There’s a giant list of things to consider when it comes to apartment hunting. Getting into a good area, finding the perfect amount of sunlight or knowing whether you can paint is just the start. There are finances, working appliances and safety features like smoke detectors to also worry about, not to mention cleanliness, space, vibes and dozens of others.
Most renters come armed to a viewing with a list of questions. However, there are some sneakier things you should watch out for, too. From potential critters to positive maintenance signs, here are 10 things you should add to your checklist when looking for a new place to rent.
Working Electrical Sockets
No one wants to move into a new place only to learn about electricity issues. Avoid that potential problem by checking the outlets yourself during the viewing. Bring a small appliance or a lamp with you and test it out in every room. Be sure to test multiple outlets in each room, too.
Speaking of electricity, an apartment viewing is a good time to ask how you can access the breaker panel in case of a tripped wire or emergency.
Good Cell Phone Reception
Few people have landlines anymore, and you probably don’t want to be one of them. That’s why it’s important to check your phone reception in the apartment you plan on potentially living in. During the viewing, test out your phone by firing off a few texts, checking your email and making a phone call for good measure.
Related: These Are the Hottest Canadian Cities For Renters
Acceptable Noise Levels
Background noise can be a huge factor in your living space, so you should always assess ambient noises in a potential apartment. Furthermore, you should consider viewing the place several times and during different times of the day. That will give you the best idea of what the noise levels will actually be like while living there.
Good Air Quality
Another reason to schedule multiple views during different times of the day is to assess the air quality and what kinds of smells you may be dealing with in your potential unit, hallways and common areas. If you’re concerned about pollutants, humidity, mold or other issues, bring along a portable indoor air quality reader.
Clean Common Areas
You may not plan on spending a lot of time hanging out in the common areas of your new potential building, but how they’re kept can tell you a lot about the property management and overall care of the place. If there are ripped seats, cracked walls or floors, dead plants or other red flags, it may not be the place for you. Safety can be another issue, so take a look at how secure these areas are and whether they’re monitored.
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Investigate the Bug Situation
If you see a lot of bugs during your apartment viewing, that’s a clear red flag. But pests aren’t always so obvious. Bring a flashlight to inspect darker corners and look for stains, droppings, bite marks (especially on any furniture) and signs of nesting. If there’s a current renter, check the mattresses and headboards for any signs of bed bugs.
Good Water Pressure
Checking that the appliances, toilets and faucets are all in good working order is a must on any apartment-hunting checklist. But don’t forget to also examine the water pressure in the shower. Having a good stream of water every day can be a non-negotiable for some people, and you don’t want to discover that your shower is subpar after signing the lease.
Related: Where Are Canadian Renters Getting the Most Space for Their Money?
How Is the Commute?
If you work from home, you’re probably already looking for an apartment with enough room for a workspace or office. But if you commute, remember to look beyond location and really factor in those details about the commute itself. If you can, recreate the trek to and from work a couple of times during the week to test out what it’s really like. You may be surprised at what you learn.
Good Neighbours
You don’t need to pound on the neighbours’ doors to get to know them. When you’re viewing an apartment, take a bit of time to chat up anyone you happen to see in the halls, common areas or elevators. They can give you a sense of who lives there, but also what kinds of problems might currently exist.
Accessible Maintenance Staff
During your viewing, you should always ask to meet the person in charge of maintenance and get a feel for who might be fixing something for you if things go wrong. If you’re renting from a condo owner, ask them how they plan on handling any potential issues. The key is to foster good communication and a relationship from the beginning.
