20 Tips To Finding The Right Apartment

Finding the right apartment can be a stressful time. To simplify your apartment hunting there are 20 Important questions to ask yourself before signing on the dotted line.

Moving is a big decision and finding the right apartment should not be taken lightly. This is your home for an undetermined amount of time, so make your decisions wisely will make it the comfortable home you deserve without regrets.

Whatever city you choose whether it be a 4 story or a highrise building, inner-city, or rural there is something out there for everyone. The examples given are from beautiful Calgary Alberta.

Below are bullet point questions to Ask Yourself?

#1 Price

• What price are you willing to pay?
• Are you willing to compromise price over sq ft, amenities, view, location, or any other must-haves?
• What does the rent cover? In most cases, one parking spot, gas, water, garbage, security, and amenities, however electricity, cable, and internet are usually extra.

#2 Best Search Sites

• RentFaster – Highly recommend. Thousands of currently updated listings available. Save searches and find all you need to know about a property.
• Kijiji Local ADspace.
• Craiglist Local ADspace
• Zillow Similar to Rentfaster

#3 Location

Choosing your location is key to finding the right apartment.

• What area do I desire?
• Is it accessible to work, pathways for biking, walking, favorite shopping, and transit if needed?

#4 Square Footage

The size of your apt is also valuable. Are you downsizing or upsizing?

• Will you have ample room for all your furniture?
• Good idea is to measure the rooms then go back and measure furniture to vision how everything will fit correctly.

#5 Storage

• Is there extra storage in the apartment or in the parkade area?
• Is there bike storage? Bikes take up a lot of room and some building will have separate secure bike storage

#6 Views

Views are another biggy. For me this was one of the utmost importance.

• Which direction is it facing? East, West, North or South? Are you looking for sun, or shade?
• Do you want scenic views such as, mountains, city, river, country, or park view? Can you have all the views you prefer?

#7 Garbage/Recycling

• Is garbage accessible?
• Is there a garbage chute?
• Are there recycling bins?

#8 Noise

Repetitive noise can be troublesome in these areas of concern.

• Are you next to a garbage chute? The clanging can be bothersome.
• Is the apt above the automatic garage door?
• Apt situated beside gates? Metal or wood.

#9 Concrete or Wood build

Concrete VS Wood

• Concrete – has less noise factor within the unit, Fire damage may be contained to single units instead of widespread damage. Patios are more secure. BBQs are more likely to be accepted.
• Wood – Noise is a concern from all around. Fire damage can be rampant. Less likely for BBQs to be allowed.

#10 Parking

• Is there parking available for this unit? Most apartments have one parking spot for each unit. Unfortunately, there are some especially in the downtown where parking is only available for a cost.
• What is the cost of an extra parking spot? range anywhere from $50 -$300 with an average of around $150. If you choose not to purchase an extra spot is there ample street parking?
• Is there visitor parking? Street or in the parkade?

#11 Amenities

Amenities where another item high on my list. Having these included can save money and time however, the price could be a hidden charge. Know the value.

• Does the apartment have a pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, fitness room, sports, rooftop patio, coffee bar, BBQ area, party room, family sleepover unit and so much more to look for as to what is important to you?

Some buildings are a little oasis in the midst of inner city living with all the amenities one needs.

#12 Neighbors

• Can you find out who your neighbors are? Noisy children or animals may not be a great fit if you are an empty nester or work-from-home person looking for peace and quiet.

#13 Moving Charges

• Does your building charge for the use of the elevator for moving? This charge is for security purposes in which they hire security with a cost range of $100 – $300.
• How much or do they just ask for a deposit to be returned if no damage occurred?

#14 Stairs/Elevators

• Make sure you are aware of all exits, elevators.
• How many elevators does the building have? Only one can make from some long waits or concerns if the elevator is down for maintenance.
• Are the elevators maintained on a regular basis? If the elevators are down are the stairs too much for you on higher floors?

#15 Laundry

• Is there laundry in the unit or a shared laundry room? Cost?

#16 Balconies/Decks

• Is there a balcony? A personal preference but can you live without one if the building were to get locked down for any reason? Also one may feel they are great emergency exits for possible fire etc. Do you smoke? If you love coffee outside or take in the views under the night sky.
• It definitely is nice to have a deck, a place to add some extra space and make it cozy and inviting day or night. Plants and flowers add a natural element to any patio.

Make sure you check regulations for what is allowed on decks. Some are very minimal due to hazards.

#17 Security/Concierge

Most apartment buildings such as high rises have on-site security or concierge. An extra level of security for residents. They are there to answer questions, greet, direct visitors, enforce rules and regulations, ensure only authorized persons enter as well as walk around to ensure public safety.

• What’s the difference between a Security Guard and a Concierge?

Both Security and Concierge play a similar role however, Security works for the property owner more a security role as a Concierge work more for the residence and more on the hospitality side of things.

#18 Reviews

• Check reviews on the building using Google, Reddit, or the building’s website. They may surprise you.

#19 Closter phobic Issues

• Picking a unit based on where it is situated is important for people with Closter phobic issues. An end/corner unit can give you a more open-air feeling than a unit in the middle. The window size can also make it feel more open.

#20 Finalizing the deal after finding the right apartment

• Do a thorough walk-through with the landlord to protect you from losing your deposit. Check everything from tap handles, and doors working properly, holes in the walls or water stains, rips, scratches, or stains on flooring. Check appliances inside and out and that they all work. Are blinds functioning and have no damage as well as are windows open and closed? Even right down to checking toilet seats, landlords may not see these issues.

Believe me, it may seem overkill but some landlords will use anything to NOT give the damage deposit back. READ the agreement or go through it with the landlord. Caution can be your best friend.

Happy house hunting!