Useful Posts on this Blog for the Apartment Shopper

Tips for a Stress-Free Apartment Search

6 Signs It Might Be Time to Enlist the Help of Apartment Search Services in Your Area

Apartment Shopping: Know What You're Paying For Before Lease Signing

Community Cover-Ups - What Some Don't Want You to Know

12 Apartment "To Do" Things When You're Shopping/Moving

How Soon Are You Looking to Move?

Moving Advice + Apartment Hunting Tips + Tricks

New Apartment Renter Experience, Tips

When I first started looking for an apartment on my own, I came across an ad in the newspaper that I liked.  I called about the place and made an appointment to go visit.  Now to save you some time what I'm about to reveal are some things that might come up during the initial or later visits to the property.

The first is whether you have someone who would be willing to co-sign on the apartment.  Since my credit history wasn't that good and I didn't have a lot of money, I had to ask my parents to co-sign on the studio apartment I selected.

The next was I needed to be sure I had state issued identification or birth certificate and social security information until I got new ID (if you are out of the country you will need to show your passport), at least six months proof of income, and checking and savings information.  Do find out what is needed before you arrive.

Third, I had to save money for a security deposit.  So upon arrival I needed an application fee.  The leasing consultant said she could hold the apartment for about a week with a small deposit that would go toward the rent.  However, I needed to have the prorated first month's rent and a security deposit prior to move-in.  Depending on credit history, a company might ask you for two or three months rent prior to move-in.

Fourth, if my parents hadn't helped me move, I would have had to pay moving expenses.  Do shop around if you plan on hiring a company to help you move.  Also, check for discounts and coupons.  When I moved later in life, the local newspaper and Pennysaver was helpful.  I saved much money.

Lastly, be sure you budget for things like gas, water, trash, electricity, phone, cable, etc.  Find out what you will need to pay for in advance.  Don't sign any paperwork until you know where your money is going.  Read the fine print.  Also, do not feel pressured to sign everything quickly ask the leasing consultant to give you some time to review the contracts at the office with a loved one or roommate.  Most companies will not allow you to take the leasing contract away from the site, just the application and other material about the community.

Overall, my first transition from parent's home to my own studio apartment went smoothly.  The leasing consultant was kind and patient.  I took the time to tour the suite a couple of times before I moved in.  I paid attention to the exterior and interior of the building.  I checked for any signs of insects and rodents.  I also observed the residents and neighbors.

I had a set time to move-in and arrived early.  I followed the rules given to me and didn't cause any issues.  The neighbors were friendly.  I also maintained a tidy apartment and when issues arose, I called the leasing office as soon as possible.  I paid my rent on time each month and I kept in mind that my parents co-signed on a studio for me, so I didn't want to do anything to negatively impact their credit.  My job paid me bi-weekly so I saved part of my rent out of one check and part of the other out of the next check.  Any additional money that wasn't spent was put away in case of future emergencies.  I listed all my expenses from laundry to creditors.  I knew each month how much money was going out and coming in.  I made extra money freelancing my writing and typing skills.

Here's to your future move!  Stay safe and once again read the fine print!

Nicholl McGuire Apartment Leasing Tips Blog Owner

Moving Advice + Apartment Hunting Tips + Tricks - Carly Cristman

Know What You Need - Apartment Hunting

When you're asked, "What you're looking for?"  Be ready to answer this question.  The landlord, owner, or leasing consultant doesn't know you, but you are aware of your needs, so be prepared to say what you want when apartment shopping.

Before you begin your next apartment hunt you should already know the following things:

1.  When you want to move?
2.  Whether you have the application fee, a deposit and at least two month's worth of rent.
3.  Your credit history.
4.  The kind of suite you want.
5.  The amenities that you will use (not what you hope to one day use).
6.  A busy, quiet, or semi-active neighborhood.
7.  The type of people you don't mind living nearby. (Due to Fair Housing Laws, the apartment staff can't help you with this, so be observant).

