaches in the long run.
Check the Power Outlets
It’s also a good idea to check the power outlets in each room of the unit. When taking a tour, perhaps bring along a cell phone charger and plug it into outlets at random.
This will help alert you to any issues that might dissuade you from renting, or help the management know what needs to fixed before you sign the contract.
Talk to Neighbors
Before signing a lease, take the time to speak to a few neighbors about their experience living in the building. Most people are happy to tell both the good and the bad and the apartment complex where they live.
Current tenants can also offer comments about dealing with management, which can be important information to know before making your final decision about whether or not to sign a lease.
Ask About the Length of the Lease
Most apartments have a minimum lease period. This is typically six months or a year. And some rental management companies will offer a modest discount for agreeing to a longer lease period upfront, such as two or three years rather than just 12 months.
After all, it’s less expensive for them to charge less per month over 36 months than to risk having the unit remain empty for a few months or pay to have it cleaned between tenants.
Does it Have Laundry Hookups?
Most big apartment buildings offer a communal laundry facility, while others have washer and dryer hookups in some or all of the units. This is an important thing to keep in mind before renting an apartment.
And if you intended to bring your own washer and dryer, take note of how to transport them to your unit, especially if the unit is located anywhere above the first floor of the building.
Does it Have Internet Service?
Can you imagine living without internet service? Most people depend on the internet for watching TV and using computers and mobile devices.
Some modern apartment buildings offer access to a secured server, but most require tenants to pay for their own internet hookups in each individual unit. This means that you will also likely need to provide your own router and deal with the internet service provider of your choice.
Check the Cell Phone Reception
Not everyone gets perfect cell reception at every location on the planet. There are plenty of dead spots. That’s why it’s important to check the cell phone reception for your service provider at the apartment that you’re currently considering.
Again, not being able to get good reception can quickly turn into a nightmare that you’d be wise to avoid.
Is There Plenty of Parking?
Be sure to assess the parking situation at each of the buildings that you tour. Does each resident have a reserved parking spot? How many spots are allotted for each unit? These are important questions to ask, especially at apartment complexes that house several hundred tenants.
An Important Apartment Inspection Checklist for Your Upcoming Move
Renting an apartment for the first time can be time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, this apartment inspection checklist can help to make the process a bit easier.
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