Five Things You Need to Add to Your Apartment Checklist

1. Five Things You Need to Add to Your Apartment Checklist

2. Five Things You Need to Add to Your Apartment Checklist • Searching for a new apartment might leave you scratching your head and wondering what you should ask about before signing your lease. Writing down new apartment checklist will give you a list of things you should look at and ask about when meeting new apartment managers. Your checklist will help you determine which apartment is best for you.

3. Adequate Security • Not all apartment complexes offer security, but the best complexes should take the time to protect both you and your belongings. Even if you can't afford to live in a building with 24-hour guards walking the premises or a doorman downstairs, you can look for buildings that include other security options. You might want a building that have locked doors that only residents have keys for or buildings that have security cameras monitoring the premises.

4. Average Electric Bills • Far too many people rent an apartment without thinking about the average utility bills that they face. When meeting with different managers, ask about which utility companies provide services for the area and the average cost of each bill. If the manager cannot answer questions about the average bills, contact each company for help. Torch Energy can let you know if you might face a $30 average electric bill or a bill of closer to $75. Most companies can tell you the average price of the bills based on the size of the apartment and the usage of past residents.

5. Included Amenities • Don't forget to ask the complex manager about any amenities included in the cost of your rent. While some complexes advertise an on-site gym, swimming pool or fitness center, those complexes neglect to mention that you pay extra for each feature. Some complexes will even charge you those fees if you don't use those amenities. If you rent a townhouse or a similar property, the complex might also charge you maintenance fees that aren't included in your rent quote.

6. Parking Situation • There is nothing worse than renting a new apartment only to discover that the parking lot outside your building is always full. When you visit during the day, you'll typically see an empty lot, but when residents come home from work, the parking lot can fill up quickly. Some buildings only offer street parking and have no established parking lots, which can make the parking situation even worse. You might even find a few complexes that charge you a monthly or annual fee for a parking space near your apartment.

7. Surrounding Area • One of the most important things you should add to your checklist is the surrounding area. You'll spend a lot of time driving through the neighborhood, and you want to live in a place where you feel safe. Drive through the area early in the morning, later in the afternoon and late at night to get an idea about the neighborhood before you agree to sign a lease on a new apartment. • An apartment checklist includes the things that you should examine before signing a lease contract. Look at the neighborhood, the average bills, the security and amenities offered and the parking situation.