5. VISIT POTENTIAL APARTMENTS

Once you've found a lead that sounds promising, call right away to schedule an appointment (if you wait, you run the risk of hearing something like "Oh, someone just took the apartment fool!"). So be diligent and make the call ASAP. 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 turn on the charm and get yourself an appointment.

If you are able to schedule an appointment, it is critical that you make a good first impression. Dress neatly, brush your teeth, and do not mention your scab collection -- in other words, act like a responsible and pleasant individual. Also ask intelligent questions; it will make you look responsible while allowing you to learn information that could affect your decision about renting the apartment. Here is a list of general questions you should ask when you see an apartment:

  • How long is the lease? (That is, the length of time, not the length of the document.)
  • Do you have the option to renew your lease?
  • What penalties are there for breaking the lease, and how much notice do you have to give?
  • How large of a deposit is required as security?
  • Are utilities included in your rent? Which ones (gas, electric, water, cable, etc.)?
  • Are you allowed to keep pets in the apartment? What kinds and how many?
  • Are you allowed to sublet if you go away?
  • What sort of security features does the building offer?
  • Does the building have on-site laundry facilities? Are they free to tenants or coin-operated?
  • Does the building have a superintendent or some sort of arrangement for repairs?
  • Does anyone else have keys to the apartment? Can they enter without your consent?
  • Do you need special permission to make superficial changes (e.g., painting walls, hanging a picture, installing shelves)?
  • Has the apartment been de-leaded? (This is mandatory if you have a child living there).
  • Is smoking allowed?
  • Is there a guest policy?
  • Will the pizza parlor downstairs give you a discount for living there? (Hey, you never know).
  • Is the apartment haunted? (Again, you never know).