Lack of money, noise sensitivity, personal prejudice, and other issues will affect how you view a community.  So why suffer for a year moving somewhere you know you will not like much after the newness of convenient shopping and a lovely pool wear off?  The issues that come with a large complex will be there.  The noise of busy streets will drive you mad if you enjoy peace and quiet. Don't forget if you have personal hang-ups with social class, same sex couples, and a certain ethnicity or two, those issues don't go away either no matter how much you talk yourself into being more understanding.

Take your apartment shopping experience seriously and don't permit others to persuade you into committing to something you know deep inside you just don't want.  Pay close attention to the environment and don't be distracted by pretty things, discounted rent, and other specials.  Check out more entries on this site about apartment shopping.  After reading many of them, you will be well-prepared to make a good decision.

Best wishes to you!

Nicholl McGuire also shares tips at Workplace Problems, see here. 

Renters: 7 Tips on What Not to Rent

As a first time renter or a more experienced one, there are certain buildings, communities and other places you simply want to avoid.  The more you know about the rental unit and the property, the less likely you will have future issues.


1.  Keep away from communities that are near alley ways.


Some areas have drug problems and many dealers enjoy the convenience of conducting their transactions in alley ways.  Thieves like alleys as well, because it is easy for them to get away.


2.  Pass on seeing apartment communities on major roads or next to freeways.


If noise is an issue for you, why bother viewing a place that a leasing professional might talk you into getting?  Busy roads and streets are often noisy. Ambulances and fire trucks typically drive down these roads and pets in the area respond to the sound.


3.  Be mindful of upstairs units with flat roofs.


Leaks are a big issue when it comes to roofs in general, but flat ones tend to be more problematic.  Also, some people like standing or sitting on them.


4.  Think twice about moving into a unit on the second floor.


Noise above you and noise beneath are issues with these units.  Once again, if you are sensitive to noise, don't bother.


5.  If you have children, consider places that have a play area or nearby park.  Don't bother with those that don't.


Children will get bored and if there is no where for them to run around, then they will use the apartment as their play area for jumping and running around which will disturb neighbors.


6.  Skip ads that expect the resident to pay not only rent but all utilities too.


When you have a limited budget, don't make matters worse trying to rent a beautiful, expensive rental that doesn't include any utilities in the monthly rent.  The more apartment shoppers that pass on these ads, the less likely these owners will try to lure them into paying for everything.


7.  Think before you agree to live in a unit near a major entrance on the property, parking lot, pool area, laundry, or party room.


The traffic in these areas will be more than most even though you will just love the convenience of being near everything.  However, sleep will soon be affected and you won't be too happy hearing people, cars, music, doors slamming, and more--sometimes all at the same time!  Before long, you will be in the landlord's office complaining about one thing or another.  If you know you are sensitive to heavy traffic and noise, look elsewhere in the community.


Remember, if you take the time to view the community, shut out the leasing professional's sales pitch, and digest some of  what you see and hear, you will think twice about settling on an apartment rental you really aren't completely sold on.


Nicholl McGuire

Professional Organizer, Vicki Norris provides Moving Tips

Tips on Moving from Large Home to Apartment

So you have to downsize and you just don't know where to begin.  Well, you just might want to plan accordingly so that you won't find yourself overwhelmed midway through the move, because all your stuff simply won't be able to fit in the apartment.

In order to organize effectively and create a comfortable living space, you might want to plan prior to packing.  Ask yourself, "What can I do without for a time?"  Many items are decorative, memorable, and really serve no real purpose other than to make one feel good.  However, when you have limited space, one must cast "the feel good sensations" aside and go with logic.

Pack all items that you know you don't use first.  For instance, photographs are not used like certain kitchen tools.  Place the unnecessary items in boxes and bins.  Be sure they are secure and not loosely stored away.  They will be transported and the chances of something breaking during the move is probable if they aren't packed well--bubble wrap works wonders! 

