Most of us experienced renting an apartment or a housing unit at least once. Either we want to become independent at that time or we moved to other area that is why there is a need for us to look for a place to stay. Whatever the reasons are, there are things we need to know when looking for a place to rent. You don’t want to rush on things and signed immediately a contract, you need to be sure that you really like the place and you are confident that you found the place which best suits your needs.

Things to do:

1. Scour the area, drive through the periphery of the area so that you can have the feel of the area and at the same time you can also check the neighborhood. Try to stop at one unit and talk to at least three persons residing in different units there and ask about what are the problems they have encountered so far.

Ask about the crime and security of the area, what are the usual complaints against the management or owner of the units/apartments.

Check the website of the place and get some feedback from the previous tenants and read the ratings.

Check on the parking areas for the residences. Is it enough or too crowded?

Are there parks nearby for children purposes? Is it a safe neighborhood in general?

Get a description of social and economic background of the people residing in the area

Is it accessible to facilities; nearness to stores, police station, school and place of work etc.

2. Look at the unit thoroughly. Sometimes because we really need to moved as soon as possible, we just settle for less. Oftentimes too, we don’t even bother to look at the unit, we just sign immediately the contract without looking at the place. No matter how busy you are, find time to check the unit. Don’t look at it during the night so that you can see it more.

Check the building thoroughly, if there are holes, roofs etc.

Check specifically on fire alarm systems, and sprinklers

Check if the wirings are properly installed and is it adequate?

Check if all the lighting facilities in all the rooms are working. Include the corridor and outside area

Check the water system if all the bathrooms and faucets are working properly

If there are appliances, are they in good condition and are they big enough to accommodate all the people who are going to use it?

Check the laundry area if the wirings are ok and if they are working

Check the locks, doors and entrances to the house and backdoor etc.

If there is a porch and there are children, take a look if it is child friendly too.

If the unit is included in a building and you have children, will you disturb the people in the first floor if the children are noisy, or if the chosen unit is on the second floor, how sensitive is the noise from the second floor?

Contract:

Read the contract thoroughly and you don’t need to rush before signing. Demand a contract in written form and should be made binding.

You should pay attention to:

Security deposit, how much and will it be returned to you?

Repairs on the unit or in the ground - who should pay it, or should it be deducted to the security deposits?

If you moved out before finishing your contract what are the consequences? Are you still going to pay the remainder of the contract?

There you go, now you ready to go and look for a place to stay.