Although the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is certainly an important consideration when you’re looking for a New Jersey apartment, you won’t want to overlook a few other factors that can influence your decision. Before you start your apartment search, you may want to consider these six things.
Apartment Size
Will your furniture and belongings fit in the apartment? If the manager or landlord doesn’t provide floor plans with dimensions noted, bring a tape measure to your tour and note the sizes of all the rooms. Keep in mind that an empty apartment can look deceptively large. Once you add your furniture, you may have considerably less space than expected.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you expect to add on to your family soon, or are you considering renting with a roommate? Although it’s much easier to live in an apartment that’s too big rather than too small, large apartments have drawbacks too. If you choose a unit that’s too spacious, you’ll pay more in rent and spend more time cleaning.
Location
Sometimes you may find an apartment you love that is located far from the places you frequent. Although it may seem as if adding a little time to your commute will be worth it in exchange for your fabulous new apartment, you may change your mind after you sit in a few traffic jams.
Before you sign your new lease, visit the community during the morning and afternoon rush hours and time how long it takes to reach your office. Also consider the unit’s proximity to stores, medical offices, gas stations and other conveniences.
Wish List Requirements
The ideal apartment will meet most of the requirements on your wish list. Create a list before you begin your search and use it to evaluate each apartment. Depending on your preferences, your list may include the preferred number of bedrooms and full baths, an in-unit washer and dryer, dishwasher, good cellphone coverage, reasonable utility costs, designated parking space, community center, elevator, pet- or child-friendly community, and proximity to work, school and shops.
Upkeep
Does the apartment seem well maintained? Leaks, dripping faucets, dented walls, stained countertops, ancient appliances, damaged floors and other issues aren’t likely to be fixed once you move in, no matter what the landlord says. If he or she can’t be bothered to make improvements and repairs before showing the unit, chances are that issues may never be addressed when you’re a tenant.
When you visit the unit:
- Check for Leaks: Look for brown spots on ceilings, moisture or puddles in sink cabinets, and dripping faucets.
- Close the Doors: Do exterior and interior doors close easily and hang properly? Check out doors on kitchen and bathroom cabinets too. Are they securely fastened?
- Look for Evidence of Unwanted Visitors: Open doors and drawers and look on top of the refrigerator for signs of mice or cockroaches. If the apartment has mice, you may see tiny feces about the size of grains of rice. Cockroach feces are no bigger than coffee grounds.
- Try Fixtures and Appliances: Make sure the burners on the stove work, the faucets offer hot and cold water, the shower produces a steady stream of water and toilets flush properly.
- Check Out the Flooring: Is the carpet clean and odor free? If the apartment features hardwood or other types of flooring, is it in good condition?
Restrictions
Don’t assume that there are no restrictions if the landlord or manager doesn’t specifically address the subject. For example, a pet-friendly community may limit the number, weight or type of pets allowed in apartments. Find out if smoking is allowed in the building or grounds, how many cars you may park in the parking lot, and if you’ll need to pay extra to use the pool or fitness or community center.
Subtle Clues
An apartment may meet all your criteria yet still be a bad choice for you. Perhaps the landlord seems evasive when you ask questions about maintenance, or you can’t help but wonder why the current tenant only uses the dishwasher for storage. If the apartment doesn’t feel like home the moment that you walk in, don’t remove it from your list immediately, but ask yourself what led you to draw that conclusion. It may be that you subconsciously identified a few potential issues that could be easily corrected.
Are you looking for the perfect Bridgewater apartment? Fairway 28, a Country Classics Rental Community, may just satisfy all the items on your wish list. The one- and two-bedroom luxury community offers a convenient location just minutes from major roads and provides the amenities discerning renters desire, including stainless steel appliances, chef’s kitchens, spacious living rooms and bedrooms, large bathrooms and walk-in closets. Contact us for current information regarding apartment availability.
Sources:
U.S. News & World Report: How to Spot a Pest Problem When You Tour a House or Apartment
Apartment Therapy: 5 Things You Always Forget To Check at an Apartment Viewing
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/apartment-hunting-tips-261228
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