What to look for when visiting a property.

Once you sign a contract, your options for improving the conditions in and around your rental will be limited. Take the time before you sign to make sure the place you are considering meets your standards. You need to ask lots of questions. Don’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty and don’t be embarrassed to look in every nook and cranny. Take you time and be thorough. Take a pen and a note pad to write down anything you see.

Inspect the Outside

Instructions

• STEP 1: Walk or drive around the part of town in which the apartment is located. Do this at a few different times, sometimes the daytime can be very different to the nightlife!
• STEP 2: Look for stores and amenities you will need and want.
• STEP 3: Look at the general conditions of the neighbouring buildings and houses.
• STEP 4: Check the appearance of the apartment building.
• STEP 5: Look for good outside lighting by the entrance.
• STEP 6: Check around the building and in the parking area, alley and stairways to determine the level of safety.
• STEP 7: Go online and type in the area and see what comes up. See what other people/ the news thinks.
STEP 8: Check the journey time to the place you want to go, such as work, friends, hobbies etc.

Inspect Common Areas

Instructions

• STEP 1: Check out the entrance area. Look for good lighting and cleanliness.
• STEP 2: Make sure the intercom and security system work, if applicable.
• STEP 3: Look for a well-maintained lobby, if there is one.
• STEP 4: Inspect the hallways and stairwells for lighting, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and solid construction. Avoid cracks, mould, damp etc.
• STEP 5: Evaluate the elevator for convenience and security.

Inspect the Unit

Instructions

• STEP 1: Take a sniff test to determine whether any bad smells are emanating from the apartment.
• STEP 2: Examine the door, the locks and the windows for sturdy construction and security. Will they keep out the weather, intruders, noise?
• STEP 3: Try all the windows to see if they open. Look for screens and locks.
• STEP 4: Check the ceilings for water damage and the walls for smoothness.
• STEP 5: Check the floors for holes, loose nails/splinters and/or clean carpet.
• STEP 6: Try all the doors inside the apartment to make sure they shut and open properly.
• STEP 7: Check the size of the rooms and the doorways to make sure they will accommodate your furniture.
• STEP 8: Make a note of the number and size of closets, and try all the doors to make sure they work.
• STEP 9: Examine the bathroom. Give everything a test run. That’s means flush the toilet! Feel the shower pressure! Watch out for leaks, bad water pressure, poor drainage and poor ventilation.
• STEP 10: Examine the kitchen. Make sure everything works well, and look for easy-to-clean surfaces, good ventilation and adequate work and storage space.
• STEP 11: Check out the electrical outlets. Count them and check to see whether they are grounded. Find out if you will have 24-hour access to the circuit breaker box. If not who will fix it and how long will it take. Will this be written in your contract?
• STEP 12: Find out about heating and cooling arrangements for your unit. Check ventilation.
• STEP 13: Tour the utility room and storage spaces. Check for adequate lighting, cleanliness, security and signs of vermin.
• STEP 14: Clarify which areas you do and which areas you don’t have access to
STEP 15: Clarify which bills are included and which are not. Clarify how these are to be paid.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a camera to take pictures. A measuring tape is also helpful, as is a box of matches to test smoke detectors and check for drafts.
• If you find a place you are interested in, ask for a sample copy of the application and lease to take home to study
• Make all agreements for changes before the agreement is signed.
• Make sure all agreements are clearly written in the contract and initialled
• If further work is to take place, get a deadline, and a compensation agreement for lateness.