I'm apartment shopping for the first time. What should I be asking?

First you've got to have a picture or list of things that you MUST have and then a list of other things.

For instance -

Security

Laundry facilities

Access coming and going to property

Access to facilities such as grocery store, chemist or phrmacy, doctor, post office, public transport, hardware and that sort of thing.

Talk to neighbours about the neighbourhood to find out what other tennats are like or what the neighbourhood is like.

This way you'll soon find out who the sticky beaks are or who are the approachable ones

Talk to local shop keepers to also find out about neighbourhhood

Linger around shops in area to check out the locals so you can a feel for the place and decide whether you are going to feel safe in the area.

How many bedrooms?

Upstairs or Low set

Painted or au natural

Wood floors

Carpeted

Tiled (these make noise echo in your area)

Easy access or hidden

Is the entrance well lit at night

are the stairs safe (damaged can cause personal injury)

What's the kitchen like -

electric or gass stove, does it have a working oven

How many power points does it have?

How's the storage area if any

Ventiliation - is it good

How many power points in the lounge/dinning room

What sort of interior light does it have - is it natural or will you have to rely on artificial lighting which will cost more in power bills.

What's the bathroom look like?

Do you prefer the toilet to be separate to the bathroom

Do you want a bathroom with a bath or just shower cubicle

Does the bathroom have adequate storage for your girl things

Are there built-in cupboards so you don't have to buy cupboards

When was the apartment last cleaned

When was the apartment last sprayed for insect control

and look for any cockroaches or ant problems

Look at the light fittings to see whether they are damaged and make a note of these things on the entry report inspection

Look at curtain or blind fittings to check for any damage

this also gives you an idea of what sort of window covering to bet to give you privacy.

Second-hand shops or thrift shops usually run by charitable organisations have good gear at a fraction of the cost of new.

I love exploring them. Just wash things before you use and no one will know unless you tell them. It's up to you.

Same with electrical power points and stove and sinks or basins in the kitchen and bathroom.

Check to see if the toilet flushes properly and doesn't make noises or overflow

Check the toilet bowl for any cracks and the seat for any damage which should be fixed as it is unhygienic.

Check any windows to see if they open and shut easily

and any damaged should be noted on entry report so you are not held liable for maintenance repair costs by owner.

Owners can sometimes be cute in trying to get tenants to pay for stuff they should have fixed ages ago, so just be aware of practical stuff like I've mentioned.

Oh, check for any odours in the apartment which could mean trouble and that you don't need to live with.

Good luck

I agree that you should ask about pest infestations.

You'll want to ask about any rules that are associated with the complex and when the garbage pick-up is done. You'll also want to search for discoloration that might indicate water damage, make sure the electricity in fact doesn't have any problems, and make sure the water and toilet work. Ask about a washer-dryer hook-up too. If you're into gardening or potted plants, you may want to make sure your potential landlord doesn't have a problem with them on the patio- if you have a patio.

If the apartment is on the second floor, many will not let you have a water bed on account of the sheer weight of the water.

Ask what the policy is on pets too.

Good luck!

Ask about laundry facilities (location, cost)

Check to see there are locks on all windows...maybe even metal security rods so no one can open up and gain entry (especially for sliding doors!)

Check to see HOW windows work to come out for cleaning...do they do any?

Ask about when you leave, is shampooing required and can you do it or must you hire a professional? If you left it to them to do, then how much would they deduct from your security deposit?

Can you hang things on the walls? Can you paint? (As long as you return it to original color upon vacating?)

Ask if cable is included or if it's ok to have whatever kind of tv programming you want if needs to be installed

Ask about security deposit: will it be in an interest-bearing account and you receive a check each year for that interest?

Ask if it's a safe neighborhood (check felonspy.com to see what convicted criminals, if any, live nearby)

Ask if there's a main office that would accept packages for you if you are not at home

Ask if there's a locked mailbox for you

Where is trash to be taken? Recycle bins?

Ask if you should lock yourself out, is there a fee to get in? (Always a good idea to give a close trusted family member a key to your place in event of emergencies)

Ask about rules about pets...allowed? pet fees?

Does landlord have info on important services for your area (location of police station, ambulance, post office, library, schools, churches, etc, Malls--if it's an area you're unfamiliar with)

Ask where company should park when they come to visit? Some places don't care, some allow you 2 spots to park, depends.

Check under each sink for water leakage

Check water flow in tub, shower, and flush toilet

Does your apartment door have a peephole and deadbolt?

And....what is the emergency phone number where landlord can be reached! Keep this posted and handy.

yes look for cock roaches if you see any including dead ones dont rent there