If you’re planning on moving to an apartment in Houston TX or Dallas TX, there are various steps that you should take to ensure you get your money’s worth.
Failure to take adequate precautions could not only lead to cash being taken from your deposit, but also excessive repair bills, feuds with landlords and even illness.
When you’re viewing potential apartments, assess each room with close scrutiny and follow these steps to ensure you don’t get ripped off.
Bathroom
When you first step into the bathroom check the shower and bath to ensure they’re working. If you aren’t sure how the hot water works, ask the property manager. The most important thing to check in the bathroom is the tiles. If there are any signs of mould it must be sorted out before you move in as it could not only cause leaks, but result in illness. Check the sinks and any facets to make sure they aren’t’t leaking.
Bedroom
You’ll probably spend the majority of your time in the bedroom and if there’s a mould or mildew problem, you could find yourself more vulnerable to serious illnesses. Check the walls, ceiling and behind cupboards. Look for stains, black dots and use your nostrils; if the room smells damp, avoid it at all costs.
Kitchen
Make sure all of the burners on the stove are in perfect working order and that all of the facets on the sink, dishwasher and garbage disposer are free from leakages. Check underneath the cabinets for mouse droppings. If there are old traps, then there was probably a pest problem in the past.
Security
Look at the door frames to see if there are signs of an attempted break-in. Check the locks and keys to make sure they all work properly on both the doors and windows. If there is a security code for the apartment, ask your landlord or estate agent to give you a demonstration so you can make sure it actually works.
All Rooms
There’s nothing worse than moving into an apartment, only to find a pre-existing problem that you get the blame for. While some things may look fine at a glance, upon close inspection you’ll probably find issues. Check walls for stains and holes from previous tenants hanging up artwork; check the carpet for stains underneath furniture; and make sure the blinds/drapes are in good standing. Take something small with you, such as a phone charger, and plug it into each electrical outlet to ensure they are working.
Moving to a new apartment in Houston TX or Dallas TX can be stressful, especially if you aren’t sure what to look out for. If you follow these tips there’s no reason why the whole process won’t go smoothly.
Do you have any questions about choosing an apartment? We’d love to help you with any concerns you have about finding your next apartment. Please ask in the comments below.
Image: Milestone Management