What are your top tips when going to look at apartments for rent? Do s' & Don't s?

Question

here are mine:

1) don't look at an apt alone , go with a friend. You 'll be able to compare notes after...

2) bring pad and paper and DO take notes: the address, the time and date of the visit , the name of the landlord. If he shows you more than one apt, make separate notes on that one two ( actually you and the other person with you can both take notes)

3) when going to sing the lease - again- DON"T go alone- DO sign the lease in the apt you have agreed to lease. DON"T sign your lease off-site, say at a nearby restaurant or cafe where 'there's more light'.

4) If someone ( a parent ) co-signs the lease, DO so only on-site , at the apt. The landlord DOESN"T have to meet your co-signer.

5) when in doubt , trust your intuition and don't sign anything if you are not sure about it.

I just rented an apt that was next to the apartment that I was shown and had agreed to rent , due to the above tactics of the landlord. Hopefully the lease will be voided.

Answer 1

Actually, most cosigners have to be present with landlord to sign in person when everyone signs. I would say #1 is read your lease, because most people dont then cry about it later.