Finding a decent apartment in Dallas or Houston TX is never easy. Even if you’ve found a friendly landlord and accommodation at a decent price, there could still be underlying issues.
Always take the time to thoroughly explore any apartment you’re considering renting. By taking a few precautionary measures you could save yourself a huge amount of time and stress in the future.
Here are 5 steps that can help you reduce the chance of renting an apartment that has issues.
Check for Pests
When you view an apartment take a flashlight with you. Shine it into every nook and cranny you can find to see if there are any pests. Be on the lookout for bug droppings. Check behind cabinet doors and kitchen appliances as these are typical rodent hiding spots. Look for evidence of traps, such as markings on the floor where dust hasn’t gathered.
Trust your Nostrils
Your nostrils are your most powerful apartment-hunting weapons. The smell of the apartment will tell you a lot. Musty or damp smells are never a good sign; and if you can detect the presence of bug spray, it’s probably best to move one.
Check for Mold
Thoroughly examine doors on cabinets to see if they are warped as this could be a sign of a leak or mold problem. Moisture can also lead to discoloration. Look out for specks of black on ceilings, walls and furniture, and for areas that have been repainted. Mold is a very serious issue that could lead to musty smells, breakages and even illness. Always avoid apartments that have any form of mold as it’s a sign of neglect.
Talk to Neighbors
Don’t hesitate to knock on a neighbor’s door to get inside information. Ask them how quickly the landlord responds to requests and if they are professional. Neighbors are without a doubt the best people to approach if you’d like an honest review.
Check out the Neighborhood
Don’t just judge the apartment building itself. When you’ve finished with the viewing hang around the neighborhood and try to absorb the surrounding area. If it doesn’t feel safe and secure, trust your instincts and move on. If everything feels okay, come back at a different time. Some areas can feel fine during the daytime, but the complete opposite during the night.
In addition, it’s always good to do some investigative research online. Check the web for reviews of the development to see if anyone has made negative comments. People who have been treated poorly will often expose bad landlords.
By looking out for these warning signs you can avoid making very costly mistakes. When you move in to a new apartment it’s important that you feel comfortable. If there are any underlying issues that surface during your residency, your living experience could be significantly impacted.
If you’re looking for an apartment in Houston or Dallas TX and would like more information on how to avoid problems, please contact us at Apartment Agents. Our apartment finding service is completely free.
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