Whether you’re looking for a simple residential, non-student West Chester PA apartment for rent or student housing in West Chester, creating an apartment rental checklist could possibly be one of the best decisions you ever make. We all feel as though finding the right place is crucial, but for some, looking for an apartment can be filled with…well…anxiety, especially if you’re not prepared. So you’ll want to put down on paper what you want and don’t want in an apartment. Here’s a few suggestions to add to your apartment rental checklist.
Safety First
When you first enter to an apartment, you need to first and foremost consider safety. You should always make sure that doors are secure and can be easily locked. A bonus is having a deadbolt or chain on the main entry ways.
After you check the doors, check the windows. Are there locks on them? Are they functional? If not, make sure these are addressed by your landlord or building maintenance before signing a lease.
Finally, really take a good look at smoke detectors, carbon-monoxide detectors, sprinklers systems, etc. Are they in working condition? Is there a fire extinguisher present that is up-to-date? An inspection sticker and date of inspection should be clearly visible on the extinguisher.
It’s What’s Inside that Counts
Make sure your apartment rental inspection checklist clearly defines what type of amenities you are looking for or should test in an apartment. These may include (but not limited to):
- Specific appliances in good, working condition (microwave, refrigerator, stove, number of AC units, etc.)
- Inspecting each bathroom to make sure it suitable for your needs
- Ensuring there suitable water pressure in the sinks and showers
- Testing all light fixtures to make sure they all work appropriately.
By writing these down, and going through each one during your tour, you could save yourself a lot trouble down the road.
Where’s the Beef!?!?
Ahh…I’ll never forget falling in love with an apartment, signing the lease, only to discover on move-in day (NOTE: Click here for a list of Tenant Move-in Information.) there wasn’t one…single…closet…in the entire apartment. Yup…that’s my life.
Here’s a few things you should know before you commit to an apartment:
- What is the trash and removal process?
- Is there a pet policy?
- Is there a basement for storing bikes or outdoor furniture?
- What is the process for emergency maintenance requests?
- Is there a laundry facility on site or where is the nearest laundromat located?
- Is there a safe to keep your faberge egg collection?
Well…maybe not the last one (Unless you’re a Bolshevik in hiding; a story for another time), but…the others are pretty important to be very aware of and should be clearly identified.
By being proactive, preparing, and keeping to your own student apartment rental walk through checklist, you’ll know exactly what kind apartment you’re renting on move-in-day and what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency.
From all of us at Zukin Realty, Inc, happy apartment hunting.
