4. VISIT POTENTIAL APARTMENTS

General tips

Once you've found a listing that sounds promising, call right away to schedule an appointment. 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 weasel yourself an appointment.

If you are able to schedule an appointment, be sure to make a good impression. Arrive on time, dress neatly, and act like a mature, responsible individual who isn't going to skip rent payments, trash the apartment, or keep a pet wildebeest in the closet. 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 of a deposit is required as security? Under what conditions is it refundable?
  • 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?
  • Does the building have laundry facilities?
  • Does the apartment come with major appliances like a refrigerator or a washer/dryer?
  • Does the building have a super or some sort of arrangement for repairs?
  • Does anyone else have keys to the apartment?
  • Do you need special permission to make superficial changes, e.g. painting or hanging pictures?
  • Is the apartment de-leaded? (This is mandatory if you have a child living there.)
  • Is smoking allowed?
  • Is there a guest policy?
  • Are there any weirdos around that you should know about?
  • Are the stores, shops, gyms, movie theaters and bars in the area affordable? (No matter what they say ahead of time, most people spend their money in nearby establishments.)
  • How close is the public transportation you will use, especially if you don't have a car?
  • If it matters, what are the nearby schools like?
  • Who lives in that neighborhood? Yuppies? Students? Cajun Man?

Specific tips for New Orleans

Aside from mile-high cocktails and killer seafood gumbo, there are a few things about New Orleans apartment-hunting that you must know about: cockroaches, water damage, security, and parking.

  • Cockroaches: Some of them have wings. Some of them don't. Some of them look big enough to swallow small children. Realize this now. Understand it. Accept it. New Orleans was, after all, a swamp before it was a city. While you will eventually encounter a roach no matter where you live, there's a difference between seeing the lone roach saunter in from behind your kitchen cabinet and hosting small cities of them. So keep a sharp eye out for the little guys when you're inspecting your potential apartments. Look in the closets and open the cabinets. You should also ask the landlord or current tenants how bad the problem is. Many landlords will pay for exterminators, so ask about this too.

  • Water damage: Since the entire city of New Orleans was once a sprawl of mud and swamplands, the place gets its generous share of floods. During wet seasons, it is not uncommon to be six inches deep in water after just an hour of rain. This takes a heavy toll on the homes, many of which are more than 100 years old. Water damage can crumble walls and ceilings and can create potentially dangerous living conditions. Typical water damage signs are discoloration, cracking paint and corners that look crumbled.

  • Security: You also need to be security-conscious in New Orleans. You're not entering a war zone, but it's not Disneyland either. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. The nearest New Orleans Police Station may be able to offer advice on living conditions, or you could try contacting the local neighborhood watch group. Here are some other security options to look for:

    • Barred windows (they're ugly, but often necessary)
    • Alarm system
    • Living on upper instead of ground floors
    • Double locks
    • Having a roommate and/or a dog
  • Parking: If you have a car, then you're gonna have a tough time parking. If you live in the French Quarter, for instance, you may find the only empty parking spot to be 10 blocks away. This can be especially annoying (and unsafe) when it's 3:00 am and you've been drinking all night. If you decide to keep your car in a lot, then take note that lots in the Quarter cost about $125 per month. So ask your potential landlord about the parking situation and see if you can finagle a special "no parking except for me" spot right nearby.