Apartment Hunting:

• Have a realistic budget and expectations
• Be gainfully employed or have a guarantor
• Dedicate to managing a serious apartment search which will take perseverance
• Know what you are looking for and what you don’t want, so not to waste your own time or the time of others
• Know the neighborhood and community that you want to live in
• Know what you want in terms of bedrooms, closets, bathrooms, size of kitchen.
• Know the terms of the lease that you need
• Know what you want in terms of flooring, heating type, oil/gas, appliances, fireplace, air conditioning, washer/dryer, dishwasher, storage, deck, security system
• Know the proximity to public transport, schools, shopping, work/school, park and recreation facilities
• Have a copy of your credit report in hand ready to give it to a landlord if you see a place you like.
• Be prepared to give either a check or cash for an initial deposit if you like a place
• Be prepared to give previous landlord references, references, or anything else that will make you look great
• Be dressed to impress (you don’t need to wear a three piece suit, but try not to look like an absolute slob either)

Pets, Utilities, and Amenities

• Do you allow pets?
• Do your charge a pet deposit and if so is it refundable?
• Are there limitations on my pet?
• Are any utilities included?
• Which of the utilities am I responsible for?
• Am I going to be responsible for any maintenance?
• Is there parking and is it included in the rent?
• How many spaces will I get and are they assigned?
• Is there anywhere for guests to park?
• Is there laundry on the premises?
• How is trash removal handled?
• Are there any community rules regarding overnight guests, parties, or quiet hours?

Additional questions you may want to ask

• What modifications am I allowed to make to the apartment? (Painting, wall papering, installing shelves, hanging pictures, etc.)?
• 24 hour number for maintenance emergencies? How fast can I expect for someone to respond to a maintenance problem?
• What is the current tenant mix and can I speak with them?

Property Walk through:

• Make sure that the place is clean and free of debris
• Signs of insects, vermin, or rodents
• Signs of leaking or water damage in the floor, walls, or ceilings
• Leaks in the bathroom or kitchen fixtures
• Cracks or excessive holes in the walls, floors, or ceilings
• Lack of hot water
• Inadequate lighting or insufficient electrical outlets
• Signs of rust in the water from the taps
• Inadequate heating
• Defects in the fixtures
• Make sure that there aren’t offensive odors and that there is adequate ventilation
• Damaged flooring
• Make sure that there are adequate trash and garbage receptacles
• Make sure that there is not chipping paint (especially in older buildings). In the tenant information there is a link to information on how to protect your family from lead. You can also get additional information by calling 1-800-424-LEAD
• Make sure that there isn’t crumbling asbestos in the apartment. Asbestos particles can cause serious problems if inhaled and are often used to insulate pipes, as siding, or flooring tiles. Make sure that if it is used that it is in good condition
  
   

Utility Information

Below is a list of all of the utility companies that you will need to get your apartment turned on. If you have any additional information please feel free to give us a call.

Rhode Island

Electric Company
Natural Gas Company
Phone Company
Cable Company
 

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