10 Things to Look Out for in a New Rental Apartment
If you want to lease a new apartment before summer hits, read over this checklist before you start your search
Naturally, renters rent all year round, but in the final quarter of each year, as summer approaches, the rental season kicks into high gear. For some, it’s because they are looking to move closer to the beach to really enjoy the summer season. For others, it’s because they want to get a jump-start on all the new students who will be looking for places in the new year. Either way, renting season has officially started!
Everyone has different requirements when they’re moving into a new place. For some, an outdoor area is a must. For others, a modern kitchen is a no-brainer. And for others still, all they want is a giant wardrobe that will accommodate all their shoes – and then some. Whatever your status, this handy checklist will help you when you’re searching for your next rental.
Everyone has different requirements when they’re moving into a new place. For some, an outdoor area is a must. For others, a modern kitchen is a no-brainer. And for others still, all they want is a giant wardrobe that will accommodate all their shoes – and then some. Whatever your status, this handy checklist will help you when you’re searching for your next rental.
2. A paint job
This is a two-part tip. Firstly, you should do a quick spot-check to make sure any painted walls are in reasonable condition. If not and you choose to go with the place, make sure you note the paintwork on your rental’s condition report. Secondly, if you are wary about the paint colours, you could check with the agent to see if it’s possible to paint over them. Some will allow this, but you may have to restore the original colour at the end of your lease, or you may be only allowed to use a neutral hue.
This is a two-part tip. Firstly, you should do a quick spot-check to make sure any painted walls are in reasonable condition. If not and you choose to go with the place, make sure you note the paintwork on your rental’s condition report. Secondly, if you are wary about the paint colours, you could check with the agent to see if it’s possible to paint over them. Some will allow this, but you may have to restore the original colour at the end of your lease, or you may be only allowed to use a neutral hue.
3. An outdoor space
In the summer it is great to have an outdoor space you can call your own, be it a balcony, a patio, a garden, a rooftop terrace, or even a front stoop. If you do see an outdoor space when you are inspecting the property, make sure to check whether it is private, and always ask about the amount of maintenance you will be expected to do.
More: Get the Fabulous Outdoor Room You’ve Always Wanted
In the summer it is great to have an outdoor space you can call your own, be it a balcony, a patio, a garden, a rooftop terrace, or even a front stoop. If you do see an outdoor space when you are inspecting the property, make sure to check whether it is private, and always ask about the amount of maintenance you will be expected to do.
More: Get the Fabulous Outdoor Room You’ve Always Wanted
4. Working appliances
If your new rental apartment comes with a fridge, washing machine, dryer, oven, microwave, dishwasher – or any of the above – you need to make sure they are all in working condition. Even if you do this after you sign your new lease, you will be given a chance to fill out a condition report. If these appliances are not in working order, you can have your agent fix them.
If your new rental apartment comes with a fridge, washing machine, dryer, oven, microwave, dishwasher – or any of the above – you need to make sure they are all in working condition. Even if you do this after you sign your new lease, you will be given a chance to fill out a condition report. If these appliances are not in working order, you can have your agent fix them.
5. Pet clauses
If you have a dog or cat – or any other pet, for that matter – signing a lease is infinitely more difficult. It might be worth meeting with a realtor ahead of time and discussing your needs. It also helps if you have references from previous landlords you can present to your agent to show that your pet won’t be the cause of any troubles. You can also ask to have the pet written into the lease so that it states that you will have any pet damage repaired. This will make many owners much more comfortable with you having a pet.
If you have a dog or cat – or any other pet, for that matter – signing a lease is infinitely more difficult. It might be worth meeting with a realtor ahead of time and discussing your needs. It also helps if you have references from previous landlords you can present to your agent to show that your pet won’t be the cause of any troubles. You can also ask to have the pet written into the lease so that it states that you will have any pet damage repaired. This will make many owners much more comfortable with you having a pet.
6. A neighbourhood
A friendly and safe neighbourhood is a must, especially if you are new to the area. Take a minute to stand outside your potential place and check out what’s going on. If it seems like a lively area with plenty of foot traffic, you’re in luck, especially if you are a single female. On the flip side, pay attention to street noise, as this can be a deal breaker.
A friendly and safe neighbourhood is a must, especially if you are new to the area. Take a minute to stand outside your potential place and check out what’s going on. If it seems like a lively area with plenty of foot traffic, you’re in luck, especially if you are a single female. On the flip side, pay attention to street noise, as this can be a deal breaker.
7. A parking space
A parking space is a hot commodity in the rental market, but it will add a premium to the amount you pay. If you need a parking space included with your lease, you should make sure you have all your paperwork in order and your references ready so you can be first in line. If you don’t need a parking space, but get one anyway, you may be able to sublet the space – but you’ll need to check with your agent first.
A parking space is a hot commodity in the rental market, but it will add a premium to the amount you pay. If you need a parking space included with your lease, you should make sure you have all your paperwork in order and your references ready so you can be first in line. If you don’t need a parking space, but get one anyway, you may be able to sublet the space – but you’ll need to check with your agent first.
8. A smoke alarm
In Australia, it’s a legal requirement that all rental properties have working smoke alarms installed at the beginning of the lease. Your agent should be on top of this, but it is important that you double-check yourself. Better to be safe than sorry.
In Australia, it’s a legal requirement that all rental properties have working smoke alarms installed at the beginning of the lease. Your agent should be on top of this, but it is important that you double-check yourself. Better to be safe than sorry.
9. Tech outlets
Ok, so maybe a home cinema isn’t on the cards for most of us, but it’s still important to check for any tech outlets you may need. For example, if you’re a Foxtel customer and you have a contract with them that you plan to move over to your new place, you need to make sure the new place has a Foxtel connection or that you have permission to get it installed. Otherwise, you may have to break your contract, which could be costly.
Ok, so maybe a home cinema isn’t on the cards for most of us, but it’s still important to check for any tech outlets you may need. For example, if you’re a Foxtel customer and you have a contract with them that you plan to move over to your new place, you need to make sure the new place has a Foxtel connection or that you have permission to get it installed. Otherwise, you may have to break your contract, which could be costly.
10. The right room count
Always, always make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. Quite often, especially in Australia, a rental listing will make mention of “two bedrooms” when the place in reality contains one bedroom and a sunroom, or a nook. Likewise, check that everything is exactly where you want it to be, such as an indoor laundry inside your apartment rather than six floors down in a communal zone.
TELL US
Do you have any requirements when looking for a rental apartment? Let us know in the comments section.
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Always, always make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. Quite often, especially in Australia, a rental listing will make mention of “two bedrooms” when the place in reality contains one bedroom and a sunroom, or a nook. Likewise, check that everything is exactly where you want it to be, such as an indoor laundry inside your apartment rather than six floors down in a communal zone.
TELL US
Do you have any requirements when looking for a rental apartment? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
My Houzz: Inner-City Rental Gets a Designer Touch
10 Tricks to Make Your Rental Feel Like a Home You Own
USA Houzz: No Painting Required For Rental Revamp In San Francisco
It’s easy to forget how many things we own, but it’s something we become acutely aware of when it is time to move house. When looking for a new apartment, make sure you do a quick scan for storage space. If your old place has tons of shelves and cupboards, and your new place doesn’t, you will need to do some serious downsizing.