This isn’t always possible, but it’s a good idea to ask. 6) Make sure you ask to see the apartment you are going to rent Ask if the walls between apartments are constructed with a fire rated wall. If you hear people walking, talking, or the television in the adjoining apartment, then perhaps you should look at a different apartment because hearing others’ conversations will get tiresome very quickly. How large is the apartment in square feet? Is the kitchen large enough for a small table? Is the apartment layout conducive to your needs? Does it have enough closet space? Does it have enough light? Does it have a balcony? Do you need a separate shower, more than one bathroom? Does the apartment have its own washer and dryer? If not, how many people share a washer and dryer and where are they located? 5) Does the Apartment have good sound controlĪre the floors wood or concrete? This is important for two reasons: sound transmission and fire safety. 4) Does the apartment size and layout fit your needs? If you drive to work, you want to inquire as to how much time it takes to get from your apartment to work during the “rush hour” traffic commute. Inquire where the train station is (if you use trains to commute to work.) Inquire how often the train runs, and how frequently it stops (how long it takes to get to where you want to go). We all have to go to work and the proximity of roads and/or trains should be at the top of your list for priorities when it comes to choosing an apartment. 3) How close is the apartment to public transportation and major roadways? If you frequent a particular house of worship, you should inquire where the nearest temple, church or mosque is located. Perhaps, you love your morning coffee at Starbucks, and can’t imagine going somewhere else. ![]() Perhaps you have an existing gym membership, and wish to continue that membership. Make sure the apartment is in a location that is convenient to work, shopping, and recreation. We recommend a maximum of 33% of your after-tax income be spent on housing and utilities. Typical utilities are heat, hot water, cooking, electricity, cable TV/internet, and phone. pool), parking fees, and of course utilities.įind out what utilities you are required to pay for, and what utilities, if any, the landlord pays. ![]() The total cost should include the base rent and additional charges such as water/sewer, trash fees, recreational fees (ex. This method also allows you to compare one apartment to another. Make sure you know all of the costs associated with a particular apartment and sum them up so you can determine the total carrying cost. 1) Does the apartment fit within your budget? It’s better to be thorough than sorry.īelow is a checklist you can use to help ensure nothing is forgotten or overlooked when choosing your next apartment. You don’t want to sign a year-long lease for an apartment and then find out you forgot something. ![]() Use the free rental inspection checklist we’ve provided below to make sure you cover all your bases or click below to download a printable, PDF version.When it comes to choosing an apartment, whether it’s your first apartment or your fourth, you should always have an imaginary (or real) checklist with you to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want. If there’s even the slightest thing wrong with your light fixtures, balcony railing, or the inside of your oven, make sure you document it. What’s in a rental walkthrough checklist?Įverything from the floorboard condition to the shower drain should be on your rental inspection checklist. In fact, it’s most helpful when attempting to get your security deposit back since you have documentation of everything that was damaged before you became the tenant. Using a rental walkthrough checklist is the best way to keep track of the state of the floorboards, walls, doors, locks, and appliances in every room in the home or apartment.Ī rental inspection checklist will also come in handy when it comes time to move out. Once you move in, you’re liable for any damages that occur in the rental, so it’s important to note what was already damage or not working before you’re held responsible. Why use a rental inspection checklist?Ī rental inspection checklist offers a streamlined way to document the condition of an apartment before moving in. Among other things, you’ll want to go through a rental inspection checklist to check for any damages, cracks, scratches, and non-working appliances. Signed a lease and ready to move in? Congrats! Before you get too cozy in your new place, it’s important to look around and make sure you know the condition of your rental before moving in completely.
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