Rentals

Moving into an apartment is more than choosing the best unit in the best building at the best price. Although these factors are certainly important, if you decide to move into an apartment with a difficult landlord, you will regret your choice, no matter how good is your apartment. So how do you know if the future owner will be difficult? Although there are no guarantees, if you follow some of the tips below, could increase the possibility of moving into a building hosting a landlord.

Meet the owner
Ensure enforcement of the landlord before you move in. Just watching the apartment through the current tenant is not enough. Make an appointment to meet and ask some of the following questions so you can determine how to accommodate it are:

• What initial costs, when there is movement (ie, first and last month's rent, security deposit)?
• When is the rent due each month and there is a grace period (ie five days after the lease expiration date)? Is there a fee and, if so, how?
• How often should a rent increase, and by what percentage?
• If there is a maintenance problem, how long it usually take to get fixed?
• Is there an established procedure for reporting maintenance problems?
• What happens in an emergency situation, such as a switch or a low burst pipe in the kitchen? How long does it take to get fixed?
• If a family member or friend needs to stay in the apartment for a month or so, it is permissible? Is there an extra charge?
• How many parking spaces in the garage receives it? Is it a place for the family or a ground vehicle?

Snoop around
Without the owner (if possible), check the status of the building and public places. The building is well maintained (ie, the lift and work are the hallways and carpets in good condition)? Is there a security system works? What about the pool area? Is the pool is clean and in good condition?

If you can, try to ask one of the tenants if they're happy with the place and if the owner addresses promptly any problems or concerns.