It’s hard to know what to expect when renting an apartment. Especially if this is your first time apartment hunting, there are a dozen things that needs to be taken care of before and after the move in date, and I’m not even talking about the inspection. Inspection of the apartment is the most crucial aspect of apartment hunting. Period.
If you don’t pay attention during inspection of the apartment, you could end up paying down payment for a substandard apartment, etc., and you won’t even know about it until a couple days after you’ve moved in. Inspection is done to make sure you’re paying for the apartment you deserve.
For starters, during the inspection, you should ask the apartment owner to show you the rental or lease agreement. Take a good look at it and read every word carefully. The lease agreement should contain the following:
• Rate of rent
• Mandatory damage deposit
• Monthly rental and length of occupancy
• Apartment rules and regulations
• Termination requirements
Be sure to go over this with the apartment owner. Have him or her explain the details of the agreement if necessary.
You should also take this opportunity to ask a few questions about the apartment:
• Are there any other additional expenses included in the rent? (for example, laundry, parking, water, electric, gas, etc.)
• How many people are allowed to stay in the apartment?
• When is the rent due? And how are you supposed to pay it?
• If you opt for apartment sharing, who becomes responsible if one suddenly leaves?
• Is the damage deposit refundable? Under what conditions?
• How long are you allowed to occupy the apartment? (if a lease)
• What is the apartment owner’s right-of-entry?
• Are there any guest policies?
• What about pet policies? Code of conduct?
• Are there any recreational facilities you can use?
The list doesn’t end there. Here are two things you need to do before you move in:
1. Check for damages
During the inspection, check every nook and cranny very carefully, making a list of existing damages and holes in the apartment. Write down the date, sign it, have the apartment owner sign it as well, and make two copies, one for you and the other for him or her.
2. Appliances
If you’re renting a furnished apartment, have the apartment owner show you how to clean and use the appliances just to be sure you don’t break them after you’ve moved in.
Alright, now here are two things you need to do after you’ve moved in to your apartment:
1. Utilities
If rental policies require you to pay for utilities yourself, ask the apartment owner the name of these utility companies and their contact numbers. Take note most of the time faucet water is already purified and doesn’t require boiling.
2. Owner’s right-of-entry
The apartment owner has the right to enter and check the apartment, at reasonable times, to check for damages and etc. He is the owner, after all. But make sure he asks for permission first, or better yet, have him call and schedule a visit. Being the owner doesn’t give him any right to invade your privacy.
These are the things you need to account for when hunting and move in to an apartment. Good luck searching for that elusive dream apartment!
Do you live in Edmonton and looking for an apartment? Are you interested in a Edmonton apartment for rent? Come visit our website at RentMidWest for more information on Edmonton apartment rentals.
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