The excitement of getting your first apartment may cause you to overlook certain important factors. Viewing an apartment for the first time, you may overlook little problems that will become big issues later on. Here are some tips to help you find a great first place.
Did you notice that the cars in the parking area for tenants have expired tags, or have no license plates at all? How long will you entertain your friends if all the parking is taken up by abandoned cars?
How noisy is the crowd in this apartment building? Most managers like to show apartments around 10 a.m.; drop by on the night before to see how your potential neighbors behave. Being on your own for the first time doesn’t mean you must live in a place where there are no lights in the hall or on the stairs. Check the lights the night before.
Is the front door tight, or will it let in cold air during the winter months? Does the door’s bolt secure the lock completely?
Do the windows open and shut? How long does it take the hot water to reach the shower head in the bath tub? Ask to turn it on and find out.
How cold is the refrigerator? Put your hand on the freezer coil. Is it cold?
How fast does the sink train? How fast does the bath tub drain?
Watch to see if the lights flicker when you turn them off and on. Does the apartment have fuses?
Ask the manager to run the air conditioner. How fast does the apartment cool down?
Where are the phone jacks?
If there are circular areas of discoloration on the ceiling, it could be water leakage from the roof. This may lead to electrical shorts because of water leaking into the electrical wiring.
If you need a place for your bicycle, check that, too.
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And can the owner/manager be reached by phone, or is the phone number a recorded message? A recorded message cannot fix a leaky toilet.
Make your own checklist and take it with you when you go apartment shopping next time. This will save you from needing to move during your school year so you can be focused on your studies.
Gary Gist is a former apartment manager in Albuquerque.
