What to look out for when renting

“The time of my life!” “Most fun I’ve ever had!” “Can’t wait to do it again!” 

These are just a few examples of things that no one has ever said about searching for an apartment. Even when apartment hunting goes as smoothly as possible, it’s still a long process. And the last thing you want is to finally sit down to relax in your fully furnished apartment, only to realize that your neighbor is an all-hours DJ and that that smell isn’t going anywhere. Whether you’re new to renting, returning to renting or tired of learning from your own mistakes, use this guide to be thorough when looking for your next apartment visit and get it right the first time. 

Test out amenities and utilities

When you get to the apartment for your visit, make sure everything is in working order. Start with the electrical outlets — a small pluggable item like a night light will quickly reveal whether they’re working or not. Then test out fans and lights, and, if possible, make sure that the air conditioning and heating systems work. At the very least, check that the thermostat is reading the right temperature. 

Run water in the kitchen and bathroom(s) to ensure that the water is clean, the hot water is working and the water pressure is to your liking. You should also make sure the toilet works by giving it a quick flush. Just make sure the leasing agent’s not with you if it’s, you know, a real flush. 

Search apartment listings on KSL Homes

Picture yourself living in the space

Make sure you can see yourself living comfortably in the apartment, house or condo you’re visiting. Don’t ignore important things you might care about like natural light, open space or a comfortable remote-work area — you’ll be living there, after all. If something feels off about the place and you have enough time, money or energy to look somewhere else, don’t settle. Your future self will thank you. 

Take measurements for important items

Once you’re done imagining a cozy life with all your favorite stuff moved in, make sure all that stuff can actually fit. Know the measurements for important items like beds, couches, desks and TVs, and bring a tape measure to your visit. If you can’t make it to the site in person, have a friend or family member visit for you. They can take measurements and share their judgments with you, and you can trust them to be up front with their opinions.

Explore the neighborhood

Your neighborhood is where you’ll be living your life, so it’s important to take the right considerations during a visit. First of all, you want the area you live in to be safe. Any major red flags in terms of safety should probably be considered deal breakers. A crime reporting website will help you see if there have been any dangerous crimes committed in the area, and how often. A seemingly nice neighborhood could always surprise you. 

Search all rentals on KSL Homes

Note the noise

Something else that often surprises renters is unexpected noise. Spend some time wandering the area, and keep an ear out for sources of noise like trains, loud neighbors, busy intersections or barking dogs. When considering both safety and noise, be sure to visit the area at night. Things can change drastically in both of those departments when the sun goes down. Talk to neighbors or other tenants, too. They have no reason to stretch the truth.

Assess the parking situation

If your house, condo or apartment complex doesn’t have a dedicated parking area, pay attention to the parking options in the neighborhood. Does street parking seem readily available? Are there nearby lots you’re allowed to park in or can pay to park in? Parking garages are a luxury many will pay extra for, since Utah winters bring snow and Utah summers bring car-boiling heat. 

Try out your commute

Speaking of cars, it might be a good idea to do a trial run of any drives or trips you regularly make. Whether you travel around town for work or fun, it’s good to know about any unexpected obstacles on your usual routes. You can also try out public transportation in the area to see if it’s an easy and viable option. Cutting back on gas might help you spend more on making your place a home. 

Research the landlord or property manager

Not all landlords are created equal, and the best way to resolve disputes with an untrustworthy or frustrating landlord is to not get involved with one. Google the landlord or property manager to make sure they haven’t appeared in multiple cases against tenants. If you’re dealing with a property management company, you should be able to see their reviews on Google. Of course, some people just like to complain — if they were just as dramatic about a watery latte they might not be a trustworthy source — but an overwhelming number of bad reviews is not a good sign.

You can also go straight to the source and talk to other tenants in the building (if applicable). Hearing their own experiences and others they’ve heard about should give you a good idea of how the landlord operates. 

See rental listings on KSL Homes

Take pictures of imperfections 

No matter the landlord, you should absolutely take pictures of any damages or imperfections in the space before you move in. You may not need them, but if someone does try to pin them on you, you’ll be glad you have the evidence. 

If all this is starting to sound doom and gloom, don’t worry. KSL Homes hosts only legitimate, quality rental listings, and thousands of Utahns have found excellent rentals online without a hitch. But it’s always best to err on the side of caution and be as thorough as possible when considering something as important as your next living space. You want to feel at home in your new home, after all. 

Start searching for your next apartment on KSL Homes today.