Still haven't found the place you're
looking for and school’s just around the corner? Here’s a quick way to find the perfect rental home for the school year.
We have compiled an apartment checklist to help you navigate the process, from
start to finish of finding a home.
Here is your checklist to guide you
through the process with questions and tips on what to look for during tours. You
can take this printout along to remember all the information you need.
Checklist
Rent-Related Questions
1.
What’s
included in the rent?
2.
What
utilities are included in the rent?
3.
What’s
the typical monthly cost of each of the utilities if not included in rent?
•
Water: $
_____ . _____
•
Heat: $
_____ . _____
•
Electricity: $
_____ . _____
•
Gas: $
_____ . _____
Questions Regarding Amenities
1.
Does
the house/apartment have air conditioning? Y / N
2.
What
is the laundry situation and where are the machines located?
3.
Are
they shared by the entire building? Y / N
4.
Is there
a cost to use them? If so, what is the cost? $ _____ . _____
5.
Is the
cost for both the washer and the dryer? Y / N (Keep in mind
that this can become expensive!)
6.
Is
parking available? Y / N
7.
If
yes, is there an additional cost? Y / N
8.
What
is the additional cost? $ _____ . _____ per month
During a walk through, check:
1. Check out lighting
to see if there is
there a good amount of natural light. You don’t want your electrical bill to be
sky-high.
2. Do locks work properly? You should feel safe when you are alone at
night.
3. Window quality -Are they old or drafty? This may
affect the temperature inside!
4. Check Faucets
if they are leaky or are rusty and toilets are functioning properly.
5. Check water pressure in the shower and the bathroom’s tile grout.
6. Keep note if the walls are well taken care of or blotchy.
7. Pantry and cupboard sizes - Do you have enough closet space - can you live with the size of
the closet? storage space?
8. Check if
the carpeting
and flooring are
clean and note any damage to them.
9. All appliances should be up to date and working condition. Check them
all.
10. Front landscape and entryway should be well-maintained.
11. Check the location and number of outlets, noting both. Also, check to
see if the outlets work! It can certainly help with your furniture planning.
12. Check if
the air conditioning/heating systems work properly and ducts are clean.
13. Do neighbors seem friendly, courteous, trustworthy and easy to get
along with?
Research
1. Check safety of the location – Is it a safe neighbourhood? What
is the crime rate? What kind of crimes occur. Car break-ins are very common.
2. Convenience – Consider what you’d like
to be near and map out if the places are located within walking distance.
3. Is your campus easily accessible? – Can you get to your classes, the library
and other campus locations quickly and easily when you need to? Is public
transit close by and are transit stops sheltered for winter weather.
Questions Concerning Leasing Fees
1. Are there additional fees for any of
the following?
•
—Signing
the lease at a later date Y / N
•
—Administration
processing fees Y / N
•
—Subleasing
fees Y / N
•
—Approval
fees Y / N
2. Always trust your initial instincts -
If something doesn’t seem right, go
with your gut. It’s usually (or more often than not,) correct.
3. See before you sign - Never sign a lease without visiting
the property first. Students often regret doing so because the property is
misrepresented either online, in writing or over the telephone. If for some
reason you are not able to visit, have a friend or parent do so on your behalf
before you sign.
4. Your school may have resources - Some schools have lists of approved
landlords, property management companies or properties that previous students
have rented. Check with your college’s student affairs office to see which
resources they have available.
5. Consider renter’s insurance - Purchasing renter’s insurance can
safeguard you just in case the unthinkable happens. It’s certainly up to you
but it’s definitely worth considering!
6. Read the lease - Take your time reading over the
details and, if you need help understanding, do not be afraid to ask for help.
Be sure to visit our website to check our large selection of apartments and
townhomes to find an affordable home that fits your needs and budget.
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