Think Twice Before Signing That Lease
There are many things to check out in an apartment, both inside and out, so here's a short list of areas that you may have missed when looking the first time.
• Faucets in the kitchen and all bathrooms. Make sure there is adequate water pressure and that the hot water works in all of them.
• Check all the light fixtures to make sure they are operational. If they're not have the landlord change the bulb to make sure the fixture is not bad.
• Check all of the appliances. That includes microwaves, stoves and refrigerator as well as the washer and dryer if they're included
• Make sure all of the toilets flush properly.
• Check the level of cell phone reception. If you have to sit on the windowsill to get cell phone reception, you're not going to like it.
• Look for signs of insect infestation or mold. The apartment should be clean and in good repair, with no sign of bugs or mold.
• Look at the carpet for any tears or worn spots. These are usually prevalent in entryways and where the carpet ends and the linoleum begins.
• Listen to the apartment. Is there a lot of road noise inside?
• Make sure all the doors open and close smoothly, as well as making sure that the locks actually work.
There are a few things to look for outside as well. Checking these can help you make sure that the apartment complex is a safe place to live as well as making sure they have the amenities that you need.
• The roads and public transportation system. Are the roads in good repair? Is there reliable transportation in the area?
• Does the landlord have a good reputation? Asking other renters can be a good way to find out this information.
• What is the area or neighborhood like? It doesn't matter how nice the apartment is if it's located in the middle of a crime ridden area.
• Check out the park or playground area. Is the equipment in good repair? If there's not a park area within the complex, is there one nearby?
• Check out the area's schools. You can find this information quickly online. This will help you decide if you'd like to raise your children in the area.
• Is there a laundry facility in the complex? If there isn't one and there is no washer and dryer in the apartment, how far away is the closest Laundromat?
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