Househunting for the Perfect Rental
2010-01-12
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After visiting a number of properties, you will find that the details can become a blur; however, these details can be very important in making your decision. Write down distinctive features and use the House Hunting Check List help you recall a details of all property you have toured. Pay particular attention to safety and maintenance features. The following list includes some features you might want to consider in your inspection of the properties:
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Is the area safe? Visit the neighbourhood with a friend at night to get a feel for the area.
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Check for security features such as a dead-bolt lock, locking windows, and Charlie-bars on sliding glass doors. Check the doors for signs of break-ins. As it is impossible to determine who has a key to your apartment, the lock on the apartment door should be changed when you move in (this is usually at the tenant's expense).
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Check for fire safety features such as accessible exits, fire escapes, fire extinguishers, and working smoke detectors.
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Are the sinks and bath-tub cracked or leaking? Check for water damage.
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Do the pipes freeze in the winter? Rust in the sinks, mould on pipes, and leaking faucets are all evidence of poor plumbing.
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Are there three-pronged electrical outlets in every room? Are there enough electrical outlets for all of your lamps and appliances? Is heat included in the rent, or does the tenant pay for it? Is the apartment heated with gas or with electricity? Does the apartment have its own thermostat? Are there radiators or heating ducts in each room? If you are responsible for the costs of heating the apartment, make sure that you do not simply accept an approximation of what these costs are likely to be from the landlord. Call Utilities Kingston at 613-546-0000 and they will provide you with the monthly average over the past 12 months.
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If renting a house or townhouse, check the basement for water damage. Notice the heating/air-conditioning unit and the size of the hot water tank (especially when sharing the property with others. Cold showers are unpleasant in the winter!).
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Check the plumbing-run the water in the sinks, tubs, and showers while observing the flow of the drainage. Notice any faucet drips and leaking pipes. Run the garbage disposal.
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Make sure appliances are in good working order Turn on all stove burners and the oven check if the oven heats adequately and that the burners that heat evenly.
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Check the refrigerator and make sure it is cold. Check to see if there is excessive Ice build up in the freezer.
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How thin or thick are the walls? Can you hear the neighbours? Can they hear you?
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Observe electrical fixtures and receptacles. Also check for visible loose or frayed wires.
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Do you observe any bug or rodent infestations? Check the cabinets, under the sinks, and in closets.
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Look at how the premises have been kept up thus far. This can be an indicator of what to expect for the future.
Good Hunting!
