APARTMENT HUNTING TIPS & CHECKLIST

Finding an apartment can be a difficult and time consuming task. Presently in the Syracuse area there is
a shortage of decent affordable rental housing so finding an apartment can be a challenge. If you are not
careful, pressures and poor planning can lead to renting decisions you might later regret. Well tell you
how to be organized how to rate the apartments you are considering! and things to look for in your
lease. So take your time and make a thorough search. "oull increase your chances of finding the best
place to li#e.
$ry to start looking at least two months before the mo#e. %ast minute hunts can be a disaster. &e aware
that most subsidized housing and many apartment comple'es ha#e a waiting list of at least ( months to )
years.
*heck local websites+craigslist+ newspapers and begin reading through the apartment ads.
,ighlight the ads which look promising-corresponding to your desired location and type of apartment.
.eep in mind the triple goals location, size and cost.
Some apartments are not ad#ertized. $hese can be found by cruising the desired area and looking for for
rent signs taped to the front window or door of the building. $hese signs usually gi#e the landlords
phone number.

"ou will want an apartment a#ailable about the same time you are ready to mo#e, so you may dismiss
many of those a#ailable ne't week if it will be si' weeks before youre considering, howe#er with larger
apartment comple'es they may ha#e apartments a#ailable at a later date as well. *heck those out.
If an apartment is not satisfactory !en yo" #ie it $o not pay a sec"rity $eposit%%% /n apartment
needs to be in mo#e-in condition before putting your money down. Security deposits put down to secure
an apartment are not refundable. &efore paying a security deposit in the *ity of Syracuse you can check
the *ode enforcement history of the property by calling 001-1(2) or by looking online at
http++ipsweb.ci.syracuse.ny.us.
When you begin your search for an apartment, try to keep housing costs on a reasonable scale. "oull be
in good shape if you can keep the rent, utilities and insurance at around 034 of your monthly income. If
you call, 5ational 6rid should disclose the budget payment amount for an apartment.
$ry to #isit apartments during e#enings or weekends to check the acti#ity le#el. 7uality of life is
important to your peace of mind that is worth the effort to find the right place to call home.
,ere is a checklist to help you remember some details to consider in choosing an apartment.
5ow you#e done your homework and ha#e your checklist in hand8youre ready to go. 9emember- it
takes time to make the best decisions. ,appy hunting.
&'ERALL C&NSI(ERATI&NS & PU)LIC AREAS
*lean, lighted, lobby : halls
6ood locks on doors : windows
6arbage : 9ecycling ;whos responsibility<
Parking ;street parking<
Secure mail bo'
%aundry facilities- washer+drier hookup=
>oes doorbell and intercom work=
Snow remo#al dri#eway+walkway ;Who is responsible=<
?owing ;Who is responsible=<
/ccess to bus+groceries+schools
%ead Paint ;children under (<
Smoking Policy
Pet Policy
*ondition of stairs
*able and+or satellite dish allowed
Working @le#ator
INSI(E *H&LE APARTMENT
Is the apartment clean and ready to go=
5o drafts around windows : doors
Screen and storm windows
@nough natural light
Smoke : *arbon ?ono'ide >etectors=
5o roaches or mice. /sk about bed bug history.
Storage adeAuate closet+storage space=
*ALLS+ ,L&&RS+ (&&RS
5o water stains on walls+ceilings+floors
*arpeting= Is it clean : in good condition=
/re the floors le#el=
Working door locks, window latches : other hardware=
Paint *ondition=
@#idence of ?old=
KITCHEN
*ondition of sink, ;scratched+stained+rusted+dented<
Faucets : controls working= /ny dripping=
>oes the sink drain well=
Is the sto#e clean= >oes it work=
/re there adeAuate kitchen cabinets : countertops=
*an the kitchen be #entilated ;window or #en fan=<
*heck the refrigerator : freezer.
)ATHR&&M
Is there enough water pressure+hot water=
Is the sink clean= >oes the drain leak=
>oes it drip= /re there rust or water marks in the bowl=
>oes toilet flush completely= >oes it run continuously=
Is the toilet seat clean : in good shape=
Is the bathtub clean, unstained, : properly caulked.
>oes the tub drain work= >oes it leak=
Is there a working showerhead=
Is there a shower curtain rod=
Is there a medicine cabinet= /re there mirrors= $owel rods=
/re the lighting : electrical outlets usable : safe=
Is there enough water pressure+ hot water=
ELECTRICAL
@nough electrical outlets ;all working<
Will outlets take grounded ;three prong< plug=
@'posed wiring=
Where is the circuit breaker+fuse-bo' located=
HEATING
What kind of heating system is in the place= @lectric or gas=
Will the landlord charge you for water=
Where is the hot water heater ;gas or electric<.
Who pays for heat : electric, budget amount?
Working air conditioner
@nergy efficient impro#ements such as windows, furnace, appliances, insulation=
Who controls temperature+thermostat=