Crucial things to check when viewing a rental apartment

Before handing in the documents for a rental application to apply for a flat, it is essential to check some basic points about the accommodation and its surroundings. Find out the important things to check when visiting a rental flat.

Visiting a rented flat: checking that the accommodation is sound

When you are looking for a flat to rent, you don’t want to go through major renovation work. It is therefore necessary to find a property that does not require this type of investment, a healthy property in which you will be able to put your suitcases. To do this, when visiting a rental flat, pay particular attention to the bathroom and kitchen. Check the walls, floors and especially the ceiling. Traces of dampness, warped floors, drips… Anything that might suggest water damage or insufficient ventilation should alert you.

Visiting a rented flat: making sure you have good thermal insulation

Sometimes, when we visit a rented flat, our hearts go wild. You fall in love with the view from the terrace, the parquet flooring, the mouldings, the space, the light… If you can already see yourself in the apartment and are ready to submit the documents for a rental application, you must quickly refocus on taking an objective look at the property. It is difficult to be satisfied with single glazed windows for example. If you have any doubts about the property’s insulation, ask to see the outgoing tenant’s heating bills if possible. If it is indeed deficient, you may regret your choice.

Visiting a rental flat: assessing the housing environment

Another thing to check before applying for a flat and signing a lease? The environment. First of all, pay particular attention to the co-ownership. You are not responsible for any work, but if the stairwell is not clean, for example, you should be concerned. Next, it is advisable to observe the neighbourhood. Is it noisy, not very busy, too quiet for your taste, is it possible to park there…? In short, try to project yourself into this new place before signing a rental contract. And if, in the end, it doesn’t work out, you can find other flats for rent on SherlockHomes.

This article is not exhaustive and does not engage the responsibility of its author.