When moving into a rental apartment, there are numerous things to bear in mind. Whether you are a serial renter or you’re just about to move into your first apartment, take this checklist into consideration. It will help you make sure you end up living in the apartment of your dreams – or as near as you can get, at least.
The Right Amount of Storage
Considering that the average American home is filled with over 300.000 items, you can understand why storage space is the first item on our list.
Whether you collect shoes, have an extensive collection of vinyl records, or simply like to keep your pantry stocked: consider your living habits before you start looking for an apartment.
For instance, you may live a very minimalistic lifestyle, in which case you won’t need all that much storage space. You can settle for a smaller apartment or just one that isn’t filled with cupboards and shelves.
The Mattress
Sadly, most rental apartments can’t actually boast a mattress that is all that comfortable. In fact, most of them are old and rather worn out. They’ll have you waking up with back and neck pain just a few short days after you’ve moved in.
To avoid these unpleasant issues, always check out the mattresses and not just the bed of every apartment you are interested in. You should also ask the landlord how old they are and how many people have lived in the apartment since they’ve bought it.
You should also do some research and discover for your specific needs, just so you understand what you are looking for exactly.
The Overall Level of Cleanliness
In an ideal world, you would move into a perfectly clean and tidy apartment that has been deep cleaned only hours before your arrival. However, this is practically never the case, so it is your duty to take stock of the level of cleanliness in the apartment you are interested in renting.
Pay special attention to the kitchen and the bathroom, and cast casual glances into the corners. If you notice a lot of dust, dirt, or grime has accumulated somewhere, either be prepared to tackle them yourself (and know that there are some stains that will never come off) or look for a different apartment.
If the apartment is just untidy, but everything looks clean (countertops and the seating areas, most specifically), you might just have come on the wrong day, so you can overlook this one potential negative. If you can, come back again to see the apartment at a different time.
The Number of Electrical Outlets
If you have a lot of electrical appliances, you want to make sure the apartment you are about to move into has plenty of readily-available outlets. Otherwise, you may end up having to charge your phone in the kitchen or trying to figure out exactly how long a cable you need to be able to work from the bed.
While this is certainly an issue that you can overcome with a couple of clever tricks, you do want to feel as comfortable as possible. So take note of the electrical outlets and make sure there are enough for your needs.
Ask About the Utilities
Understanding exactly what the utilities in an apartment will cost you is extremely important. It can literally mean the difference between an apartment you can afford and one that is just out of your reach.
Don’t make any assumptions based on the size of the flat or its location. There may be some hidden utility costs you are not aware of. So, ask the landlord to show you some old bills – and don’t just trust their word on it, even if the numbers sound okay.
Ask About the Neighbors
Who you live next to will be just as important as what the flat itself is like. You don’t want to end up next to a very noisy couple or get harassed by an elderly neighbor demanding that you keep down your already silent typing.
Visit the location several times at different times of day to discover what it’s really like to live there. Ask the landlord and try to spot how honest they are being. If you spot some other tenets who look friendly, ask them to pitch in with an opinion.
Consider the Landlord
No matter how lovely the apartment is, if you feel the landlord/lady will be giving you a hard time, you may want to skip the unpleasantness and look for another space.
Pay attention to the kinds of questions they are asking and how they answer yours. If they sound too good to be true or if they give you very vague and general answers, press them a bit harder for a concrete reply.
Also take stock of how they have been communicating with you over the phone and in person, as well as the general vibe they are giving you. Your gut instinct is probably right, so if they seem like a difficult person, move on as finding a good landlord is key to a positive rental experience.
Final Thoughts
Renting a space will be equal parts exciting and nerve-racking, so be prepared for the inevitable positives and negatives. The more prepared you walk into a showing, the higher the chances that you will end up living in a space you actually love. Refer to these seven points every time you’re looking over a potential apartment.
