Checklist for Memphis Apartment Selection
Oct 6th, 2007 by Memphis Apartments
Whether you are a first time or veteran Memphis apartment renter, there are basic checklist items you want to keep in mind as you visit Memphis apartments. By following these recommendations, you are more likely to make a good Memphis apartment selection. Remember, you will be signing a twelve month lease, so a good decision is absolutely critical.
Before you look at a Memphis apartment, take a look at the neighborhood in which it is located. Convenience is one of the top concerns of renters. Is the Memphis apartment near your place of employment? Will your friends and families feel comfortable visiting you at the Memphis apartment? Take a look at the crime statistics for the neighborhood. Would you feel safe walking in the area? Consider the parking situation, particularly if you will be parking in a lot or on the street.
When you are ready to take a tour of the Memphis apartment, make sure the Memphis apartment you visit is the one available to you for rent. If another tenant just moved out, ask to take another look after the Memphis apartment is cleaned. If you are shown the model suite because your unit is not available, be sure to look at your Memphis apartment when it is ready before signing the lease. Make sure you like the Memphis apartment layout or floor plan. Complete a move-in inspection with the landlord prior to agreeing to take the Memphis apartment. Do not sign a lease until you are absolutely ready to move in to the Memphis apartment.
Speaking of lease, know what you are signing. Your lease will spell out specifics of rent due dates, late fees, possible extra fees for parking or a pet, and what utilities you are responsible to pay. Find out if the application fee for tenancy approval is applied to the first month’s rent. Make sure the security deposit amount is not greater than allowable under the law. The security deposit is usually due upon execution of the lease.
Regardless of whether you rent from a private landlord or management company, find out what the office hours are for general issues. Ask about their maintenance procedures. What is the process to get a maintenance issue in your Memphis apartment fixed? What if it is an emergency and it is after hours? Know where the emergency exits are, including stairwells if your Memphis apartment building has an elevator. If you are not capable of walking up or down many stairs, consider a unit on the ground level.
Take a look at the laundry facilities. You may not want to rent an Memphis apartment on the seventh floor if the nearest laundry facility is on the sixth floor. Having access to an on-site recreation or fitness facility may or may not be important to you. If it is, ask to see it. You want to make sure it is clean and safe.
Consider decorating rules before deciding to take the Memphis apartment. If you are an artistic or creative person, you might have ideas about painting or wallpapering the Memphis apartment. However, this may be prohibited. Your lease should detail decorating limitations, including wall paint color and number of holes in walls for wall hangings. Ask your landlord specific questions you have about decorating.
Also ask about move-in rules. Some Memphis apartments will not let you move in on Sundays. If you are relying on friends and family members to move you, the Memphis apartment move-in guidelines might be important, though not necessarily, a deciding factor. If your Memphis apartment is on the third floor and there is no elevator, you may have to hire a moving company. This will be an additional, and possibly unanticipated, expense for you.
By following these suggestions, you will ensure that the Memphis apartment you look at is a good fit for you. Always ask questions, even if you think you know the answer. Remember, after you sign the lease, you are obligated to that Memphis apartment for at least 12 months. Be sure you make a good decision!