Things to Consider in a Property

   Does the property fall within any free transportation zone? City Shuttle map.

   Distance from campus : make sure the rental is not so far from campus that you will become frustrated with commuting a long distance or in traffic everyday. Drive to the rental at peak commute hours to see what the traffic would be like on a daily basis.

   What is the rent per month?

   Is a security deposit required? If so, how much is it and under what conditions is it being held?

   Does the lease allow for rent increases if real estate taxes are raised, sewer or water assessments are increased, or for any other reason?

   Are there extra charges for utilities, storage space, parking space, late payments of rents, etc.? If so, how much?

   Read the lease carefully. Mark any provisions that seem especially objectionable to you and try to have them removed. Also, list the provisions not included that you would like, such as a sublet clause, and try to have these added.

   Assess the maintenance services. Is there a resident manager? Are the maintenance hours for usual services restricted? How is emergency service handled?

   How is refuse disposal handled? Are the facilities easily accessible? Are they well kept and clean?

   Is the building lobby clean and well lit? Does it have a lock and other security provisions? How are deliveries handled?

   How many washers and dryers are available? (A washer and dryer for every ten people is a good ratio)

   Is an elevator provided? Are the stairs well lit and in sound condition? Are fire exits provided? Is there a fire alarm system or other warning systems?

   Are the hallways clean and adequately lit?

   Are there signs of insects, mice, or rats present?

   Are plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms clean and in good working order? If there are tiles, are they in good condition?

   Is the kitchen sink in good working order. resonably clean, and provided with drain stoppers? Is the stove clean? Is the refridgerator clean and in good working order? Is there a separate freezing compartment? If there's a dishwasher, is it in good condition?

   Is the building air conditioned?

   Are there enough electrical outlets? Do all the switches and outlets work? Are there enough circuits in the fuse box or circuit panel to handle the electrical equipment you plan to install? If there is a serious problem, get an expert opinion.

   Does the heating system seem to be in good working order?

   Is there a fireplace? If so, are there any signs that it is not functioning properly (smoke stains, etc?)

   Are any windows broken? Can all windows be opened and closed easily? Are screens provided? Are there any drafts around the window frames? Does the landlord arrange for the outside of the windows to be cleaned? If so, how often?

   Are the floors clean? Are they marred or gouged? Are there water stains indicating previous leaks?

   Are the ceilings clean? Is the plaster cracked? Do they have any stains indicating a leak?

   Are the walls clean? Is the paint peeling? Does the paint run or smear when rubbed with a cloth?

   Are telephone jacks installed and in convenient locations?

   Is ventilation adequate? Is there an exhaust fan in the kitchen?

   Are there enough fixtures for adequate light? Are all fixtures in working order? Does the rental receive a resonable amount of natural sunlight?

   Is the storage space adequate? Are there enough kitchen and bathroom cabinets? Is there long term storage available in the building for your use?

   Does the entry door have a deadbolt lock? A security chain? A peep hole?

   Do the walls seem hollow or solid when thumped? Can you hear neighbors upstairs, downstairs or on either side of you?

   What's the neighborhood like? Is it a place where you'd be comfortable walking home in the dark? Also, is it a family neighborhood where the neighbors might be angry if you had parties at your home?

   How's the parking situation? If you don't have enough designated parking spaces, is there sufficient parking on the street?

   If you get a chance to talk to the current tenants without the landlord there, ask them how responsive the landlord is to requests for repairs.