One of the biggest problems for many renters is noise. There’s nothing worse than moving into a new apartment, only to find out that it’s in a flight path that keeps you awake all night.
There are plenty of precautionary measures you can take when you’re searching for an apartment in Houston TX or Dallas TX to ensure you find a quiet building where you can relax and unwind without any distractions.
When you’re conducting your search, tune your ears to the sound of these 5 noises.
Airplanes
Dallas TX has two commercial airports, while Houston TX has three. This includes both the 5th (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport) and 6th (George Bush Intercontinental Airport) busiest in the United States. Being in the line of a flight path can be hugely frustrating. Ask the landlord, agent and tenants if this is an issue before you sign the contract. If in doubt, hang around near the building for a few hours and listen for yourself.
Trains
Houston TX has a METRO system, while Dallas TX has the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). When you’re searching for an apartment, try to remain close to a transit station, but not so close that you’ll constantly hear the trains. Houston TX is always expanding its network, so it’s always a good idea to check out the neighbourhood you’re interested in to see if new stations are being built nearby.
Busy Roads
The sound of cars and heavy vehicles can be hugely frustrating, especially during the summer when you need to leave your windows open to let in cool air. Living next to a busy road could also be hazardous. If you have children, it’s certainly not recommended.
Neighbours
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do about noisy neighbours and it’s not easy to find out if an apartment building has them. If you are worried, don’t be afraid to ask the current tenant for their honest opinion. If you are viewing a property with the landlord and don’t feel comfortable asking too many questions, just come back and ask them at a later time.
Utilities
If your apartment has shared utilities, such as a washer and dryer, find out where they are located. One of the biggest renters regrets is moving into an apartment that has a shared utility room right above, below, or next to it. The sound of a washer or dryer is fine when you’re using it yourself, but it’s not so great when it’s constantly running.
Before you pay your deposit, visit the area during the evenings on both weekdays and weekends. Have a walk around the apartment and listen out for loud noises.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or use noise issues to negotiate a better price – in the worst case scenario your landlord will simply say “no.”
If you are moving to Houston TX or Dallas TX and want some more advice on what to look out for, get in touch with us at Apartment Agents and we’ll recommend the best course of action. Feel free to leave a comment below if you’ve had any experience dealing with noisy apartments.
Image: Sean MacEntee