Looking For a New Apartment: What to Consider And How to Find One
Have you ever moved into what appeared to be the ideal apartment only to uncover a slew of flaws after signing the lease?
It may happen to anyone, especially when you’re trying to get somewhere quickly.
Before determining where you’ll reside for the next few years, you may only get one quick tour.
Use this checklist to help you recognize any red flags and choose an apartment that meets your criteria for a better apartment hunting experience.
You don’t have to reject an apartment you like just because one red flag pops up.
Still, the list below will help you determine if each property you visit is suitable for you.
What to pay attention to while looking for an apartment
First of all, detailed research will be a good idea to make choosing an apartment more organized and avoid difficulties.
Pay attention to details and compare each apartment listing with your requirements; if most points fit your imagined conditions, it’s probably a suitable variant.
According to statistics, there were almost 43 million housing units occupied by renters in the US. You may use the information to figure out rental patterns in your city, state, and even apartment size.
The location, price, neighborhood, and some other factors matter, so if you answer the questions mentioned below, you will be a significant step closer to finding an ideal apartment for you.
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Will you be comfortable working from home?
Many companies are implementing permanent work-from-home policies. As a renter, this means you’ll be spending a lot more time in your flat.
If this is the case, take extra precautions to ensure that your future workspace is suited for remote work.
Will you require your own office space? Are you able to work in the same room as a spouse or roommate who also works from home? Is the atmosphere calm and free of distractions?
Inquire with the landlord about the gardening and landscaping schedule so that loud leaf blowers do not disrupt your meetings.
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How does the commute feel?
Whether you are looking for furnished rentals in Seattle or Munich, or any other place in the world, you must consider the transportation access of your next apartment.
Test your commute from your flat to your work area, especially if you live in a densely crowded location. If you have to go on the weekend, make a mental note of how long the drive will take during peak hours.
On Google Maps, a route that appears to be reasonably painless can often turn out to be more of a problem than anticipated.
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Can you meet the maintenance technician?
Whatever apartment you choose, something will break eventually, and your building’s maintenance professional will have to come out to fix it.
Unfortunately, this may necessitate the maintenance crew entering your apartment while you are at work or asleep.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to meet your maintenance workers before requiring their assistance, just for your safety and peace of mind.
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Are the common areas well-kept?
Beware of how well-kept the common areas are as you inspect the property. Strata Data Adelaide Body Corporate explains that these areas a looked after and management by a strata or body corporate manager and clean every 1-2 weeks. If stairwells, hallways, garages or waste collection areas are dirty, neglected and rundown it’s a good indication that the neighbours and/or building manager don’t look after the building appropriately.
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What is the neighborhood like at all hours?
While you may be laser-focused on finding the new address, try to let your gaze wander when visiting a new location.
Was it challenging to get there by car or by public transportation? Is there a large number of bars and fast-food restaurants? Is the apartment close to a bus stop or an intersection?
Visit this new location several times of the day if possible, but at the very least during rush hour to get a sense of how loud and wild the area can get.
Is it safe and comfortable?
That is the big question to ask yourself.
And don’t forget to check out what’s next door once you’ve arrived at your potential new residence.
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Are the doors and windows in good condition?
Check that all doors and windows open and close properly and latch and lock. However, go a step further and look at how energy efficient they are. Do you need to replace the door sweeps on your outside doors? Is it possible that old windows have been painted shut or are particularly drafty? None of these factors are deal-breakers, but they could end up costing you a lot of money in the long run when it comes to heating and cooling your home.
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Is the plumbing in good shape?
Few people consider operating the faucets or flushing the toilets, yet both might provide you clues about the plumbing’s condition. For example, suppose your bathroom doesn’t wash properly or runs for an extended period. In that case, you may find yourself paying a higher water bill. Also, see if the toilet shut-off valve works or if it’s rusted shut. Clogs in the pipes could cause a sink that won’t drain. How’s the pressure in the shower? What is the temperature of the hot water, and how long does it take to heat up? Is the water heater in good working order, or does it appear old and damaged? A broken water heater can significantly impact the temperature of your shower and your water bill.
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Are the electrical outlets in good working order?
Examine them for functionality and any loose sockets or other signs of poor wiring. Make sure each room has enough outlets for the electronics you’ll be using.
If you use a curling iron or a hairdryer, for example, make sure you have outlets in the bathroom where you need them.
Check to see if the bathroom and kitchen have GFCI outlets as well.
Conclusion
Nowadays, finding the perfect apartment can be very challenging whether you’re a student, retiree, or an employee.
However, it’s entirely possible to achieve, as mentioned in this article. All you have to do is consider questions such as will it be comfortable for remote work, is there public transportation available, etc.
So, don’t rush in the process of looking for your new place and try to find an apartment which will be the most appropriate to your demands as a tenant.