It`s not easy to find an apartment or condominium that fits. You have to search thoroughly. Ask questions, measure and take notes.
The most important thing is to avoid being faced with unpleasant surprises after you`ve signed a lease or contract.
That`s what this checklist is all about. Take copies of it with you and refer to the questions that apply best to you as you look at each unit.
Realize that you`re going to have to make some compromises. Nothing is perfect, including living space.
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?
( ) If you have children, are there good public schools? Playgrounds? (Talk to teachers, a principal, other parents.)
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
( ) 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?
( ) Are recreational facilities included in your rent or assessment? How well are they maintained?
( ) If the building includes lower-floor offices and shops, is the residential area secure against intrusion?
( ) Are the garbage and mail chutes kept clear? How common are garbage chute fires? (Ask other tenants.)
( ) 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 it big enough for you, your family or roommates (if you have them) and your furnishings? Think vertically as well as horizontally, especially if you have a tall breakfront or a four-poster.
( ) Will your pets be welcome? Are there special pet regulations?
( ) Is the building equipped with 220-volt wiring? Many older buildings have 110 wiring, which is inadequate for much of today`s electrical equipment.
( ) Where is the fuse box or circuit breakers?
( ) Where are the utility shut-off valves? Do they work?
( ) 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?
( ) 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?
( ) Is the sink adequate and in good condition?
( ) 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.
FOR RENTERS
( ) Can you afford the current rent and subsequent increases?
( ) What is the security deposit? One to 1 1/2 months rent is common. Will you receive interest on it?
( ) Read your lease carefully. If the landlord has given verbal consent to a request, such as allowing pets, get it in writing.
( ) If you`re renting a condominium, are you familiar with the binding rules and regulations of the condominium association?
FOR CONDO BUYERS
( ) Is the unit structurally sound?
( ) Will it need immediate repairs or redecorating?
( ) Are special assessments anticipated?
( ) How large is the condo association reserve fund? Is it adequate for emergency repairs?
( ) What is the property tax? Is the building due for a reassessment?
( ) Read the association rules and regulations carefully. Can you live with them?
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