Hey all! I'm looking for my first apartment. I don't think I need to say how exited I am about that. I just don't know all of what I should be looking at/for. I started a list, but thought I might get more ideas from all you clever people! 1. Cost- I don't want to pay more than 1/3 of my income in rent 2. Location- I want a commute less than 40 mins from work 3. Heating- cost is in rent, but I like it warm so old Victorians with original windows wouldn't be good for me. 4. Water Pressure- check the sinks, showers, and toilets 5. Water Taste- is it sulfury? chloriney? 6. Electrical Outlets- see where they are placed and how many there are 7. Trash Removal 8. Plowing/ Snow removal 9. Sewer or Septic and do I need to care? 10. Can I paint the walls? 11. Can I have pets? 12. Can I hear the neighbors? 13. Are there train tracks nearby?
My friends and I made a list of questions to keep in mind when we were looking for off-campus housing after first year. It was comprehensive enough (for us) that I passed it along to my frosh the year after. Not all of the questions may apply to apartment living (and some only apply if you're actually seeing the place in person), but here's the list of stuff we thought was important: Spoiler Location: • Is it close to public transport? • Reasonable travel time to campus and/or within SWHAT escort distance? • Are there grocery stores, pharmacy, and other amenities nearby? Safety: • Do you feel comfortable in the neighbourhood? • Do the rooms have adequate locks? • Are windows intact and lockable? • Are the windows properly sealed with storm windows and screens? • Are there smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in key areas? • Is there more than one fire exit from the unit? • Is there a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen? • Is the entrance well lit? • Who has access to the house key and when were the locks last changed? Responsibilities: • Shovelling snow? Provided with a shovel? • Lawn maintenance? Provided with a lawn mower? • Garbage containers? When is it picked up? Parking: • Is the parking sufficient space? • Is it shared with anyone else? • Is the parking area well lit? Facilities: • Is there a storage area (shed/garage) for use? Can it be locked? • Are there working laundry facilities? • Are the laundry facilities coin operated? • Is the fridge/stove/microwave provided? Do they work? • How furnished is it? What is included? • Is there sufficient cupboard/closet space? • Is it clean, spacious, well lit, and adequately heated? • Is there any evidence of pests? • Are ceilings high enough and in good condition (cracks, water marks, mildew)? • Is the carpet/floor reasonably clean? • Are the walls in good condition (paint chipping, holes)? • Is the plumbing adequate? Water pressure? • Is there a good supply of hot water? • Are there sufficient electrical outlets? • Are there adequate telephone and/or cable jacks? • How old is the unit? • Heating vents in each room? Lease Agreements: • Is a lease required? • What is the length of term? • Who is responsible for payment of utilities? • Who is responsible for subletting? • First and last month’s rent? Cost: • Is rent due weekly or monthly and on what date? • How much is the rent? • Does rent include all utilities? Approximate monthly cost? • What is not included in the rent (ask tenants)? • Is a telephone/cable line already installed? • What type of heating method is used (gas, oil, electric)? Household Issues: • Does the tenant have control over heat/AC? • Does the heat/AC work? • Are overnight guests allowed? Are there restrictions on visitors? • Are pets allowed? • Where is the fuse/breaker box located? • Is decorating allowed? Painting? • Are there other house rules (parties, visitors, smoking, noise, etc.)? • Repairs? Hope that helps some.
Wow, that is rather comprehensive. Thanks. There are a few things I wouldn't have thought of, like the smoke detectors that are very important.
