Before renting an apartment, you should check every room thoroughly to ensure that it is safe. Checking for structural damage, smoke, water leaks, and pests are some of the things you should look for. In addition to checking the rooms, you should also check the closets, shelves, and windows for cracks and scuffs. Once you have checked all the rooms, you can start preparing the application to rent the apartment.
Checking for signs of pests
If you’re looking for apartments for rent, you’ll need to inspect each room for pests before signing any lease. Clutter attracts insects and rodents. Make sure trash cans are clean and arranged properly. If you see water stains or standing water, the apartment probably has some kind of pest problem. If it’s big enough, a rodent might have taken shelter there.
If you find feces, you’ve probably found a home for a pest. Look for brown spots that are probably the work of cockroaches or rodents. If you find a few small brown spots, they could be bedbugs. Bedbugs can spread from the bed to other parts of the house. If you’re renting an apartment, make sure you check for bedbugs!
Besides checking for visible signs of pests, you’ll need to inspect for structural problems. Look for holes, cracked walls, and leaks. You can also look for paint issues, such as patchy patches on the walls. The paint should match throughout the apartment and feel professional. You should also check the ceilings for cracks and leaks. And don’t forget to check for cracked or loose covers on appliances and plumbing fixtures.
Checking for signs of water leaks
One of the most important things to check before renting an apartment is its plumbing. If you live in an older apartment with leaky pipes, you can avoid them by checking for water leaks in all rooms of the apartment. You can also check for radon detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure the appliances in the apartment work well and don’t have any visible cracks.
If you notice warped or discolored walls or floors, this could mean that there is a water leak in a room. You might notice pools of water or musty odors. Even a dripping sound could indicate a leaky water pipe. If you can hear water dripping, you should take the apartment off the market immediately. Make sure to get your money’s worth.
Checking for signs of smoke
Before you let your apartment to tenants, you should check all the rooms for any signs of smoke. Wipe windows and window sills and check corners and curtain rods. If you can, ask the tenants to give you a reference to check whether they are clean and odor-free. Smoke has a tendency to settle in these places. You should also ask about the tenant’s smoking habits.
The smell of cigarettes is often the biggest turnoff for potential renters. If the landlord is able to fix the smell, the apartment will be more appealing to prospective tenants. However, if the smell is too strong, the tenants may refuse to rent your apartment. It is best to flush out the smell before renting out the apartment to avoid unpleasant surprises. A soft cloth dampened with vinegar will do the job effectively. Make sure to wipe down surfaces with a soft cloth to avoid leaving a residue. It is best to clean inside drawers as well. Adding dry coffee grounds or a halved lemon to drawers can help absorb cigarette smells.