Looking for a condo unit for rent is one of the most exciting things about moving into a new neighborhood. The idea of finding the perfect space that you’ll be staying in while you take that new job or start the new semester is something a lot of people get really excited about. Sometimes though, with all this excitement going on, condo hunters tend to overlook a few important details that must be considered before settling into their new homes.
If you’re one of them, you must know how to make the most out of your condo visit. Aside from checking out the number of rooms, the size of the kitchen, and whether or not the bathroom has a bathtub, there are a few other basic things you need to check before saying YES to your landlord. In this list, we have provided a number of highly important things to check when touring a condo for rent.
1. Check for power outlets.
One of the things that are often overlooked when looking for the perfect condo is the number of power outlets in the unit, as well as where each socket is located. Consider your appliances and electronic belongings and assess whether or not the available power outlets in the unit are positioned in a way that would be convenient for you. Make sure that the number of power outlets would satisfy your needs early on, so that you can avoid being inconvenienced one you move in.
2. Assess the location.
Skylounge, Tivoli Garden Residences, DMCI Homes
Sure, the condo unit may be in a peaceful neighborhood, and you’ve even met a few neighbors you think you’ll perfectly get along with. However, you must also consider your lifestyle and carefully calculate how easy it will be for you to get in and get out of the building. Regardless if you’re a student or an employee, it is important to consider how near the condo is to your university or workplace, and what transportation options will be available to you.
3. Check the available amenities.
Rhapsody Residences, DMCI Homes
Most condominiums offer free use of building amenities. But while most of them do, you might want to compare your options in terms of the kind of amenities you’ll be able to access. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, having free access to the building’s gym would be a plus, right? Know which condo unit could offer you the best amenities that would suit your lifestyle, and make this one of your top options.
4. Know your roommates.
Sometimes, renting a condo would require you to live with a roommate (or roommates, depending on how big the condo unit is and how many rooms have been rented out). Remember that you’ll be living here for quite a while, so be sure that the people you’ll potentially share a room with are people you’ll be comfortable being around. If possible, discuss early on how you would separate the bills, and how chores would be distributed. This will save you from a potential conflict in the long run.
5. Ensure your safety.
There are a lot of ways you can gauge the safety of a certain condo unit. First, of course, is the location. Make sure that the building is located in a safe place, with enough security personnel and surveillance systems. Second, consider how many fire exits there are and where they are located. Another important thing is that you must be able to easily access a fire extinguisher should there be any fire emergency. Third, assess every detail such as the lock on doors, windows, cabinets, etc. Make sure all of these are in tiptop shape and made with high quality materials.
6. Consider the lighting access.
If you’re visiting the condo unit during the day, pay attention to how much natural light actually goes in the house. You want a place that makes use of as much natural light as possible, so that you can save on electricity while you’re in the condo during the day.
7. Evaluate the quality of the fixtures.
It’s easy to get blown away by the appearance of a particular condo unit, especially if there are nothing but elegant-looking faucets, sinks, and light fixtures everywhere. But there are some cases when some of these fixtures actually need to be repaired, or even replaced. Make sure that all fixtures are in working condition before even considering moving in.
8. Look out for potential noise.
Too much outside noise can be overly disturbing for a student who has to study, or to a tenant who has to finish some work at home. This can also be a problem if you’re someone who can’t sleep unless it’s completely silent. But even though you can handle a bit of clatter from time to time, it would still be great to find a place without too much noise pollution.
9. Check for available parking space.
While all condominiums most certainly have parking spaces, it would be practical to know how easy it would be for you to park your car. Does the condominium assign tenants their own parking spots, or is there a first come – first serve policy? Make sure that the parking terms will work for you.
To make sure that you don’t forget anything, make sure to list down all of your concerns and priorities and carry this list with you during your condo hunt. If you want to be even more organized and efficient, make a list of pros and cons for every condo unit you visit. This way, you can be really objective in choosing the right condo that will suit all your needs.
