I need apartment tips

#1 07-25-2000, 08:55 PM

Hello all,

I'm in the process of moving into my first apartment.

I've paid my deposit and saw the apartment. The apartment has been cleaned, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me what I should look for before I pay full month's rent. Thanks!!

bklyndelta · #2 07-25-2000, 10:35 PM

Hey Soror!

I'm about to move into a new apartment in August, so maybe this will help....

1) Make sure you know and understand your lease agreement, i.e. the "fine print"

2) Make sure EVERYTHING is in GOOD working condition, i.e dishwasher,garbage disposal, light fixtures, central A/C, etc.

3) If there is something that is not to your satisfaction, make sure you relay your concerns to management and have it taken care of promptly.

"THEE BKLYNDELTA"
1913% LEGIT AND LOVIN' IT

SlvrnGold · #3 07-26-2000, 11:32 AM

Also you should ask about the crime in the area...in the apartment complex especially. When I moved out by myself that was very important to me.
Things to ask about concerning the lease are what are the penalities if you just happen to be late paying the rent? What are the policies on overnight visitors, if any? At my building you have to have a pass for any unauthorized cars overnight or they will be towed. Ask also about hooking up cable and telephone services...sometimes these companies give discounts or free installment to apartment complexes, so you should ask about that. Well, that's about all I can think of. Good luck!

Spotlight4Delta · #4 07-28-2000, 12:41 AM

My suggestions is to get EVERYTHING in writing. If it is broke, write it down. Also make a copy of everyhintg that you give to the office-lease, checks written, receipts, everything, b/c they can trip about rent not being paid. Also find out about plumbing issues and drain problems b/c at some complexes if you fix them yourself, you are liable-basically call maintenance for everything. Check about deposits for water, electricity, etc-some places pay for those, some don't. Just be sure to get everything written down or copied.

Positive Kay · #5 07-28-2000, 12:47 AM

I'm currently getting my first apartment also. You said something about free installation or discounts on certain products. Do I ask the apartment landlord or the actual company about that? Sorry if that is a dumb question, but a sista gotta get some deals to save the money!!!

Positive Kay · #6 07-29-2000, 02:09 PM

Thank You!!

------------------
Set your goal!! Strive!! Bask in your reward!!

Positive Kay

SlvrnGold · #7 07-30-2000, 12:12 AM

When I was looking for an apartment...the manager or the person who showed it to me told me that the cable company offered free installation if I hooked up my cable and told them that I was staying at this particular apartment. Ask your leasing agent (the person who's renting you the apartment) about any specials on cable or telephone services. Also, most apartments (at least the ones that I have been in) give you a welcome packet when you arrive that has coupons and specials for neighborhood services.

NOWorNEVER · #8 04-01-2003, 09:43 PM

I'm moving into my FIRST APARTMENT by myself in a month! I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. It's all so overwhelming. My mother has been bugging me about making sure it's on the 2nd or 3rd floor. Is it that important? I mean, that's an extra $20 a month! Also what are things that you absolutely MUST have before moving in? I bought a hammer and screwdriver already.

CrimsonTide4 · #9 04-01-2003, 09:55 PM

you DO NOT want folks on top of you TRUST ME. You will be pissed to wake up to someone who walks heavy or a kid bouncing a ball on your head.

My aunt bought me a tool kit with hammer, 4 screwdrivers, pliers,
and a wrench.

prospectiverushee · #10 04-01-2003, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NOWorNEVER
I'm moving into my FIRST APARTMENT by myself in a month! I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. It's all so overwhelming. My mother has been bugging me about making sure it's on the 2nd or 3rd floor. Is it that important? I mean, that's an extra $20 a month! Also what are things that you absolutely MUST have before moving in? I bought a hammer and screwdriver already.

Being on the 3rd floor is a pain,but safety wise, it's better to be on the 2nd or 3rd floor since you're going be living by yourself. It's easy for someone to break into a 1st floor apartment, but it crook is willing to CLIMB 2 or 3 flights of stairs to break into someone's apartment..........

Some things to consider having:

flashlight
plunger
first aid kit
step stool(if you're short like me)

These are just a few things I can think of off the top of my head, I'm sure there's more

yasava · #11 04-01-2003, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NOWorNEVER
I'm moving into my FIRST APARTMENT by myself in a month! I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. It's all so overwhelming. My mother has been bugging me about making sure it's on the 2nd or 3rd floor. Is it that important? I mean, that's an extra $20 a month! Also what are things that you absolutely MUST have before moving in? I bought a hammer and screwdriver already.

It would be better to be on the second or third floor, for the reasons eveyone stated already, plus basement/ground level apartments have basement/ground level insects.

My tips for apartment hunting is find out the extermination policy and if there is an infestation problem (can't you tell I hate bugs??) I had to find some temp. housing for an internship one summer, (3 month leases are real hard to come by) So, I found this spot, checked the apt out several times before agreeing to move in. On move day, my roomate and I checked to see that everything was in working condition (water running, checking cabinets, etc.) So, we went to sign the lease. I swear, it was like someone pushed the "roach release" button as soon as our signatures were on paper. We returned to the apt not even ten minutes later and my roomate saw a roach. then another, and another...this place was INFESTED and we were livid! We killed at least 30 the first night and went through and entire can of raid in a few days.
Best beleive I went looking for a new place to stay and found one a few days later. No way was I living in the roach hotel all summer

About two weeks after we got the first place, we moved into the second. Fortunately, the dorms hadn't closed yet, so we stayed there until the last day the dorms were open and only had to stay in the first apt for a week.
So my other tip would be find out what the termination policies are. In my case, we lucked out that the complex had a 30-day satisfaction guarantee; we got all of our money back minus the app fee.

RedefinedDiva · #12 04-01-2003, 11:17 PM

I am also moving on my own in July.

Believe me, you WANT to be on the top. You DO NOT want to live under anyone. TRUST ME!! I am too tired to tell about all the bull that we had to put up with living under some folks. Let's just say it's NOT fun. Pay the $20. Hell, pay $50! Just don't stay on the bottom. Also, if you live in a city like I do (which I doubt because we are FAR below sea level

), it FLOODS! It's one thing to get water in your car, but your apartment? Not even gonna happen to me like that...

I am on an apartment hunt!

CrimsonAngel2001 · #13 04-02-2003, 01:13 AM

Thanks for posting this I'm about to move into my first apartment in June so this has been helpful

1savvydiva · #14 04-02-2003, 01:17 AM

Yeah, it IS that important, MaMaNever isn't telling you wrong. My apartment is actually on ground level, but it was one of the nicer ones they had in the complex, and my whole building is one-level. I don't have to worry about some heavy-footed person above me, but I can tell you that when I am trying to get some sleep in the morning/afternoon, and someone walks past my window talking it scares the crap out of me! Security reasons are another reason to stay on a higher floor, I actually prefer the top...floor that is! It may be a beast to move in, and you may be sore for a week (trust me), but it will be well worth it, and if you have to climb steps everyday, it's good exercise!!

Anyway...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You should start right now making a list of apartment essentials, because it's usually the everyday simple things that you forget! Plunger, mop/bucket, broom, dustpan, pots/pans, tupperware, vacuum, tools, flashlight, extension cords, candles/matches, etc. etc.

If you need any advice, hit me up!

NOWorNEVER · #15 04-02-2003, 01:37 AM

Thaaaaanks guys! I guess I'll dish out the extra money. I didn't know I had to pay deposits and activation fees for gas, electric, etc. Sheesh...all this money is making my head spin. I'm not worried about any furniture right now other than my mattress. I guess NoworNever will be having BASIC cable for now, IF that...