Renters who live in cold, wet climates may think having screens is an inalienable tenant right. But renters who live in warm, mosquito-free climates have learned otherwise.
A screen seems like such a simple thing for landlords to provide with every basic apartment. But several landlords have told me in the past that tenants are responsible for furnishing these frivolous items–even when a swarm of bees and flies has set up residence in my home.
Here is a list of things that are handy to have in your apartment and apartment building. They not only make living easier, but if your apartment comes with them, it’s usually a good indication that the apartment owner might truly want you to be comfortable in your home.
– A good shower head and decent water pressure. If you’ve lived in as many apartments as I have, you probably dread taking your first shower in your apartment. Will hot water spray out in a refreshing stream or will cold water come out in a dribble? When you go on an apartment hunt, don’t be too shy to turn on the shower and witness the water pressure yourself.
– More than one outlet in the kitchen. Even the lamest of cooks needs a microwave, a toaster and an electric can opener or some other appliance. And, if you’re a little more advanced, where are you going to plug in the food processor and rice cooker with all those other appliances already parked in those precious outlets? But don’t fret too much if an apartment you love doesn’t come with this perk–you can always resort to installing a nice six-outlet surge protector strip over your counter.
– Modern electrical outlets. How many times have you tried to fit a three-pronged plug into an outlet with two holes? Even a child can figure this one out, but in your frustration you try to ram the plug in.
– A phone jack that isn’t 50 years old. Addicted to the Internet? Have a teenager on the phone all day? Don’t assume you can just move into an apartment and install that second line you need. Not all apartments are prepared for you, the modern renter. (Hint: if your apartment comes with a rotary phone that’s hard-wired into the wall, you’re in trouble.)
– A mailbox that holds more than two pieces of mail at the same time. You might not think to look at the mailboxes in an apartment building when you’re on an apartment search. But imagine an mailbox that will barely hold a postage stamp let alone an entire magazine.
– Insulation between floors. Do you really want to intimately know your downstairs neighbors’ love life? Or, how about that kid who howls every night? A simple question to the person showing you the apartment might not be enough to avert the disaster of moving into an apartment with thin walls and floors. Before signing your lease, ask others in the building how the noise is between the units.
