2. Five Things You Need to Add to Your Apartment Checklist
Searching for a new apartment might leave you scratching your head and
wondering what you should ask about before signing your lease. Writing
down an apartment checklist will give you a list of things you should look
at and ask about when meeting new apartment managers. Your checklist
will help you determine which apartment is best for you.
3. Adequate Security
Not all apartment complexes offer security, but the best complexes should
take the time to protect both you and your belongings. Even if you can't
afford to live in a building with 24-hour guards walking the premises or a
doorman downstairs, you can look for buildings that include other security
options. You might want a building that have locked doors that only
residents have keys for or buildings that have security cameras monitoring
the premises.
4. Average Electric Bills
Far too many people rent an apartment without thinking about the
average utility bills that they face. When meeting with different
managers, ask about which utility companies provide services for the
area and the average cost of each bill. If the manager cannot answer
questions about the average bills, contact each company for help. Torch
Energy can let you know if you might face a $30 average electric bill
or a bill of closer to $75. Most companies can tell you the average price
of the bills based on the size of the apartment and the usage of past
residents.
5. Included Amenities
Don't forget to ask the complex manager about any amenities included
in the cost of your rent. While some complexes advertise an on-site
gym, swimming pool or fitness center, those complexes neglect to
mention that you pay extra for each feature. Some complexes will even
charge you those fees if you don't use those amenities. If you rent a
townhouse or a similar property, the complex might also charge you
maintenance fees that aren't included in your rent quote.
6. Parking Situation
There is nothing worse than renting a new apartment only to discover
that the parking lot outside your building is always full. When you visit
during the day, you'll typically see an empty lot, but when residents
come home from work, the parking lot can fill up quickly. Some
buildings only offer street parking and have no established parking
lots, which can make the parking situation even worse. You might even
find a few complexes that charge you a monthly or annual fee for a
parking space near your apartment.
7. Surrounding Area
One of the most important things you should add to your checklist is the
surrounding area. You'll spend a lot of time driving through the neighborhood, and
you want to live in a place where you feel safe. Drive through the area early in the
morning, later in the afternoon and late at night to get an idea about the
neighborhood before you agree to sign a lease on a new apartment.
An apartment checklist includes the things that you should examine before
signing a lease contract. Look at the neighborhood, the average bills, the
security and amenities offered and the parking situation.
