5. VISIT POTENTIAL APARTMENTS

Once you've found a listing that sounds promising, call immediately to schedule an appointment. You can't afford to wait because the good deals go fast. If you reach an answering machine, leave a clear, concise message; say that you are calling about the apartment that was listed in X publication. Give your name and telephone number, and ask the person to call you back at his/her earliest convenience to schedule an appointment to see the apartment. Follow up with another (polite) call in 24 hours if you don't get a call back. There are times when apartment renters are swamped and won't return your call, but if you catch them while they're around, you can usually work yourself an appointment.

If you are able to schedule an appointment, be sure to make a good impression. Arrive on time, dress neatly, and, in general, act like a mature, responsible individual who isn't going to skip rent payments, trash the apartment, or hang obscene signs out the windows. Also remember to ask intelligent questions - asking questions will not only make you look responsible, but it will also give you a chance to learn information that may affect your decision to rent a particular apartment. Here is a list of general questions you should ask when you see an apartment:

  • How long is the lease?

  • Do I have the option to renew?

  • How large is the security deposit? Are there provisions for getting it back?

  • Are utilities included in your rent? Which ones (gas, electric, water, cable, etc.)?

  • Are you allowed to keep pets in the apartment?

  • Are you allowed to sublet if you go away?

  • What sort of security does the building have?

  • Does the building have laundry facilities?

  • Does the building have a super or some sort of arrangement for repairs? Does it cost extra?

  • Does anyone else have keys to the apartment?

  • Do you need special permission to make superficial changes, e.g., painting or hanging pictures?

  • What are the guidelines for moving in?

And also remember that if you plan to live with a roommate, you should ask whether it is possible to co-sign the lease with your roommate so that you aren't responsible for his/her portion of the rent.

Also get a gander on the landlord. Is he crabby? Unpleasant? Rude? Does he live on-site and does he fix any problems with the apartment? He could make or break your living experience, so be sure you can tolerate him before you sign a lease.

Beyond that, you should also discretely check for other important features that the landlord/real estate broker may conveniently "forget" to show you:

  • Are there sturdy locks?

  • Is there cable TV hookup?

  • What is the condition of the floors/walls?

  • Do the windows open?

  • Does the fridge/freezer work?

  • What about the stove/oven?

  • How is the water pressure?

  • What is the condition of public areas in the building?

  • Who would your neighbors be if you moved in? (e.g., 25 years old or 105 years old?)

  • How's the ventilation?

  • Are there problems with roaches, ants, rats, or feral midgets?

These aspects of apartment hunting are easy to overlook. After all, you're in a prospective apartment for only a few minutes before it's time for you to grab it or move on. Don't let the person showing you the apartment pressure you into making a quick decision. If you need to take another walk around the place to be sure of its condition, do it. You should also bring a tape measure, particularly if you already have furniture. Measure the door frame so you know what size furniture you'll be able to get through the door, and measure the lengths of the rooms so you can also plan appropriately. It only takes a few minutes to do, and it could save you plenty of hassles later on.