The exciting time has come to begin your new apartment search! Knowing your priorities is key when looking for a new place; it’s the information you’ll use to narrow your initial search and it will create an efficient and effective apartment search. It’s easy to let your excitement take over, but it’s important to keep your priorities and requirements in mind. That’s why we’ve compiled this apartment hunting checklist that will guide you in your search and help you think about what you want in your next apartment. Happy hunting!
Utilities
First up on your apartment hunting checklist are the utilities. Here’s what to ask the landlord or property manager:
- What is included with rent?
- Which utilities am I responsible for paying?
- Are there specific processes or vendors to use for utility setup?
- How much do utilities cost, on average, for tenants here?
Rent and Security Deposit
Next up, you’ll want to know everything related to your rent and the security deposit required to sign the lease. When we look at an apartment, the last thing we want to think about is the financial component. However, it’s an important part of the apartment hunting checklist that you’ll want to know ahead of time so you’re fully aware of any special financial requirements.
- When is the rent due each month?
- How will rent be paid? Check? Online payment?
- Are there penalties for late rent payments?
- If so, how much is the penalty per day?
- What is the required income to apply for this unit?
- How much is the security deposit?
- What is the monetary penalty for breaking the lease?
Apartment Specifics
When touring an apartment, it’s easy to be swept away by the sight of large bedrooms, granite countertops, bay windows, and charming backyards. Before you sign a lease based purely on its aesthetic, be sure to ask yourself (and the landlord) the following:
- Is this a furnished apartment?
- Are there safe places for packages and mail to be delivered?
- Is there parking for cars or bikes?
- What is the lighting like? Does the unit receive good natural light or will you need light fixtures?
- Is this a pet-friendly apartment?
- If so, is there a deposit needed before move-in?
- Will all your furniture fit or will you have to downsize?
- Are there building rules regarding noise and quiet hours?
- What are the other tenants in the building like?
- What is the commute from the apartment to my job?
- Are there nearby public transportation options?
Maintenance Requests
Something we don’t always think of when looking at an apartment is what we’ll do when something (inevitably) breaks, clogs, or malfunctions. Keep these things in mind and ask your landlord or property manager before signing a lease.
- What is the standard procedure for maintenance requests?
- Is there an online portal or do you need to contact your landlord directly for the request?
- How long should it take for a maintenance request to be resolved?
- Will I be responsible for any repairs that need to be made?
Need an apartment hunting checklist pdf? Download one here.
Even if it isn’t your first time renting, this apartment hunting checklist will help you organize your priorities and make for a smoother search. Once you’ve found a few places that catch your eye, make sure to run through this checklist with each place. It’ll help you narrow things down so you can find that perfect apartment.
This article was updated on 10/3/18.
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