Put on your fluorescent orange coat - we're going huntin'.
Apartment hunting, that is.
That's right, apartment-hunting season is upon us. Many of you have never hunted this particular game before, so that is why it is important to give you the heads up on what to look for when renting an apartment or house.
Before you call the number on the advertisement, come up with questions to ask the lessor. This way you will not have to call back. Don't settle for the first place you call, but keep it in the back of your mind. Listen to everything the landlord tells you and try to read between the lines.
When you visit the prospective residence, you are expected to act as a guest, so act like one with curiosity. Ask open-ended questions to get long answers. It is more likely that you'll find the truth during a long answer rather than the simple yes or no.
Also, don't be afraid to check things out, focus on aspects that seem irregular-don't ignore them. The landlord might think having a shower in the kitchen is an 'added-bonus' but does that fit your lifestyle?
If you are renting an apartment, try talking to your neighbors through the walls; if you can have a conversation with them without seeing their face, abort mission. Renting a hear-through apartment is a bad idea for many reasons.
If you are really concerned about being happy in a potential residence, ask friends who are not your future roommates to come with you and look at the apartment or house. Friends that are brutally critical will be unduly helpful to you.
Never underestimate the feature of paid utilities. Utilities can be the greatest demon of all when renting. You can save yourself a lot of time by avoiding a certain phone company. After you've decided this could be your place to live, the leasing process begins.
Don't sign the lease:
n If the landlord promises things verbally, but it's nowhere to be found in the lease. Get all the information on paper, which will protect both you and the landlord.
n Without meeting the other tenants. In doing so, you can get an idea of how satisfied they are with the landlord. This would also be a good time to find out anything the landlord conveniently forgot to mention.
n If the lease contains words and phrases that are unclear. These phrases can later be interpreted differently, so make sure you know what you're getting, doing, or not doing.
n When you and your landlord are unclear on the definition of a "party." What you might consider to be a small social gathering may be the next Woodstock in your landlord's eyes.
Final Thought: Turn this page and find the classifieds. Happy hunting.
Write to Kevin and Mat at twobsuguys@yahoo.com
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