Finding a new apartment is equally exciting as it is nerve-wracking. In places like New York City, renters only have a few weeks to find their new space, as most units only come on the market for that month. Therefore, prospective tenants must be efficient with their tours and have a list of things they’re looking for, along with a list of apartment things to check when they’re in the unit. Here is a list of what to look for when touring an apartment.
1. Cell Phone Reception and Internet Connection
When you’re in the unit, check your cell phone reception. If you’re touring with a roommate or partner, try giving each other a call to ensure the unit has proper reception. While this may not be a problem in your area, some parts of the country may have poor reception, or you may be looking at a new development in a dead zone. Taking two seconds to check the reception can save you plenty of annoyance down the line.
The unit likely will not have a Wi-Fi connection when you’re touring, but you should ask the agent about the internet situation. Some buildings only work with certain providers, and while it is relatively easy to set up a new account, you may have your own personal preferences for the companies you work with. Additionally, if you’re looking at buildings with amenities and common areas, ask if those have communal Wi-Fi that you can access.
2. Water Pressure and Temperature
Showering with poor water pressure is incredibly disappointing, so take time in the apartment to test the faucets and the showers. Run the tap and also see how long it takes to get hot or if the water immediately comes out at a dangerous temperature. Tenants cannot directly control the water pressure in their apartment, but they could raise their concerns to the landlord before moving in to see if anything can be done.
3. Ensure There are No Pests
Pests are common in apartments throughout cities, and renters may find roaches, mice, and other creatures roaming around throughout their stay. To best address the problem from the beginning, take time during your tour to see if there are already signs of pests.
Look in the cabinets and under the sinks throughout the kitchen and bathrooms. You’ll already know the apartment has an infestation if you see animal droppings, carcasses, or traps. Also, take time to look along the unit’s baseboards and ensure they’re properly sealed. Some renters may be more upset by pests than others, but either way, it’s worth addressing with the agent or landlord who is showing you the unit. You can also ask the landlord to see copies of the most recent pest control treatments and inquire about how often the building receives routine checks. In many buildings, exterminators visit each unit monthly to ask if they require services.
4. Visit the Apartment and Neighborhood at Night
You’ll most likely tour an apartment during the day, but it’s also a good idea to visit the area at night to scope out the area. This is a good time to check that you feel comfortable walking near your building and that your doorstep is not a popular spot for unwanted visitors and activity.
While you’re exploring the area, check that there are enough streetlights. If you use public transportation, practice the commute from your bus stop or train station. Look around the unit’s parking lot if you plan to drive a vehicle.
5. Check the Power Outlets and Electrics
Turn the lights on throughout the apartment to ensure they work. Look at where the outlets sit around the apartment as well. If your living room only has one outlet, that could be difficult to work with once you start hooking up your devices. Additionally, if you’re concerned about the outlets working in old buildings, you could bring a phone charger to test the electricity throughout the apartment.
However, checking all of the outlets may not be the best use of your time. If you sign and move into the apartment, your super or landlord should be able to easily fix an outlet if needed.
6. Measure the Rooms
Older apartment buildings may not have floorplans available when you tour the unit. Therefore, it’s important to measure each room and check that your large pieces of furniture fit. If you’re already in an apartment, consider measuring your existing space so you have something to compare the new measurements against. Consider where your bed, television, and couch will fit in the new space. How much closet space do you need? Write down the measurements as you go to ensure you remember the sizes of each room.
A traditional tape measure will get the job done, and your agent may help hold it in place while you measure. If you are looking for the most efficient way to measure, you can also buy a laser tape measure. This device sends a small light across the room and tells you the distance from the device to where the laser hits. This makes measuring on your own easier, and the device also fits easily in your pocket or purse.
7. Speak to Neighbors
If possible, try to strike up a conversation with the neighbors in the building. This can be more difficult in a small building with fewer residents, but you may run into someone in the elevator or other common areas. You can ask them if they’re willing to talk about their experience living in the building, and you can ask a couple of questions about how long they’ve lived there, how quickly management responds when they have an issue, etc.
Remember that residents may prefer to keep to themselves and may be uncomfortable speaking with someone they do not recognize in their building. When this happens, kindly wish them a nice rest of their day and carry on.
Renters can also take to social media and online forums to find experiences from past renters. Some websites may discuss complexes, and you can also search for a specific management company to read their reviews. Keep in mind that when it comes to reviewing management companies, most renters will not leave a review when they have a pleasant experience. You’re likely reading the worst-case scenarios from past residents, and while they can be illuminating, this may not paint the most accurate picture of your renting experience.
8. Test Appliances
Take time to open the appliances that are already in the apartment. Most of these reside in the kitchen, like the microwave, oven, and refrigerator. While you may not have time to try all of these out and ensure they work, at least open them to make sure nothing else is inside and that the structure looks correct.
9. Windows
Many renters are concerned about natural light when they enter the apartment, and it’s important to check that the apartment receives enough light in the main areas. Renters should try to see the apartment on a sunny and well-lit day so they can get an accurate representation of the lighting.
Additionally, renters should check that the windows can open. Older apartments may have stuck windows, and while renters can reach out to their landlord about this matter, they should know about this as soon as possible. This is especially concerning when the windows lead to the fire escape. Ensure that these windows open during the tour, and take any necessary steps to have someone fix issues with the windows before you move in. Knowing whether the windows open is one of the more important things to know before renting an apartment because this can quickly become a life-saving matter.
10. Disclosure Forms
Separate from the lease, the person showing you the apartment may ask you to sign a couple of forms before the tour begins. These forms are standard in the industry and are there to protect all of the involved parties. In New York, renters may sign a Housing and Anti-Discrimination form stating that real estate professionals cannot discriminate against renters. Renters sign the form to confirm they’ve received it from the professional they’re working with.
Agents may also ask renters to sign an agency disclosure form. This form states who the agent is working for and the commission the renter will pay them if they rent the apartment.
While both forms are standard, renters should review each document carefully before stepping into an apartment. Reviewing the agency disclosure form, they should double-check that the written commission matches their agreed amount.
How Soon Should I Look for an Apartment?
Now that you’ve reviewed the list of what to look for when touring an apartment, you may also wonder how soon you should look for an apartment relative to your move-in date. This may vary based on your area. For example, New York City renters typically look for their apartment within one month of their move-in date. The market moves quickly, and most landlords can fill their vacancies immediately.
However, renters could begin looking at the market six to eight weeks before their move-in date to get a sense of what is available in their price range. Renters should be mindful that in the summer season, prices could still increase month to month.
