A person’s decision to rent is usually based on impressions of an apartment they’ve looked over for just a few minutes. Since landlords won’t offer a ‘trial-sized’ lease, it’s important to use all of your senses when visiting units.
After contacting building managers and realtors, you should begin looking at units with about two months remaining on your current lease, if you have one. It is important to give yourself time for looking over apartments without the stress of relocating before your lease expires. Stress, as always, can lead to clouded judgment and poor decisions.
Entering the Building
Your evaluation of an apartment really starts upon first entering the building. It is important that you’re taking in all of the building’s sights, sounds, and smells. Assuming the property is in a neighborhood of your choice, you should focus on the building itself. Look at its neighboring locations. Ask yourself:
- Are stores and public transportation conveniently located nearby?
- Do you see addresses that could be a problem, such as run-down homes, bars, or seedy businesses?
- Do you have a 'welcome' feeling when walking past the locations?
If all seems OK in the neighborhood, look over the building's physical elements as you are taken inside:
- Do the building walls and windows look clean and well-maintained?
- Is the building’s address clearly marked?
- Are there security cameras in place? Does the perimeter appear safe?
- Are the walkways clean and well-lit?
- Do you hear any noise?
- Where is the trash located? Are there pungent odors around the building?
The lobby is an area of the building that should be taken seriously. This is a central location that sets the tone for its residents. Consider:
- Is the lobby clean and well-lit?
- Are the mailboxes clearly marked with apartment numbers and names? Does it seem that apartments are empty or tenants are not ‘open’ to one another?
- Are letters and notices from the building’s ownership clearly posted in this area? Does it seem that its ownership cares about informing renters?
- Is the buzzer (doorbell) panel well-maintained? Is there a complete directory of the residents?
Visiting the Apartment
Once brought into the apartment, you should take as much time as you need to size matters up. Keep in mind that you would be living here for at least a year and relinquishing the apartment you now hold.
Look over the apartment carefully and ask the building manager or realtor whatever questions you may have. The agent, if trustworthy, will not hesitate to answer them.
- When first entering the apartment, imagine yourself entering as a full-fledged resident. Walk around the apartment. Imagine your possessions taking up the given space and yourself doing usual activities in life: where would your furniture be located? Would the furniture fit adequately? What would you be doing in the morning? The afternoon? At night? Would you be able to do these activities in comfort?
- In the kitchen, look over cabinet space, counter space, oven space, and sink space. Gas up the stove and open the sink faucets. Did the stove turn on without a problem? Is there clean, hot water?
- In the bathroom, look over tub space, sink space, and the medicine cabinet. Check the taps for hot water. Flush the toilet to judge its pull. Is the water clean?
- Look through every window of the apartment. Look up at the sky, across at eye level, and down at the street. What do you see? Do you have a clear view of the neighborhood? Will you receive enough sunlight during the morning and afternoon? Are there unpleasant things in view? Are any of these things potential sources of noise or dirt?
- Listen carefully when you are walking around the unit. What do you hear? Are there any sounds that could be a problem in the long run?
- Is there adequate closet space for your things?
- Is there an intercom that allows you to hear the lobby doorbell, speak to the person ringing, and unlock the front door? It is important to your safety that this system works. Does the bell on the apartment’s door work, if it has one?
- And lastly, judge the radiators or sources of heat if living in a cold climate. Will this apartment be warm in the cold weather?
Overall, ask yourself if the apartment is a step up or at least sideways from where you live now: am I moving in the right direction? Is it worth it? If the apartment ‘suits your fancy,’ you should prepare to sign a lease. This means further business with the agent, which will be discussed next time.
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