While it may be tempting to choose an apartment based on its attractive pictures, it is wise to know what to look for before signing a lease. While minor problems can be easily repaired, deeper issues may indicate neglect on the part of the landlord. While checking an apartment, look for signs of health hazards, rodents, water damage, leaky faucets, lead paint, asbestos, dirty air filters, mold, broken windows, and HVAC system problems.
Convenient parking
While many apartment communities offer ample visitor parking, this may not be available for your unit. Many apartments do not have extra parking for guests, making it difficult to make the most of the carpooling option available. While some buildings do offer visitor parking, access is limited and may not be well-lit at night. As such, a creative parking solution may be necessary. Read the terms and conditions of the parking space you want to rent carefully before making a final decision.
The location of your apartments for rent will affect the available parking space. Mid-rise and high-rise buildings in downtown areas are likely to offer assigned parking spaces. Garden-style apartments, in contrast, may have parking right outside the front door. In places with cold winters, consider the location of outdoor parking. This may require you to move your car from some parking spots. In these cases, check if the complex has designated parking spots.
Health and safety issues
When you are looking to rent an apartment, you may have a few health and safety issues that need to be addressed. For example, you should check for rodents, which carry significant health risks. As a tenant, you should report infestations to your landlord. Plumbing is also a major issue. You need a working toilet, washbasin, and bath. If you notice that one of these items is not working properly, it may be a sign that you should consider looking elsewhere. Lead paint is another concern. Lead paint is a poisonous metal that poses a health risk to children.
In some cases, landlords are required to provide smoke detectors in every apartment. They also need to provide clear exits in case of fire. There are some health codes that consider violations of these rules as imminent hazards. Make sure that you understand the rental repair agreement. This contract will specify what you can expect from the landlord and request repairs. Make sure to ask your landlord about this agreement before signing the lease, and do not rely on verbal agreements.
Rental agreement
If you have a pet, be sure to read the fine print of your lease carefully. Some landlords require tenants to leave certain items when they move out, while others don’t allow pets. Other leases specify who is responsible for any legal costs incurred in the event of a dispute. Also, many landlords perform credit checks and won’t rent to those with poor credit. This is important information to read before signing a lease, as it can help protect your interests and your budget.
Whether or not utilities are included in your rent is another factor to consider. Some apartments will handle the setup, while others may require you to set up an account with a service provider for the entire complex. You’ll also need to pay an application fee to get a rental. However, there are additional costs, such as moving and security deposit, that you should be aware of before signing a lease.
Application fees
If you are looking for an apartment to rent, you’ll need to fill out an application form. Landlords will use this information to screen prospective tenants. Application fees cover the hard costs of screening potential tenants. Without them, landlords would be forced to conduct a background checks and do a credit checks. When prospective tenant doesn’t pay the application fee, they won’t be considered. However, if the applicant knows that they won’t be accepted, they won’t bother paying the application fee.
Landlords are permitted to charge application fees as long as the fee is not excessive. However, if the fee is too high, it may limit the number of applicants. Landlords in high-traffic areas might try to minimize their application fees. Besides limiting the number of applicants, landlords should use other screening practices to limit their risk. Some landowners may wonder if they have to refund rental application fees. While it’s true that security deposits are usually returned after the tenant moves in, application fees are up to the landlord’s discretion and state law.
Having a roommate
While living with a roommate is a great way to cut your housing costs, you should be aware that their financial habits can affect your own. This means that it’s important to set clear rules about who will be on your lease and who will be responsible for paying the bills. Discuss these guidelines before moving in together. Also, be sure to set boundaries about overnight guests. If you have a pet, make sure to set a ground rule before you move in together.
One important point to remember when you’re living with a roommate is to ensure you both pay your rent on time. Some rentals require co-signing a lease, but you can get away without it. In other cases, a roommate can be problematic. This can affect your credit. Keep in mind that most negative information stays on a person’s report for seven years, so make sure you’re aware of what you’re signing.