{"id":1745,"date":"2014-04-13T23:50:52","date_gmt":"2014-04-14T03:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.renthop.com\/news\/?p=1745"},"modified":"2023-07-22T11:40:15","modified_gmt":"2023-07-22T15:40:15","slug":"top-9-questions-to-ask-when-viewing-an-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/top-9-questions-to-ask-when-viewing-an-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 9 Questions to Ask When Viewing an Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our mission is to help you find the best apartment for you. Part of that is bringing you accurate, live listings from responsive brokers<\/a> and property managers. (We work especially hard to prevent you from having to deal with ghost listings.<\/a>)\u00a0Another part of that is making sure that when you go see the apartment, you know what to look for<\/a>. With that in mind, we’ve put together the top nine questions to ask when viewing an apartment this season.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>
What could possibly be wrong? You’d best find out…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Photo: Architecturist<\/a>\/CC 3.0<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/b>1. Am I Getting a Good Deal?<\/h2>\n

Get a sense of the prevailing rates in your chosen neighborhood. (RentHop<\/a> is a good place to start!) If the apartment you\u2019re looking at is far more expensive (or far cheaper) than the housing around it, ask why. If there are problems, better to know them before<\/i> you move in.<\/p>\n

Also, find out whether rents have been rising or falling in the neighborhood, and if so how quickly. Our Average Rents<\/a> page describes historical and recent rental prices. If you love your new neighborhood, and rents have been rising fast, consider a longer lease<\/a>. You\u2019ll likely have to agree to a rent increase, but you\u2019ll have the certainty of being in the neighborhood love for at least the term of your lease.<\/p>\n

Finally, check whether the lease and floorplan permit conversion of the apartment to add an additional bedroom. If you can create a new bedroom with a pressurized wall you may be able to add a roommate, which can make the apartment more affordable.<\/p>\n

<\/b>2. Am I Paying for Worthless Amenities?<\/h2>\n

Apartments and apartment buildings come with an amazing array of amenities. From gyms and pools to private balconies, buildings have come a long way. Improvements in plumbing and electrical wiring allow landlords to put heavy water- and electricity-drawing conveniences like washers\/dryers and dishwashers directly into apartments. Not surprisingly, landlords often charge extra for them, either directly or indirectly (through increasing the rent). Be sure to think through whether you will realistically use these amenities before making a decision. Some amenities just aren’t worth it (though some are).<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/b>3. How\u2019s the Water Pressure?<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t know? Check. And remember that you\u2019re not just looking for pressure. You want to make sure that the hot water gets hot (but not too hot!), and that it doesn\u2019t take too long to do so. More generally, confirm that the plumbing works and that there haven\u2019t been problems with drain clogs \u2013 a shower drain that consistently gets clogged can be very frustrating. If you have garbage disposal make sure it works properly as well.<\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>
This brings up an important point: when checking water pressure, point the thing *away* from your face.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Photo: Les Orchard<\/a>\/CC 2.0<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/b>4. How’s the Heat and Air Conditioning?<\/h2>\n

Make sure both heat and A\/C work. If the building doesn\u2019t have central air conditioning<\/a> or temperature control make sure that the unit has in-unit A\/C and sufficient heat. At worst, make sure that the windows are strong enough to support an in-window air conditioner. And don\u2019t forget to check ventilation as well. If you cook a lot you\u2019ll want an apartment that won\u2019t smell like whatever you cooked for the next several days!<\/p>\n

Also, if you are responsible for paying the energy bills, ask about the previous tenants\u2019 usage rates. You want to make sure that the heat and A\/C are both effective and efficient<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/p>\n