apartment shopping

[ktheodos]

The journey begins....any advice??

[lorettahknox]

The journey begins....any advice??
[Yes, Grasshopper first the most important thing is finding a location that promotes your safety and well being. The second most important is the major systems in the building should be operating soundly, electrical outlets, wiring, heat ,hot water systems must all be checked. Windows should be checked to make sure they work properly and check for drafts, check plumbing for leaks in kitchen and bathroom areas also check ceilings for painted over water spots. Check floors for spotting or marks. Make sure the building is secure to protect you and your belongings. This is one important thing that we overlook a lot. Photograph every nook and cranny of that apartment so later you will recover all your security deposit and no false claims can be made against you. Check for rodent feces and bug droppings even a tiny amount should be unacceptable. Get a safe deposit box at the bank to keep your important documents in i.e. lease, birthcertificates, extra ID ,passports. Last but not least buy some renters insurance. Fires and Burgularies do happen its cheap so don't worry. Lastly change every every lock once you move in and by law your landlord must have a key for access. You don't want to be visited by any previous tenants. Buy a lock box(fireproof) to keep in your apartment to lock up your credit cards and wallet while you are out or sleeping, keep it in a hiding place that only one family member would know. I hope this helps and God bless you. /quote]

[bigfoot951]

At the end of the day it's all relative.  Go for location.

[tech2d]

I just returned to Nashville, TN from Addison IL and it took me all of a week to find a nice apartment. I did a lot of research on the neighbor,etc. Mine turned out to be a duplex. I really didn't want to live in an apartment complex. I wish you all the luck in your search and be careful.

[girlswin2]

very good advice lorettahknox.   One more thing to add is talk to people around the apartment complex prior to talking to them about leasing watch to see who or whom is coming in and out ask around about the apartment complex. Go by at different times and different days so yo get good idea.   Ask about landlord if they are fair and if they fix thing when problems happen stuff like that.

If your going to share apartment with someone else that is suspose to share bills make sure to have it in writing what they agree to and how much have two copies one for self and them that are both signed by each on each copy with a witness.  Its called CYA cover your a_ _. 

[TaintedLust]

my boyfriend and I are planning to move once our lease Is up In September. I loved It when we first moved here but my neighbor under me Is driving me crazy. She slams her door at all hours of the day and night and screams at her 2 year old and 9 year old all the time. It's not worth the hassle anymore.