Whether you’re new to apartment hunting or a seasoned pro, there are some things you should always bring with you when you go to view apartments. This will help you make sure that everything goes smoothly and you get the apartment you want.
To begin with, it’s important to bring some identification and paperwork. This is a way for you to prove that you are who you say you are and can legally live in the apartment.
1. Identification
A lot of landlords and real estate agents prefer to see some form of identification when you come in for an apartment viewing. Whether it’s your driver’s license or passport, a government-issued photo ID will prove that you are who you say you are and can legally live in the place you’re touring. This will help ensure that your personal safety is protected as well as the integrity of the property you’re visiting.
Other documents that you may need to bring with you include your employment and proof of income, a letter of recommendation from a previous landlord or a friend, and any other renter’s papers you have. Some properties also require a credit report, which is a great way to demonstrate your financial stability and reputation. It’s also important to take notes during the tour, as you’ll want to have something to remember all of the details of the place.
2. Proof of Employment
One of the most important things to bring to an apartment viewing is proof of employment. This is a great way to prove that you have stable income and the means to pay your rent on time every month. You can generally just bring your pay stubs or bank statements, but if you want to be really prepared, you should also bring letters of recommendation or a cover letter that explains how you can be trusted to pay your rent.
You may also want to bring along a friend or family member to the apartment viewing as they will be able to help you better understand what to look for in an apartment. You will also want to bring a camera and make sure to record video or take photos if needed.
You also want to make sure that you are comfortable and presentable when you are visiting an apartment. This means that you will need to dress in clothes that are professional yet comfortable and clean. For example, a pair of dark pants and a button-up shirt with sneakers or boots is ideal. If the apartment you are viewing is more upscale, you may want to consider wearing a suit and tie or a dressy outfit with heels.
With these tips in mind, you will be able to find your perfect new home much faster!
3. Renter’s Paperwork
Before you go apartment hunting, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have all the right paperwork on hand. This includes a copy of the renter’s paperwork and anything else that may be required when you’re applying for an apartment.
You might also want to bring along a friend or family member, who can help you ask the right questions. This way, you can make sure that you don’t miss out on an awesome apartment.
Aside from the above mentioned materials, you should also take along a list of questions to ask, a notebook or notepad and a camera. This will help you ensure that you don’t forget any important details about the apartment you are viewing and will allow you to take a few extra photos before you move in.
Another useful item to have on hand is a smartphone or digital camera. This will allow you to take pictures of the property and the surrounding area, which will be very helpful should you need to ask any follow-up questions later on.
One thing you should never neglect when touring an apartment is a good pair of shoes. The right shoes will make all the difference in how well you feel and function in the apartment that you decide to move into.
There are plenty of other things to consider when planning a tour of an apartment, including what type of furniture to bring and whether or not to rent a parking spot. However, the most important thing to remember is to be ready to move in and start paying your rent as soon as possible. This will prevent you from getting stuck with a lease that isn’t in your best interest.
4. Phone
After you have narrowed your apartment search down to a few possible candidates, you will need to schedule an appointment to tour each property. This is a great way to determine whether or not the place is right for you and your family.
During the apartment viewing, you should be prepared with all of the necessary paperwork. This includes everything from a filled out application to proof of employment and references. You should also bring a copy of your credit report so that the landlord can check your credit before you sign a lease.
The first step is to call the leasing agent or landlord and schedule an appointment for your apartment viewing. They will then let you know the time and day of the appointment. This will allow them to schedule the proper amount of time for you to view the apartment and give you a comprehensive tour.
It is always a good idea to arrive early for your apartment viewing. It will make the process run more smoothly and will also help you to make a great impression on the leasing agent or landlord.
Another good idea is to arrive with your phone or tablet, so that you can take notes during the viewing. This will help you remember important details about the apartment that you may want to note down for later.
You can use your phone to record videos or take photos of each room and the outside area to share with your roommates. This will help them get a better sense of the space and can even be helpful for them to consider moving into the same apartment.
When you are finished touring the apartment, it is a good idea to call the agent or landlord and thank them for their time. You should also mention some of the benefits and features that you found most appealing about the apartment. This shows the agent or landlord that you are truly interested in their property and are more than willing to help them find a tenant who will be a good fit.
5. Camera
Apartment viewings are an essential part of the apartment-hunting process. They help you narrow down your options, gauge how well a place fits your needs and budget, and determine whether it is truly a good fit for you.
In addition to bringing your list of questions, a folder with any brochures or marketing materials you’ve been given and your phone, a camera is also useful for taking pictures of each apartment you tour. This can be helpful to remember your top picks later or share with friends and family.
When you’re touring an apartment, it’s important to be respectful of the property owner or agent. This is especially true if you’re viewing an occupied apartment and there are still tenants living in the building.
It’s also important to follow any rules that the agent or landlord may have regarding entry into the apartment. This is because they need to make sure that you’re not breaking any laws or damaging any of the property.
For example, if you’re trying to rent an apartment that has a door that opens into the backyard, do not touch it or move anything inside. This is a common mistake that can cost you money and lead to serious legal issues down the road.
Finally, it’s crucial to be respectful of the other people who are there for the viewing. This means keeping your children under control, ensuring they don’t run around, and not touching anything in the apartment that you wouldn’t want them to touch.
You should also let whoever showed you the apartment know if you’ve decided to not go with it. This isn’t an etiquette rule, but it’s polite to let them know. It can also be a great way to keep the agent or landlord in the loop, so they can show you other apartments that suit your needs better.