When apartment hunting take this checklist with you and refer to the questions that apply best to you as you look at each unit.
Neighborhood
( ) Will you be comfortable with the residential mix?
( ) If you have a car, where will you park it? How much will it cost you?
( ) What`s the public transportation like? How long will it take you to get to work and back?
( ) Are there shopping, service shops and recreational facilities nearby?
( ) Are there places of worship in the neighborhood?
( ) Are the streets, sidewalks and alleys reasonably safe and clean?
Building
( ) Check the exterior, grounds, walkways, entry, hallways, stairwells and service areas. Are they properly maintained, well lit, clean and secure?
( ) Are the doorbells, intercom, buzzer system and/or closed-circuit TV in working order?
( ) Are there laundry facilities in the building or nearby?
( ) Is storage space available?
( ) If you`re paying for heat, find out if the heating system has been updated recently. Is it efficient?
( ) Does the building comply with current smoke alarm laws?
2-3 flats, low-rises
More Top Picks Best Brewing Water Filters
( ) Is it owner-occupied? (If it is, you`ll probably have better maintenance and service, but you may sacrifice some privacy.)
( ) Will you be allowed to use the back yard? Laundry facilities? Basement storage space? The garage?
( ) If it`s on the second or third floor, can you handle the stairs?
( ) Will your furniture go up the stairs and around the bends?
( ) If you have an absentee landlord, whom do you call for service? How quick is the response? (Ask other tenants.)
High-rises
( ) Are the elevators clean and well lit? Are they well maintained?
( ) If you live on an upper floor, are you prepared to walk up in case of a power failure? Does the building have a back-up generator?
( ) Do you have to reserve the freight elevator in advance for a move-in? Must a building employee be present to supervise?
Will all of your furniture fit into the freight elevator?
( ) How large is the staff, and are the workers cooperative?
( ) Is there a receiving room? If not, where will packages be delivered in a tenant`s absence?
( ) Where are the fire exits? Are fire stairs free of debris and obstacles?
( ) Do the windows open? If not, are provisions for ventilation and air circulation adequate?
( ) If the building includes lower-floor offices and shops, is the residential area secure against intrusion?
( ) Are there bug or rodent problems? Does the landlord provide fumigation?
Unit
( ) Has it been properly prepared: Floors or carpets cleaned, walls and ceilings freshly painted, necessary repairs made? If this hasn`t been done to your satisfaction, insist that it be done before you move in. Make a list and get it signed.
( ) Is the building equipped with 220-volt wiring? Many older buildings have 110 wiring, which is inadequate for much of today`s electrical equipment.
( ) If you have smoke alarms, do they work?
( ) Are there enough electrical outlets? At least one kitchen outlet should be at countertop level. A bathroom outlet should be located at a good height for small grooming appliances.
( ) Is there a master TV antenna? What`s the service charge?
( ) Is there good natural light?
( ) Is the electric lighting adequate for your needs?
( ) Do you find the view from the windows acceptable?
( ) Do the windows open and shut easily? Do they fit tightly? Are there storms and screens? How well do they fit? Are they easily switched?
( ) Who regulates and pays for the heat? Ask to see some heating bills.
( ) Is it air-conditioned? If not, are window air conditioners allowed?
( ) How soundproof is it? If possible, test with a portable radio in an adjacent unit and in the hallway.
( ) Are entry doors solid? Is there a deadbolt lock? Are there guard chains or see-through slots?
( ) Are the locks changed with each new tenant?
More Top Picks Drip Coffee Maker
( ) Are the floors and carpets in good condition?
( ) Is the kitchen range fully equipped and in good repair? Is it vented?
( ) Is there enough counter space for you?
( ) Is the refrigerator in good condition?
( ) Is there enough kitchen storage space for you?
( ) Are the toilet and bathroom fixtures in good condition? Do they drip? Are mirror and cabinets adequate and conveniently placed? Is there a window or a ventilating fan?
( ) Check the water pressure in the bathroom and kitchen. Turn on the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom(s) at the same time and check the pressure?