Apartment rental Inspections - the Do's and Don'ts
Unless under special circumstance, do not rent a place unless you (or a close family or friend) have personally inspected it. Checking over a property won't take long and could save you from renting an apartment that looks good on paper or the screen, but is terrible in reality. Even if you’ve seen a picture online, it is still highly recommended that you check it out yourself.
As you are likely to see several properties, it is a good idea to record your impressions of each. This will help you to compare places and also assist your recollection of property features. As well, by inspecting a couple of units, you really get a feel for what you’re looking for, your “needs” and your “nice to haves”. When inspecting, don’t just check out the unit, but also check out the elevators, hallways, laundry facilities and main foyer to ensure that you’re happy with the condition. Also, make sure your existing furniture can fit in your place, nevermind through the front door.
If you’re not able to inspect the place yourself or get somebody to do it, then it is recommended to at least ensure that the landlord is trustworthy (which isn’t easy). Either check myhood.ca to see if there are any current reviews of your place or if not, see if the landlord has a laptop and a webcam so they can take you on a “virtual tour” of the place.
The team at myhood.ca has also put together an inspection checklist – check it out
As you are likely to see several properties, it is a good idea to record your impressions of each. This will help you to compare places and also assist your recollection of property features. As well, by inspecting a couple of units, you really get a feel for what you’re looking for, your “needs” and your “nice to haves”. When inspecting, don’t just check out the unit, but also check out the elevators, hallways, laundry facilities and main foyer to ensure that you’re happy with the condition. Also, make sure your existing furniture can fit in your place, nevermind through the front door.
If you’re not able to inspect the place yourself or get somebody to do it, then it is recommended to at least ensure that the landlord is trustworthy (which isn’t easy). Either check myhood.ca to see if there are any current reviews of your place or if not, see if the landlord has a laptop and a webcam so they can take you on a “virtual tour” of the place.
The team at myhood.ca has also put together an inspection checklist – check it out