What to Look for in a New Apartment 

So, you’ve been searching for some time and finally found a rental.  It looks amazing on paper, and you’re eager to give it an in-person walkthrough. Still, don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. Just like when searching for the best Wilmington moving companies, you must conduct proper research first.  

A tour will help you get a sense of the rental’s condition and what it might be like to live there, but to make the most of your visit, it’s better to go well prepared. To determine if an apartment is your dream home or not, here are some things to look out for on your first visit. 

Look Out For Working Lights on a New Potential Rental

Walk Through the Rental 

Touring the unit will allow you to assess the exact layout, see the window placement, and check its proximity to amenities such as stairwells and elevators. 

If another tenant was there before you, this is your opportunity to search for lingering odors or stains and request a special cleaning.  

  • Pro Tip: Visit the rental property at different times of the day to find out if it’s noisier during the night, if your neighbors are loud, or if parking becomes scant in the evening. 

Evaluate the Condition or Existence of Amenities 

While visiting, make sure to test that all appliances are working as they should. Among them, try out: 

  • Light switches 
  • Locks 
  • Doors, windows, and blinds 
  • Cabinets and closets  
  • Electrical outlets  
  • Water pressure  
  • Toilets, sinks, the tub, and shower  
  • HVAC and stoves, if there are any 
  • Cell reception 
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors  

Pay particular attention to any feature that may require repair later on. 

  • Pro Tip: Bring a flashlight and a phone to take photos of any potential issues. The photos will help you keep a fresh image of any issue when you’re back home, deciding whether to sign a lease. 

Read Reviews of the Building 

When you’re comparing options, clients’ reviews can provide valuable third-party insight. 

If you’re renting an apartment, do research and read reviews about the building and its management company, if it has one. Try to find people who provide pros and cons, to get a more balanced perspective. 

  • Pro Tip: Watch for red flags. Are tenants complaining about the building’s maintenance? Are there complaints being overlooked? 

Ask Questions! 

The best time to ask questions about a property is when you first see it. To save you time, energy, and stress, here are an apartment’s must-ask questions

  • Do I need to get my own internet access?  
  • How are repairs handled, particularly during an emergency?  
  • How can I file a complaint?  
  • What is your pest-control policy?  
  • What other amenities are on site?  
  • Are there mandatory quiet hours?   
  • Can you move in with pets
  • Are there restrictions on painting or putting holes in the walls?  
  • Are utilities included in the cost? If not, how much do they cost on average? 
  • Pro Tip: North Carolina’s statewide average for basic utilities is around $450 per month. 
Wilmington Moving Companies Help You Move Into a New Potential Rental

Hire One of the Best Wilmington Moving Companies 

Every rental has advantages and disadvantages, but you don’t want to get so excited that you overlook things that can seriously impact your quality of life later on. Following these recommendations will bring you closer to finding the apartment of your dreams.  

Once that happens, give us a call

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Pink Zebra Moving did an excellent job moving me into my new home! They were willing to accommodate my request to move on a holiday, immediately following my closing. They were incredibly time efficient without sacrificing careful handling of my belongings. I highly recommend this moving company.

Sarah

I cannot speak highly enough of Heath and his team. The guys were all professional, on time and super fast. They handled our belongings like their own and were very careful. Another great thing is our driveway isn't the easiest to get a big truck up and down and they were able to do it no problem

Christopher

We love Pink Zebra Movers! They were thoughtful, friendly and professional. They showed they cared about our furniture. As a Realtor, I have heard plenty of horror stories. Pink Zebra made the whole process very stress-free. I will only recommend them to my clients from now on.

Dede

These were the most professional and hardworking guys!! We could not have had a more pleasurable move!! Definitely the best moving company out there

Chandra

We loved our movers. They were super nice and professional and definitely knew how to pack a truck! Pink Zebra definitely went above and beyond. We have moved several times and this by far has been our best experience!

Stefanie