The Inspection Checklist
As mentioned in a previous post regarding pre-rental apartment inspections, checking over a potential rental won't take long and could save you from renting and apartment that looks good on paper or the screen, but is terrible in reality. As such, the team at myhood.ca found a great inspection checklist produced by U of T’s Student Housing Service that we’d like to share with you. Very simply, these are questions you should have answers to by the end of the inspection and you should be comfortable with the answers prior to signing the lease.
- Do you feel comfortable with the building layout and the neighbourhood?
- Are there adequate locks to provide security?
- Are there smoke detectors? Do they work?
- Are there accessible and barrier-free fire escape routes?
- Is the accommodation adequately heated/properly ventilated/clean/well-lit/spacious?
- Will you have direct control over your heating?
- Are there screens for summer?
- Will cleaning/painting of the unit be arranged before you move in?
- To what extent may you paint or decorate your accommodation?
- Is the plumbing and water pressure adequate and in good working order?
- What appliances are provided? Are they in good working order?
- Are laundry facilities available/nearby?
- Will moving in be difficult due to steep or narrow stairs and passageways?
- Is there adequate storage space for your belongings? Can these be locked? Who else might have access?
- Is car or bicycle parking available?
- Are you expected to pay extra for utilities, cable TV, internet or parking? If so, how much?
- Is it as quiet as you require?
- If you’ll be sharing: Are there adequate bathroom/cooking facilities for everyone to use during peak times? Do you have full kitchen/bathroom privileges?