11 Things to Consider When Apartment Hunting

Apartment hunting is an experience most of us young adults have the wonderful privilege of going through at least once. Unfortunately, it takes most of us living in a crappy hole in the wall to know exactly what we do and don’t want out of an apartment. It’s then that we regret not asking all of the questions that we can all of a sudden think of. Of course, you ask the main things, how much is the rent, are utilities includes and so on. However, we get caught up in the excitement of having our own living space within arms reach and tend to overlook more important details. This list is my way of giving you a gentle nudge so you can remember to ask the right questions.

These are fairly important things to consider so that you don’t pay a deposit, move in all of your furniture and then want to move out the next week. Some of these things may not be a concern for you depending on the condition of your apartment. However, it never hurts to ask, right?

Cabinet Space

The first thing to consider is cabinet and counter space in the apartment. This will determine the amount of groceries, dishes and more that you can have at one time.  This will, whether you know it or not, affect your day to day. This also speaks to your storage abilities. It may seem trivial in comparison, but believe me, you want to at least take note of it.

Outlets

While you’re at it take note of the wall outlets. Check to see if any look like they are in bad condition or if any look like they have had electrical problems. You can also check if they work by bringing a phone charger with you and putting it in to check the power. Also, if it’s in the unit, ask to see the water heater and ask how long it has been there. If it looks like it’s on its last leg, asks about it and whether your responsibility includes the water heater or not.

Wall Thickness

At some point in the tour, take note of whether you can hear your neighbors through the walls. Trust me, when it’s 3 AM and you have to work the next morning, you will care. Also, ask the person giving you the tour. Check to see if you can hear the people above you walking. This will also help you be more considerate if you are living above someone.

Package Services

There is nothing worse than ordering a package, waiting for it, then having it delivered just to have it stolen before you get to it! So, ask if packages go through the rental office or to your doorstep. If they go through the office see who will have access to it and how you can get to it.

Mold, Mildew & Damages

Take note of any strange smells, check the corners and baseboards for mold and mildew. If the floors have wood panels check and see if the boards are separating or have chips or cracks. You want to check for these things because they can be an inconvenience but more importantly, you want to note that they were there before you moved in so that you aren’t charged when you move out.

Windows

Often times, especially in older apartments, windows will have been painted over and as a result painted closed. Check the window seals to see if the windows open. It’s not only a fire hazard but you may want some fresh air at some point.

Water

If the water is turned on already, turn the kitchen and bathroom faucets on for a few seconds. Make sure the pressure is good, the water isn’t rusty or brown and the pipes don’t rattle. Also, flush the toilet and take note if it fills back up quickly and stops running in a reasonable time.

Storage Space

This may not be an important aspect for some but if you know you have lots of stuff or just prefer lots of storage space, check and see if there is a storage room attached to the apartment, available storage space on the property or just a closet you didn’t notice. You want to know how much you can reasonably bring into the space so that you aren’t sleeping on top of your belongings.

Tour the Exact Unit

It took me a few tours to realize that management usually places all of their energy and resources into the model apartment or the one they tend to show on tours. Ask if it’s possible to tour the exact unit you will be staying in. This way you aren’t surprised about a number of stairs you have to climb or your view. You also don’t have the chance to be sold on one thing and receive another. Lastly, you can have a chance to plan for your exact space as floor plans can differ from apartment to apartment.

Responsibilities

Double check what you are responsible for and what maintenance is responsible for. Some places will even replace your light bulbs! Also double check what is all included in the rent, not just utilities. Is trash included? Air filters?

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Lastly, and probably most importantly, ask about fire detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire detectors are usually required by law but monoxide detectors aren’t. If there are alarms be sure to test them before you move in. If there isn’t a carbon monoxide detector you can purchase one from Amazon here for less than $30 each. Carbon monoxide doesn’t warn you or give any signs so it’s better safe than sorry, right?

This post was proofread by Grammarly