1.  Break up your items according to size.  The bigger items that have more than one function should have a reserved space.  These items will come in handy when storing items like: bookshelves, an end table with drawers and a shelf, a storage rack, plastic sliding drawers, etc.  Other furniture that doesn't serve a purpose such as fancy decor for viewing only should be stored away in a separate facility.

2.  Storage bins or boxes with keepsakes can take up much space.  It is best to keep these items packed separately and stored elsewhere.

3.  Your most important things you use often will need to be stored in your apartment, so be sure to make room for those items by cutting down on things like: bedding, towels, and miscellaneous goods that are rarely used.  Some organizers can be room wasters, so if they take up room it might be better to lose them.

4.  Bedroom closet space is essential and must be used wisely.  Consider buying hangers that can hold more than one item.  Use shoe boxes and small bins to store smaller items.  Give away or sell items you no longer wear or like.

5.  Take advantage of hooks that can be placed on the back of doors or over the door racks.  These come in handy for storing items that might otherwise end up on chairs or the floor.

6.  Don't feel obligated to unpack everything.  How many dishes will you really be using?  How often will you wear certain clothing and shoes?  Is it really necessary to display your keepsakes, collections, and other interesting items?  How many curtains will you be hanging up, picture frames, and artwork?

7.  Use space under the bed, under cabinets, behind walls and doors, corners, and other places.  Note: for bathroom items in addition to the space under the cabinet, consider getting an over the toilet rack, shower caddy or corner shelf for more storage.

In your mind, as you sort and organize, know that the rooms you will be loosing when you downsize might be combined.  You might want to consider dividing up the living room or one of the larger bedrooms to accommodate your needs.  Consider a room divider or use a couch or other large piece of furniture to separate areas.  For instance, if you are losing a room that held your office items, you may have to create a small space within a bedroom or living room to meet at least some of your needs.

If it helps to design a drawing that includes where everything is going to go, list inventory that is going in your apartment, take measurements of your items or the room, and other things to answer some of those questions in your head, do it!  You can eliminate some stress when you know in advance what fits, what you would like to keep in your apartment and what might have to go for a time.

Nicholl McGuire enjoys uploading some of her trips on McGuire Travels http://www.youtube.com/budgettraveltips

7 Things Residents Do that Make Cable Installation a Challenge

You know how stressful moving can be. Well for the cable guy or gal, it can be equally frustrating when he or shows up to an apartment or home that screams, "We aren't ready for cable!"  So what might some renters be doing to make the cable guy or gal walk back out?

1.  The dwelling is just too unclean to perform duties.

Hoarding, odors, insects--you name it, the cable installer would love to make the customer happy, but don't expect him or her to work in a deplorable environment.

2.  Furniture and other items are blocking outlets.

For some customers, they expect the worker will move furniture and boxes on the day of installation.  There are policies in place to keep the installer from moving your belongings.  Plan to move them yourself before he or she arrives. 

3.  The recipient talks too much.

Long stories can be a disruption to the cable worker which will increase the likelihood that something may be overlooked or go wrong during installation.

4.  Illegal drug use and smoking are ongoing while the cable technician is trying to perform his or her job.

One never knows if a worker is more than just a technician so it would make sense not to participate in any illegal activities in his or her presence.  As for smoking, it is simply courtesy not to blow smoke while someone is trying to perform his or her job.

5.  Residents are arguing and harshly disciplining children in the worker's presence.

This is another distraction that slows progress and might potentially land residents in jail especially if violence is involved.

6.  Renters and owners ask for illegal favors in order to obtain cable.

From discounts to freebies, residents expect the cable technician to "hook" them up.  So he or she is suppose to risk his or her job for a person seeking to pay less or nothing at all?

7.  The customer attempts to turn on, install, or fix a cable line his or herself.

When one is attempting to work on property that he or she doesn't own, he or she puts his or herself at risk of having to pay unnecessary expenses to building owners and/or the cable company.  Avoid tampering with the cable, outlets, boxes, and other things related to the network.

With these seven tips, hopefully residents will have a good experience getting cable installed.

