Important Things To Check Before Moving To An Apartment
You’ve found a
great apartment in your price range and ready to move in. But before you pack
your bags and boxes and load up the moving truck, you’ll want to do an
apartment walk-through. Essentially, it’s like running through a home safety
checklist; you walk through the apartment with your landlord or rental agent
and determine if there are any issues that need fixing before you move in.
These Are Some
Important Things To Check Before Moving To An Apartment
Safety
- Make
sure that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in place. Check
the building's hallways and other areas for fire safety features.
- If
your apartment windows has bars, are they approved safety gates that don't
require a key? Also make sure that each room has an operable window large
enough to escape through. Find out what the fire escape plan is for the
building and make sure you know where to go
Doors and windows
- Make
Sure to check all locks and door knobs are secure and not wobbly and that
you will be supplied with keys for each lock.
- Try
all windows and doors to make sure they open and close properly.
- Are window
coverings intact? Note any missing screens. This is also a good
opportunity to check for drafts.
Plumbing
- Look
around the toilets and under and around every sink to make sure that
nothing is damp or dripping.
- Make
sure that faucets shut off properly and that all sink stops work.
- Check
the tub and sinks for missing grout or tiles.
- Turn
the shower on to test for water pressure and hot water temperature. It's
important to find out if you share a hot water heater or if your unit has
its own. (This could affect the kind of shower you'll have in the
mornings!)
Appliances
- Test
each appliance to make sure it works properly.
- On
the stove, test each burner and the oven/broiler.
- Check
the refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, air conditioning/heating system,
washer and dryer.
- If
the laundry facilities are in a common area, be sure it is clean, bright,
well maintained and accessible to residents only.
Electrical
- It's
a good idea to bring a small appliance with you like a radio or clock to
test outlets.
- Turn
all the wall switches off and on to make sure they work properly.
General
condition
- Check
the ceilings to make sure there isn't any water damage, and check the
walls for peeling paint or wallpaper.
- Check
closets, sinks and elsewhere for signs of rodents or insects, such as
droppings and chew marks.
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