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2021-03-18

Things To Check & Inspect When Touring A New Apartment

Even if you think you’ve found your dream home, take a closer look. Sometimes, there’s more than meets the eye in an apartment—and not in a good way.

Luckily for you, we’ve put together the guide that every apartment renter will wish they read before moving in. Check for these common issues to avoid selecting the wrong apartment. Let’s dive into it!

The appliances

That six-element stove won’t be much use if it can’t turn on properly! As you tour the apartment, try to test out any appliances you can. That includes things like the dishwasher, laundry machines, and oven. If you have a portable thermometer, check the temperature of the fridge.

It’s also a good idea to test the power outlets (which could be the underlying issue behind malfunctioning appliances). Plug your cell phone charger into each outlet and make sure that it works. 

Check the pressure on the taps and shower. Does the water heat up in a reasonable amount of time? Flush the toilet to make sure it works. These little checks can help you avoid a major inconvenience in the future. 

Finally, check the lights! This might not cross your mind if you’re viewing an apartment during the day, but it’s not something you should skip.

If you notice anything amiss, write it down. You can present the issues to the property manager—if they’re willing to fix them, great! But if not, you might want to tour another apartment. 

Talk to the neighbours

Not only does this help you learn about the building, but it also gives you an idea of who you might be sharing walls with. Here are a few questions to ask them:

  • Are the other tenants noisy?
  • Does the landlord perform repairs promptly?
  • Have there been any pest problems in this building?

Pay attention to what neighbours say—it will give you an idea of how tenants are treated in the building. 

The doors and windows

Be sure that all doors and windows can lock securely to prevent any unwanted entry into your home. You can try holding your hand in front of them to see if any draft comes through—that could mean more expensive heating and cooling costs.

The drawers

The last thing you want to find when you move into an apartment is a cockroach lurking in the kitchen cabinet. During your tour, be sure to take a close look around the drawers, shelves, and cupboards for any signs of pests.

Look for droppings, shed skin, or an unusual odour—all these signs point to a pest problem.

Under the sinks

If you’re paying for the water bill, you want to be sure that pipes aren’t leaking. Look for signs of water damage in the cabinets beneath the sinks. You may want to look in closets, too, where pipes might run within the walls.

The cell phone reception

When you call your closest friend to tell them about your new apartment, they can’t hear a word you say—the call keeps breaking up! Maybe it wasn’t your dream apartment after all. 

During an apartment tour, try to call someone just to test the cell phone reception. If the call keeps dropping, it will be a constant annoyance.

Looking for Winnipeg apartments for rent? Check out the listings on our website at Globe Property Management. Contact us today to schedule a tour!

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