When you’re hunting for apartments in Dallas, TX it’s easy to take shortcuts and sign a lease agreement without thoroughly examining the property. Rushing the process and not doing your background research could leave you stranded and significantly out of pocket,
A lease agreement should be taken very seriously, so always make sure you do your homework and ask the right questions to ensure your new property is right for you.
While problems such as a carpet stain are frustrating, they won’t particularly affect your living experience. In this post you will find out about the more significant issues that Dallas residents face, and how to avoid them.
Parking
Make sure you fully understand the parking agreement before you move in. You may not have an allocated parking space, and using one that’s not yours could not only make you the bane of your neighbours, but could get your vehicle towed. In addition, see if you have allocated guest parking spaces if you expect visitors.
If you need a vehicle ask your landlord before you sign the agreement if a space is provided and if it will cost any extra. If not, see if there’s off-road parking nearby.
Laundry
Check your apartment to see if it’s actually equipped with the connections for a washer and dryer. If it isn’t, make sure you have access to shared laundry facilities.
Not having accessible laundry facilities is a lot of hassle and the cost of using an off-site service can build up.
Noise
There’s nothing worse than moving into a new apartment, only to find out it’s located in a flight path or next to a railroad. When you view the apartment ask the current tenants about the noise situation and whether it’s a problem.
There’s not much you can do about noisy neighbours, constructions sites, airports, etc., apart from try to avoid them in the first place
Maintenance
Poor maintenance can cause appliance malfunction, which could result in anything from a lack of hot water to a freezer that regularly defrosts. Ask the current tenants how well everything is maintained and how quickly the landlord sorts out problems if something goes wrong.
Test all of the appliances in the apartment before you sign the lease agreement. This may seem picky, but if there’s an issue, you can make sure your landlord gets it fixed before you move in.
Storage
Don’t just assess the décor and style when you attend your viewing. A lack of storage space could leave you with a messy apartment or mean you have to rent an off-site storage facility.
During the viewing take photos and measurements of the closet space and any other storage facilities to ensure they will be adequate for your needs.
Regretting your move can not only result in unhappiness, but could seriously drain your finances. Always take these extra precautions to ensure you’re covered at every possible angle.
If you are searching for an apartment in Dallas, TX and would like more information on how to bypass these issues, feel free to get in touch with us at Apartment Agents.
Image: Steven Depolo