Nicholl McGuire
http://nichollmcguire.blogspot.com

A special thanks goes to all the cable technicians I had the pleasant experience talking to--I hope I didn't keep you too long!

6 Things Not to Expect from Professional Packers

When seeking out professional packers, do keep the following in mind when it comes to your expectations.  The last thing you want to do is stress yourself out on moving day anticipating that the packers will do XYZ when in fact, they will only do ABC.

One.  Everything will be packed the day before you move.

If you scheduled to move on a certain day and your packers plan to pack you up the day before, there is that possibility that they might not get all your your things packed within the designated time frame.  From accidents to unexpected illness or simply underestimating all your items, anything can happen which can cause packers to carry on their tasks the following day which just might put you behind so plan accordingly.

Two.  All your items will be at your location and intact.

Sometimes things are forgotten, get shifted around and unfortunately break, this is why it is important to have your items insured.  You will also want to have recent photos of your most treasured items, so that you can prove that damage occurred while packing.  Also, be sure that all your items are accounted for.  Find out what kind of system your packing company uses to help you stay organized in advance.  Do they label, number, color code, etc.?  If your packing and moving professionals are one in the same, you should have no problem keeping up with who did what and who handled your items.  Get names and numbers before your workers start handling your items.  Keep in mind periodically even with professionals will mishandle or leave your items on the truck, you will want to know what happens in the event an oversight or accident takes place concerning your belongings. 

Three.  You will be able to find everything with ease.

Just like if you were to pack items on your own and label them as best you can, you may forget what was in the box or bag you packed.  The same holds true with professional packers so before you accuse someone of stealing something, be sure you have opened every box and unwrapped everything before you assume your items are lost especially those you may have hid from yourself.

Four.  The inventory list that the packers provide may not correspond with your list.

It happens, sometimes what your list reflects may not be accurate with the packers list because at the last minute something was added after you got your copy.  So be sure your list and theirs is updated.

Five.  The boxes you may have packed may not be reinforced by the packers.

You may have gotten a head start on your packing, but didn't tape your boxes or even pack your items as well as the professionals.  If this is the case, most likely the company is not going to take responsibility for what you already packed and they will not reinforce your boxes either.

Six.  The professionals may not pack your items the way you want.

You may wish to have your collectibles packed with extra bubble wrap, cardboard, and a box within a box, but for sake of time, your request is rejected or ignored.  You may want to pack those items the way you want to avoid conflict.  The last thing you want to do is get into a major argument with people who are handling your stuff.

With these six tips, you should be well on your way to having a successful move.  You may also want to consider making your packers duties less cumbersome by ridding yourself of those cheaply made items or hard to pack things that you really don't care too much about.  Less is best and will save you time, money and heartache!

Nicholl McGuire

Apartment Leasing Tips on Moving Out

7 Things Renters Shouldn't Do When Seeking an Apartment

When people seek rental properties, they tend to do some things that will only cause them headaches in the future or worse jail time.  Think before you make a move that might cost you much legal, financial and emotional trouble.

One.  They lie on applications.

Future renters get off to a poor start with management when it is discovered they have lied about things like income, criminal history, who will be living in the home, debt, and more.  It is better to tell the truth and be rejected then to one day be faced with an eviction notice that most likely will damage your credit history.

Two.  They sublet even when they are warned not to.

Renters put themselves at risk once again of being removed from their suite when they say they are living at the home, but not really.  Therefore, a relative or friend can leave the apartment at anytime while putting the renter's good name in jeopardy.

Three.  They bring insects with them.

Knowing that one has had a serious insect problem in the last home, why would they take a chance on bringing all the infestation with them to their new home?  But people do.  It is always best to spray or use an insect bomb repellent on your items before moving them.  Check for nests that might live inside your furniture, electronics and elsewhere when you know you have a problem.

Four.  They expect the leasing office staff to do everything for them.

