Whether you’re moving out of your parent’s house, graduating from college, or navigating a breakup, finding a new Apartment to call home can be a challenging yet exciting experience. This Apartment Hunting Checklist can prepare you to ask the right questions before you sign the lease.
For some reason , when I moved into my first student apartment I had the worst experience you can imagine. I am talking constant disturbances , noisy neighbors , poor maintenance , car thefts and a roach problem.
Feeling frustrated with the situation, I was in desperate need of a change and I had a clearer understanding of my needs and wants. I was definitely on my hunt for my dream apartment but I knew I needed some help. So , I decided to contact an apartment leasing agent who helped me on the look where she prioritized my non-negotiables, my safety and comfortability.
With the help of the agent, I decided to create an Apartment Hunting Checklist to assist YOU in aligning with your wants and needs when moving. I realized that if it helped me, it might also benefit others looking for their dream apartment!
This post goes over everything you need to ask before moving into your First Apartment with this Apartment Hunting Checklist.
LET’S TALK ABOUT BUDGET
You need to have a budget in place before leasing an apartment. Having an apartment comes with multiple responsibilities and determining an appropriate monthly budget depends on various factors , including lifestyle , expense and financial goals.
Consider having a roommate to share costs, but if you prefer solo living, that works too. Let me help you with how to set a budget:
It is recommended to leave 30% of your monthly salary for rent. For example , if your monthly salary is $5,000, following the 30% guideline means you should spend about $1,750 on your apartment. Of course , this should be based on your specific financial situation and goals.
Want a Printable Version of this Apartment Hunting Checklist?
This Apartment Hunting Checklist makes everything SO much easier , you just need to pay attention to details. It goes over everything from monthly fees , security/ safety , neighbors and more.
MONTHLY FEES
When renting an apartment, think about monthly fees. Apart from rent, you’ll cover electricity, water, and more. Electricity costs can fluctuate, so watch your usage. There are other stable fees too. Not considering these initially was a surprise for me, as they tend to charge for various things. Be mindful of all these costs before moving in.
Monthly Possible Fees:
- Security Deposit
- Water
- Rent
- Electricity
- Valet Trash
- WIFI/Cable
- Renter’s Insurance
- Parking
- Pet’s Fees
- Amenity Fees
- Maintenance Fees
- Pet Control Fees
SECURITY AND SAFETY
Safety is a big concern when picking an apartment. I always ask if there are security cameras around, especially after hearing about car thefts. Some landlords do not take responsibility but make sure they have cameras in the parking garage. It’s about making sure the place is safe and comfy.
Security and Safety Questions to Ask:
- Deadbolts on entry doors?
- Outdoor lights near entrances and parking areas?
- Does it have security system and is it monitored?
- Can residents install their own security system?
- Are there surveillance cameras on the property?
- Is there on-site security personnel?
- Is it monitored during non-business hours?
- Are there known security issues in the area?
- If someone stole my car , can I see the camera footage?
AMENITIES
Visualizing how your life will be in the apartment is a crucial step. Consider asking questions like, “What will it be like to live here?” The amenities and atmosphere of communal areas play a significant role in your overall living experience. Before moving into my new apartment, I envisioned enjoying the pool while my husband cooked BBQ, and having a clubhouse where I could invite friends to socialize. Find a place that aligns with your lifestyle enhances your day-to-day activities.
Amenities Question to Ask:
- Gym?
- Pool?
- Parking Garage?
- Access to Trash and Mail Room 24/7?
- Does it have pet designated areas?
- Gated community?
- Elevator?
- Is it roaches free?
- Clubhouse?
- Wheelchair accessible?
- Is parking close to units?
- Restrictions on overnight guests?
- Can guests use community amenities?
APARTMENT SPECIFICS
Having enough storage space and a spacious apartment were crucial for me. Currently, we are living in a 913 sq/ft 1-bedroom apartment, and I find it spacious compared to other apartments in the area. I believe apartment specifics needs to be personal thing depending on what you want but you definitely need to be asking these questions.
Apartment Specifics Questions to Ask:
- Enough storage options ?
- Carpet in bedroom?
- Restriction on decorating apartment?
- In unit laundry facilities?
- Energy-efficient features?
- Is there any history of window leaks ?
- Do the windows open?
- Modern/New appliances?
- Are the closets spacious?
- Balcony/Patio?
- Natural light in the apartment?
NEIGHBORS
This is 100% the most important factor for me. In the past, I’ve had issues with roaches, and it wasn’t because of my dedication to cleanliness and organization. It was due to I cannot say the same about my neighbors. I really don’t know about their hygiene habits, have no idea how clean they are, and I’m unaware if they are hoarders.
Neighbors Question to Ask:
- Are there any policies in place regarding noise complaints from adjacent units?
- Are there any policies in place regarding noxious odors from adjacent units?
- Does the building have soundproofing measures?
- Are there periodic inspections to ensure that adjacent units are being kept in a sanitary condition?
- Are regular inspections conducted to ensure that pest control services are provided to adjacent units?
- Does the building have quiet hours ?
MAINTENANCE
I had an issue with my AC during the summer, and it stopped working! Guess what? It happened during the summer while I was working remotely. I was definitely in distress. I submitted a maintenance request, but it took a day for them to come and fix it. The level of response is essential because this was a priority, so you need to demand prompt attention to urgent matters and hopefully maintenance come around.
Maintenance Questions to Ask:
- Immediate response requests?
- Online portal or app for requests?
- Schedule for preventive maintenance?
- Handling of appliance repairs?
- Pest control management?
- Procedure for maintenance emergencies?
- Follow-up process for completed repairs?
- Feedback process for maintenance services?
CHARGES TO CONSIDER
In my second year living with the same apartment. I was accused of not having renters insurance on file and received a charge of $75 fee. I was shocked , especially because there was no prior communication from office staff that they couldn’t locate my insurance. As advice, I recommend calling the office months before renewing with the same apartment to ensure everything is in order.
Charges Questions to Ask:
- How is renters’ insurance handled annually?
- Are there charges for late rent payments?
- Are there extra charges to move to a different floor or unit?
- What’s the policy and cost for replacing lost apartment keys?
LOCATION
When planning to move to an apartment one of the things I cared about was: Is my favorite grocery store nearby? :’) It was a must that I live in an area where they have it. Same with work, I hate traffic, especially in the morning during rush hour, so it was definitely a must for me to live at least 15 minutes away from it. These are the things that I considered.
Places you want to live close to:
- Metro
- Schools
- Grocery Store
- Work
- Hospitals
- Banks
- Mall/Shopping
- Parks
- Police Station
- Gas Station
- Gym
ADDITIONAL CHARGES WHEN YOU MOVE OUT
So, so important to note that if you plan to move to an Apartment , you will have many charges, and they can charge you the amount that they want depending on the status of your apartment. So be mindful and take care of your space. When you leave, take pictures of everything so that you can prove them wrong if they are charging you for things you don’t think were your responsibility.
Additional Charges Questions to Ask :
- How is renters’ insurance handled annually?
- Are there charges for late rent payments?
- Are there extra charges to move to a different floor or unit?
- What’s the policy and cost for replacing lost apartment keys?
This post goes over everything you need to ask before moving into your First Apartment with this Apartment Hunting Checklist.
