It does not matter if this is your first time renting or if you have done it a dozen times before, apartment seeking may be a thrilling adventure. However, jumping into a new lease without doing adequate research might lead to unneeded stress and complications. Tenants should never put their names on a lease without first taking a tour of the property. Problems will be easy to notice, and you will not fall for rental frauds. It is important for tenants to see the apartment before signing a lease to ensure that it is what they are looking for. Consider these points when you search for a suitable rental:
Check that all of the doors and windows, especially the sliding ones, can be opened and closed without much effort. Pay specific attention to the sliding windows. Make sure that all of the doorknobs and locks are functioning properly and that they are secure. Do not put your safety at danger by disregarding a missing or damaged lock; instead, report the problem to the landlord as soon as possible. Always be on the lookout for drafts and other sealing problems, since they can have an effect on the amount of energy used to heat or cool your apartment, and consequently, your monthly cost.
Have a close inspection of the ceiling and the walls of the structure. In most cases, a hairline fracture is not cause for concern; nevertheless, cracks that are broad enough to fit a coin might suggest that there is structural damage. In point of fact, if you notice any structural problems, you should most likely select a different alternative. Additionally, check the ceiling, walls, and floor for any signs of water damage or watermarks. After water damage, the first signs of mold, mildew, and decay will show very quickly.
Despite the fact that the vast majority of apartments are rented without furniture, you should nevertheless check that everything is in good functioning condition. If you have not used your oven in a while, now would be a good opportunity to check its heating capabilities and inspect it for grease or food accumulation on the interior or heating components, especially if you have not used it in a while. If there is a washer and dryer, check that they have been maintained, and if there is a refrigerator, make sure it is cold. If there is a refrigerator, check that it is cold.
Take an inventory of the resources you already have at your disposal. Renters typically sign a lease for an apartment before determining whether or not they will be able to put all of their possessions inside. Before you start looking for a new apartment, you should ensure that you have the dimensions of your bed, couch, and any other key pieces of furniture you want to bring with you. This allows for an accurate estimation of both the amount of space that is available as well as the optimal configuration of the furniture. Your estimate will be considerably more accurate if you bring a tape measure to the house with you and use it to calculate the size of the room by using the tape measure.