From wanting a date from the pretty blond seated at the desk to asking staff to handle their personal business and errand running, these are things that shouldn't be requested from the leasing staff.  Their jobs are to get renters into a suite and help them maintain it, but not handle their personal business.  Avoid the temptation to get the busy staff involved in your affairs.

Five.  They tell shady acquaintances where they are thinking about living.

Some renters are moving because they are having trouble with certain individuals from the last place or hope to cut off ties with others.  Yet, they will keep in contact with these troubled characters and then tell them where they stay.  When problems begin to show up, they act as if they didn't know someone behaved like this or that.  If you know or suspect that someone is annoying, troubled and the like, don't invite them to your new place.

Six.  They destroy their old apartment and then share this information with management.

Management isn't asking you why you are looking for a place or what happened at the last place to cause you to want to move for nothing.  They are looking for prospects to reveal what they did or didn't do at the last place.  So when someone says something like, "I was so angry one day I punched a hole in the wall, but I paid for it though...Then I got mad at my lady and broke the door handle--you know those handles are cheap anyway."  What this person is really telling the leasing consultant, "I'm a hot-head and I might be trouble for your company and my neighbors."

Seven.  They anger others by doing things that might put them at risk of losing their apartment.

Neighbors don't mind complaining about people who play loud music, have unruly children, and have far too many parties and traffic coming and going out of their homes.  When this happens, the leasing staff will most likely tally up the complaints and work to get the nuisance neighbor off the premises--don't let that be you!

Think about these seven tips.  Make adjustments to your current living arrangement as needed.  Then prepare to sit down with the leasing staff worry free.  Be sure that you are making every effort to be an ideal candidate.  Good suites come and go and if you see one you really like, you want to be the renter that stands out above all the rest!  You might want to get a few reference letters to take along with you in the future just in case you see a suite you got to have.

Nicholl McGuire also maintains a blog for people who are in intimate relationships or dating.  See here.

Apartment Shopping Tips | Off-Campus | Housing Options | DePaul University

Something for college students...

Plan on moving off campus? Know what you are getting yourself into before you sign the rental contract.

Apartment Shopping Tips | Off-Campus | Housing Options | DePaul University

5 Tips I Learned About Relocating 14 times

Relocation isn't always easy particularly when you haven't bothered to plan properly, so to assist some of you who are faced with this task, here are some tips.

1. Don't move into any apartment without seeing it first and if you can't, send a trusted friend or associate to look at the apartment. Call the leasing consultant at your new place, share your interests, and tell him or her what you plan to do, so that they will tour your friend until you arrive.

2. Don't sign the lease without reading it first. However, some of you don't like reading long documents, so to make it easier for you, pay close attention to the following: cancellation fees, what your security deposit covers, when rent is due, and the length of your lease term date and whether you should provide a 30 day notice before moving out. Other concerns should be the time of quiet hours and what time the leasing office, pool, business center and/or fitness areas close.

3. Learn to save money by asking for a discount whether it is on the first month's rent, moving company or furniture. Find movers who have special deals or rates. Rent your own truck and then check for laborers through the local Pennysaver, newspaper, yellow pages or Internet. Give items away that you don't need. Sell items that are in very good to excellent condition. If you are relocating out of state, consider mailing your keepsakes, tv, computer (packaged extremely well) a plastic dinnerware set, can opener, clothes, and get rid of everything else. (From Ohio to San Diego, I only spent $800 for all my items to be mailed via USPS and UPS. Furniture I sold, novelties and other home decor. Items that didn't sell, I gave away. When I arrived in California, two weeks later I was given a livingroom suite, dining room table and chairs when I arrived, dishware and a nightstand. I got a microwave, entertainment center and three brand new beds at a significant discount, and I paid little money for my other furniture (a mixture of new or used less than $50 each piece). Call it what you will good karma, luck, blessings etc.

4. Save money! When I didn't get anticipated money when I expected, I struggled some. So if you plan to relocate to another state, save at least three paychecks worth. I also put holiday gifts to people on the back-burner and let go of the fast food restaurants, shopping with friends, and dollar store visits once I knew I was moving.

