Check for smoke ALARMS
It seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes when you’re actually looking at a place, you don’t always remember safety. Make sure the smoke alarms are strategically placed, and working. And while on the topic of fire safety, ask to check out the electrical breakers. Make sure there aren’t sparks every time a breaker is turned on or off. And, what about the fire escape? It’s a deal-breaker if the apartment has bad electrical or fire safety measures.
Flush the TOILET
It’s odd, but walk into the bathroom, even if the current tenants are right there, and flush the toilet. It’s to check and see that the plumbing is in working order. Turn on the taps, check to make sure the shower is in good shape. Running into plumbing problems is no fun and an extreme inconvenience.
Ask why the current tenants are LEAVING
It may seem a little invasive, but asking the current tenants why they aren’t renewing their lease could be the key to finding the deep, dark secrets of the place. Ask them what the pros and cons are of the place. If they weren’t pleased with their stay, then they won’t have any issue telling you about it. If the tenants aren’t there when you are touring the place, ask the landlord. If they landlord doesn’t have a quick answer – or a good one – you might be able to tell they’re lying. Being skeptical isn’t a bad thing when it comes to apartment hunting.
Check for MOULD
Mould can cause serious illnesses no one should have to deal with. Doing a quick sweep of the ceilings and floors, paying special attention to corners, window sills and the shower could save you from dealing with a mould problem in the future. Ask the landlord about it but also make the effort to look for yourself. If you see black spots in any of those areas, point it out to the landlord, and tell them they have to get that fixed before letting anyone move in.
Cracks in the CEILING
What looked like an innocent character crack in your bedroom ceiling could become your bedspread come winter. Although not usually a big deal, cracks with water marks is something you should watch out for. A leaky ceiling could be the cause, and the weight of snow in the winter may mean some bigger problems. It’s better being safe than crushed.
Take pictures of DAMAGES
When you tour a place, point out the damages you see to the landlord. Holes in the walls, carpet stains and paint chips caused by those before you should not have to be fixed by you. Point them out, and if they are not fixed by the time you move in, take pictures of them and put them in a file with the date clearly marked for the rentalsman. This could save your damage deposit in the future.
Get to know the LANDLORD
It may not be your future landlord, but it’s always good to ask the landlord questions about his or herself while getting the grand tour. Things like his or her last name, how long he or she has owned the building, how many other buildings he or she owns and how long he or she has been a landlord. Many students think they have to sell themselves to the landlord, but it should be the other way around. They’re the ones getting your business, so they should want to treat you like a customer. And of course – the customer’s always right. But it also means there should be a level of respect on both sides.
Look in the APPLIANCES
Open up the stove and the fridge and make sure they are in clean, proper working order. They don’t have to be brand new and stainless steel, but they do have to be in good shape. Stick your head in the cupboards and make sure there’s nothing lurking among the shelves.
What are the PERKS
If you don’t ask, the landlord probably won’t feel obligated to provide perks. Ask if there’s laundry facilities on site and if it’s coin operated or free, and how many others use it. Also, what about lawn care? Is snow removal provided? Those are extras that make life for a student just a little bit easier.
Ask for a copy of the LEASE
You don’t want to say yes to renting a place, and then go to sign the lease and find something you’re not cool with. So, when booking a tour of the place with the landlord, ask them to bring a copy of the lease with them. You can look it over while there, and if there’s anything you’re not okay with, you’re saving yourself and the landlord some time. You also have the chance to go home and research some of the clauses you were unsure about on the lease, like “mandatory carpet cleaning upon leaving.” The rentalsman in Fredericton have said they won’t enforce this, even if it’s in the lease. They say landlords can’t charge someone for normal wear and tear of a carpet. Because you have read the lease beforehand, you can question clauses and look into them further. That way, there’s no surprises on the day you do sign the lease.
