I know that it can be tempting to dive headfirst into a new apartment lease.
You have found a property in an area you are excited about, the amenities are nice, and the price is within your budget.
However, there are a couple of things you need to review before you sign.
If you make a hasty decision, you can shoot yourself in the foot for months to come, signing a lease on an apartment with some “dark secrets.”
Make sure that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into before you sign.
1. Possible Infestations in the Kitchen
One of the worst possible fates that you can suffer is a roach infestation that you have to deal with for the full extent of your lease.
If you want to spend your nights begging for your lease to come to an end, then ignore the importance of this point and sign a lease without first checking for signs of previous or current infestation.
Check all of the shelfs, closets, and dark recesses of your potential apartment.
Odds are, the landlord will have cleaned up any infestations before you came to review the apartment, but also be on the lookout for signs of past issues like residue from insects or old traps.
You will be glad you did.
2. Leaking Roofs or Pipes
Make sure that you also examine your ceiling and areas around piping for any signs of water damage.
Discoloration, swelling wood or distended plaster are dead giveaways.
Check for water damage before you sign and you can save yourself months of headaches.