5. Take the time to sit down and plan each week include what you hope to accomplish for that week. As I write, I have completed the first part of my task list this week. I wanted to begin packing everything I wasn't using. Now this week I will sit down with the children and find out what they aren't playing with and then pack that, by the time the move out date is here, everything will be packed.

Hope this helps someone, have a great trip!

Note:  My recent move September 2012.

12 Apartment "To Do" Things When You're Shopping/Moving

So you are ready to begin looking for a new place to stay?  Consider the following before you make your announcement to everyone.

1.  Know what kind of apartment you need based on your needs and your budget.  How much are you willing to spend each month?
2.  Know what area you would like to live in.  Did you determine this location because it is near the job, relatives, has a good school district, nearby shopping, etc.  Have you considered your partner's needs?
3.  When do you plan to move.
4.  Check your lease.  Did you give your landlord proper notice?
5.  What maintenance issues need to be reported to your landlord about your unit and surroundings?  Be sure to call in a work order request and make necessary improvements, if need be, yourself.
6.  Will your move affect your job?  Take off some personal days for shopping and moving.
7.  When do you plan to tell children, relatives, friends, etc.?
8.  Make a list of items you plan to give away, throw away and sell.
9.  Put money aside for boxes, tape, bins, and other moving supplies including a truck, gas and if relocating out of state, plane fare, hotel costs, food etc.
10.  Update your mailing address with all businesses directly as well as through USPS.
11. Set aside cleaning supplies and time to prepare your unit for final inspection.  Take video and/or still pictures.
12.  Meet with landlord to give keys, update your mailing info., ask questions, and find out necessary information related to your security deposit.

Feel free to print out and follow this list.  If you do, you will have less headache and heartache.  This list should answer the who, what, when, where, and how questions that you might be asked from your partner to the landlords.  You don't want any unecessary problems during your apartment shopping and moving experience.  Remember when you are apartment shopping, you will see issues with various apartment buildings and units, be sure that all flaws that you see will be addressed before you sign anything.  Otherwise, you just might be stuck with problems during the duration of your lease.  Things to check for during apartment shopping are as follows.

1. Building structure: windows, screens, doors, gutters, roofs, fences, etc.  Window screens are known for having holes.  Be sure that the screens will be replaced before you commit to moving in.  Check door locks, don't assume that management sees what you see.  Be sure that everything works!

2.  Apartment:  Walls, ceilings, appliances and other things in the apartment can be easily overlooked for markings, holes and more.  Check to see that appliances work and fit your standard of living before you say, "I'll take it!"

3.  Check mail boxes, amenities like the laundry room and pool areas.  Do they fit your needs, clean and secure?

4.  If the deal is too good to be true, then it usually is.  Good deals are used as a distraction from any number of issues.  Sniff around the unit.  Do you smell mold, mildew, leaking gas, stale, or disturbing odors?  Feces left behind by a nest of insects, mice or lizards will leave an odor in or behind the walls of the unit. Check for dead insects.  The more insects you see that look the same, most likely that is the insect that will be your frequent visitor later.  If you can lift back the corner of a carpet, check behind doors, kitchen shelves--top and below, or move something out the way (like the stove), you just might see left over evidence of an insect problem.

5.  Check for holes around the fixtures below the kitchen faucet, bathroom and laundry areas and around windows.  These are problem areas when it comes to insects and rodents stopping by for a visit.  Be sure they are properly sealed--once again before you move in!

6.  When walking the property, take a good look at where people park and how secure is the lot.  View faces and observe the surrounding areas.  Is the location a place that you wouldn't mind bringing a loved one to for a visit?

Feel free to check elsewhere on this blog for more tips.

Nicholl McGuire is a former leasing consultant and property manager.  She also is a writer, do check out her books on her personal blog here.

The Organizer: How To Become More Organized When Moving

Get great tips on organizing everything from a drawer to your life! See here:
The Organizer: How To Become More Organized: moving

Respecting the House Rules

When moving into an apartment, you will find that the management is not always carefree when it comes to disturbances in a complex. Oftentimes the violator is not the person who lives in the apartment, but usually mangement finds that it is the guests who are putting the resident's stay at risk. Sometimes people need a refresher on how to act when staying with someone. The following is an article that does just that,

Seven Tips on How to Act When Staying at Someone

Keep in mind, most leasing contracts do have something written about visitors. Overnight guests are usually allowed to stay for a limited time, but after the timeframe in the contract, they are considered residents. If management notices that your guest is living in the suite, he or she will ask you to come into the leasing office and put that person on your contract. If you should refuse, you may have your rights to the unit revoked. Meaning, you will be given a warning to adhere to the current policy or forfeit your right to occupy. If you still don't comply, the property management company can evict you. This will affect your credit and rental history.

Also, if the person, who has been living with you, is over the age of 18, you will need to undergo a background check like you did when you first applied for the apartment. If it is found that this person has a criminal history, then it will be up to the property manager to decide whether he or she can live on the property.

Allowing people to live in your apartment without permission can open a pandora's box of problems! If you don't plan on having them on your leasing contract, don't allow them to live with you.

Things You Need to Check When Being Shown an Apartment or Town Home

While walking or driving down a street you see a move-in special! You can't wait to see how much you are going to save and whether the living space will accommodate you and/or your family.

Sometimes we are in such a rush to find a place to stay that we overlook the little things when being shown our new home.

Whether you are moving into an apartment, townhouse (also known as a duplex), or home, consider the following things before you sign that leasing contract and hand over your security deposit.

One. Underneath cabinets.

Look for pipes with signs of rust and leaks. Check inside of cabinets for molds and mildews. If you don't know what signs of water damage and molds look like, search the Internet for photographs.

Two. Floor along baseboards and crevices.

Those unidentifiable black crumbs just might be dead bugs on the floor. Those dirt specks on the window seal or bubble patches in the paint might be signs of termites. Look closely for evidence of a previous insect and rodent problem. If the issue still exists, you might even notice an odor.

Three. Toilet.

Badly worn sink fixtures, low water pressure and other issues when using the sink, shower and toilet aren't always obvious; therefore, they might be problematic in the future. However, it doesn't hurt to turn on a faucet, flush a toilet or run the bath and shower to see if all are operable.

Four. Sinks.

When filling the sink with water, does the water stay filled up when the stopper is in use? You can check on this while looking elsewhere in the apartment then come back to see if there is any change. Is the water hot and stays that way? Run it for awhile to see. Check the cold water as well. Does it work? Is there a slow leak under the sink? Listen and look for problems in any room that has water fixtures.

Five. Showers and Tubs.

Test the shower and tub. Sometimes rust particles will come from old fixtures and pipes. The last thing you want to discover upon move in is that you can't take a bath. Shower heads sometimes get clogged and will need to be replaced. You don't want to have to spend unnecessary money once you move in trying to get these things fixed.

Six. Odors.

Landlords will use all sorts of cleaning agents and air fresheners to mask the smell of mold and mildew inside an apartment, odors from a nearby garbage can, dead rodents behind a wall, fumes from a car garage across the street, or a neighbor who has an interesting taste in food or isn't that fond of keeping his or her house clean.

Open up cabinets and sniff. Crack open a window and smell the air. Don't take this sort of thing lightly if you are a person who has environmental allergies.

Seven. Unsightly damages, stains and missing items.

You might notice something is broken, missing, has a weird stain or a hole. Think about this for a moment, if maintenance didn't take care of this before the apartment was shown, there is a good possibility that they won't once the lease contract is signed. Don't sign anything until your needs are met!!

Now that you have seven tips to keep in mind when looking at a place, do understand that not everything will be to your liking especially when numerous people have lived in a place prior to your arrival. However, this doesn't excuse the fact that your basic requests should be granted. If a property manager can't handle them, avoid doing business with them.

By N. McGuire