My only issue with apartments was noise. In apartments bass travels and can be a huge annoyance. I've been on both sides of this. The time I was the 'offender' I was listening to music at 2am that was barely audible. My bass also was not up to the point that I could notice any vibrations whatsoever, but it was apparently traveling right up the wall to my neighbor and driving him nuts. I'd ask which unit you'd be renting and then drop by a few times during the week late at night and just see how things are before signing the lease. Sucks to find out you just moved in next to Mr. Techno 24/7 after signing on for 12 months.
[–] TheMagicalElf ago
As another poster said, don't rush into getting a pet. I have 2 cats and they limit my options, as many complexes and rental houses won't allow pets, or put strict limitations on them such as 1 cat, or only dogs below 40lb. Most complexes I've lived in charge a pet deposit on top of the regular deposit, as well as a monthly "pet rent", so it increases living costs in addition to food, toys, litter, etc. Cats require less work in a lot of ways than dogs, but they also can be harder to train out of bad behaviors (peeing on the carpet, scratching furniture). Having a pet can be great, but considering the costs is important, especially when the rest of your situation is changing at the same time.
[–] 5404009? [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Not sure if you'd know this, but since apartments generally have to let emotional support/service animals in regardless of their general policy, and you don't have to actually have any certification for your pet to be an emotional support animal, could I buy a cat at any apartment and claim it's an emotional support animal?
It's not really lying, I do get extremely depressed and lonely without SOME kind of friendship, human or animal.
[–] TheMagicalElf ago
I'm not sure on that one, you'd probably have to check your state laws on what qualifies a service/support animal.
[–] DontDomeMe ago
Well my opinion is to go into the apartment and check every nook and cranny for damage and document it. Make sure you let the landlord know of your inspection and have them sign a document agreeing to the pre-exisiting issues. Will save your ass if they try to say youre the one who damaged it.
[–] IggyReilly ago (edited ago)
When looking at apartments, pull the knobs off the stovetop. If there's grease under there, god only knows what else the cleaning crew missed. Also look under the sinks throughout and check to see if there's any water damage. Even if it's dry but there's a stain, ask the agent to see if it was fixed. If the windows are weirdly fogged up - like between panes of glass - the windows need to be replaced (which won't happen) and very inefficient. Same for patio doors. If you see that fog, know your heating and cooling bills will be sky high. If you live in a cooler climate, get a higher floor apartment - heat rises. Opposite if you live somewhere hot most of the year.
Once you moved in, do a thorough walkthrough, photographing and noting (on the landlord's walkthrough sheet) any damage or dirt, missing/burnt out bulbs, blinds, holes in the walls (even nail holes) drip pans under stove burners. Check inside of cabinets for any damage. Make sure the air filter is brand new. They charge an arm and a leg for anything, and will assume it was all you unless you prove otherwise when you first move in.
DON'T make the mistake of taking a "No deposit" leasing special unless you know how to do a walkthrough before moving in. Also, when it's time to move out, insist on a final walkthrough with the agent, and get an idea of how much of your deposit you will get back.
If you're unsure of the neighborhood, drive by the place at night - that's when the ghetto comes to life.
[–] [deleted] ago
[–] youareivan 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
don't automatically get a pet as part of your new apartment situation.
i've lived in the same apt. for years and have seen a lot of people move over the years. nearly every one gets a cat or dog right off the bat almost like getting utilities turned on like it was some how required rather than actually wanting a pet. don't get me wrong pets are cool but they are a lot of work too.