What do I need for my first apartment checklist?
When you go apartment viewing, you are looking at your home for the future. It pays to really observe and take it all in every nook and cranny. Aim to balance your emotions with rationality.
Picture how it’s like to live there. Is it the property in good condition? How are the amenities? Does it deliver on whatever is stated on the listing
To ensure you do not forget anything on the day of viewing, have an apartment viewing checklist with you to guide you and keep all bases covered.
Your apartment viewing checklist should contain questions to ask and things to check. Feel free to add to this list. The more questions you ask, the better your judgment will be when you sign the papers.
Items to check inside the apartment:
- Is the outside of the property in good condition or is it too dated? Dampness is common in older buildings.
- Is there flaking and signs of insect infestation?
- Would you need to spend on repairs?
- Do you need to set up the power, cable, water, and internet?
- Check the wiring: loose or frayed wires are dangerous.
- What kind of heating is in the apartment?
- Check the water pressure, is it good?
- Is there hot water?
- Will there be air conditioning?
- Is there a dishwasher in the unit? Is it working?
- Are there laundry facilities in the building? Is it free to use them or not?
- Are the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector working?
- Do the furnishings comply with fire safety regulations?
- Is there a fire extinguisher?
- Are there enough electrical outlets in the apartment?
- How many telephone jacks are in the apartment?
- Is it cable TV ready?
- Are all door locks working? Is there an entry-phone system and a burglar alarm system?
- Check the window locks, are you able to close them securely?
- Are the windows insulated? Double-glazed?
- Are the appliances such as the oven, stove, and fridge working?
- Are there cracks in the walls or up the ceiling?
- Who pays for rental damages? What is considered a damage? Take a picture of everything so you have a record of how they were when you found them. If anything needs repair, make sure to have it down in writing. The landlord should agree to the repairs in writing.
- Inspect the bathroom and check the showerhead and the flushing mechanism of the toilet. Check the draining system. Be on the lookout for molds and stains.
- Is there enough storage space?
Major Considerations:
- What establishments are close to the apartment? Is there a supermarket, school, hospital, or cafe nearby?
- Are pets allowed?
- How is parking in the surrounding area?
- Are there good transport links around?
- What internet provider services the area? Are you satisfied with the reported speed?
- How long should you stay as per the lease agreement?
- Is it a rent-controlled apartment?
- How do you receive your mail? How about big packages? Is there a secure place for them?
- Does it flood in the area? Is there noise at night?
- Is there a fire exit in the building? Is it easy to reach it?
- Always ask for the landlord’s gas safety record.
- Ask for the safety check documents of all electrical appliances.
- How much is the rent and what is included in it?
- What utilities are you responsible for?
- How much are the monthly expenses of living in the property?
- What are the conditions for losing your security deposit? Be clear on this.
- Have a copy of the tenancy agreement and if you can, go over it with an expert. Keep your own copy of the agreement.
- Check and write down the meter readings on your move-in date.
When apartment viewing, it is important to take your time and be thorough. Once you sign the lease agreement, you are in it for the long term.
Ask yourself this: is this the apartment I really want to live in?
Choose from our List of No Fee Luxury Rentals in NYC
Read More:
