Scouting various properties to live in can often be tricky to navigate. There are a bunch of areas that require you to research first, before you even tour a potential space. Apartment hunting is no different. You’ll always have to employ a degree of caution prior to renting. Not all apartment buildings were built the same. Some may appear to be livable, but it is anything but once you begin inspecting it. At other times, even a newer apartment may still appear worse for the wear post-inspection.
No matter if you are a first-time renter, or a repeat renter, apartment touring can be challenging. As long as you are able to inspect every nook and cranny, you will be just fine. Always be sure to ask for more information before moving into a student apartment. That way, you can rest comfortably inside your new potential home!
Your student apartments will come equipped with many amenities to make the accommodations as comfortable as possible. There are certain items deemed absolutely essential and should be included as part of your evaluation criteria. Check out these six important things college students need for an apartment:
1. Electricity & Power Outlets
College students need functioning electricity for an apartment. Power outlets are a natural component of every property you come across. When it comes to scouting various apartment buildings, you might be in for a surprise. Some power outlets may not work as they are supposed to, which may be the basis of multiple problems in the future. In order to alleviate your worries, test the outlets out.
As you are touring an apartment you are interested in, plug your phone charger into an outlet. If your phone charges as expected, move on to the next outlet you see. This may seem cumbersome, but you are always better safe than sorry. You don’t want to move in one day, only to find that a few outlets are out of order!
2. Water & Plumbing
Although electricity is critical to a good apartment, it isn’t the only utility to make note of. During your apartment touring, you’ll want to inquire further about water pressure and temperature. There is nothing worse than being in the shower, and finding out that the water is less than adequate.
You most likely won’t be able to check the water pressure during a tour. Instead, ask the apartment’s landlord or superintendent about the quality of water present. This is incredibly critical, as working water is a key component of any modern day apartment.
3. Phone Reception
One would be surprised as to how badly positioned some apartment buildings can be, in regards to phone reception. At times, the issue of reception can be put on the service provider. However, apartment buildings themselves can also be the source of some unreliable reception for your phone.
If you find that you are barely able to use your phone in a specific apartment, it might be time to look elsewhere. When testing the reception, always use your phone in different spots of the apartment. That way, you can conclude on whether or not this specific apartment is good for making phone calls.
4. Apartment Safety
The security of your property is one of the most important things college students need for an apartment. Make sure all doors can be properly locked, and that the windows can be secured. Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors must also be in good working condition as well.
All apartments must have a fire extinguisher placed inside and away from dangerous appliances. Should you find any of these items missing, consult the building’s landlord or superintendent. They will be able to provide you with additional information pertinent to the apartment’s security. Your safety inside an apartment should never be compromised!
5. Pest Control
Besides their natural predators in the food chain, no one enjoys the sight of pests. Unfortunately, apartment buildings can be the ultimate breeding ground for various pests. The last thing you’ll want is to rent out an apartment, only to find out down the line that it is still occupied by critters.
Always make sure you inspect every possible area and crevice inside the apartment you are touring. In addition, ask the landlord or superintendent about how pest control treatments are implemented. Having a clean, sanitized apartment is of the utmost importance, especially if you plan on living in one for the long term.
6. The Lease
Renting an apartment means you will have to eventually deal with a lease. Make sure you are able to read all parts of the lease that the landlord provides you with. Any information you take issue with should immediately be brought to their attention.
Before signing the lease, you should always document every issue you come across in your student apartment. We can’t mentally remember everything, no matter how much we’d like to believe otherwise. If you find that you have a lot of notes on multiple issues, it might be time to consider another apartment.
