How much closet space is there? You may not be a clotheshorse, but you still need a place to hang clothes and coats, put away shoes, linen and even the vacuum cleaner. Apartments in older houses tend to have few closets. Look to see how the current tenant (if there is one) manages.
How old is the wiring? Count how many outlets there are and if they have a grounding socket. Few outlets and/or two-pronged outlets often indicate older wiring, which can be a safety concern.
How present is the landlord? You want your landlord to be available when you need assistance, but it can be intrusive and uncomfortable to have him or her around all the time or coming by unannounced.
What are the policies and laws regarding pets? If a pet is already part of your family, make sure it is legal and acceptable to have pets. Otherwise, you may have to face a heartbreaking decision.
How big are the rooms? You can use a tape measure or pace off to get a good idea of the room dimensions. Also notice how much and what size of furniture the current tenants have. For example, if you have a queen-size bed, will it fit in the bedroom? Also note stairwells, hallways and doors. Maybe your couch will fit in the living room, but will you be able to get it in?
Is there parking? If you have a car you’ll want to know if parking is included in the rent, where it is and how safe it is.
Check for insects and rodents. Look in corners, behind furniture and along baseboards for any evidence of critters or repellent. If there are current tenants, they may be forthcoming with such information. And, if possible, visit the apartment at night and turn lights on in the bathroom and kitchen to look for any activity.
If the place is in need of repair or paint, find out what will be done before you move in. If the plaster is falling down and you have to repair it, you may find living there more expensive and annoying than you bargained for.
The key to successful apartment hunting is keeping your wits about you. Don’t just look at the surface of things and make assumptions. Review the notes you made as you viewed the apartment. Jot down your impressions as well. This will be your home. It is worth taking the time to plan ahead, ask questions and weigh pros and cons before signing on the dotted line
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