Chicago Renters Should Look At These 5 Things Before They Land on a Condo | Brixbid

If you’ve spent any time looking for condo apartments you know there are many factors to consider when deciding on your next home. From rent to leasing terms there are numerous important factors to consider. But once you start touring condos in person, your attention should shift to the physical characteristics of the property and 5 key things you should check out before signing a lease.

Pay Attention To The Entryway

The entryway can tell you a lot about the condo for rent in Chicago you are considering. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the entryway door or doors. Check to see how the locking mechanism works and inquire if there is an alarm system in place. Look for a deadbolt lock on the exterior door for extra security.

Spend a few minutes in the entryway to get a feel for the space and the lighting. You should pretty quickly have a feeling about whether or not you would feel safe coming and going home to this space every day.

Don’t Ignore Hallways And Living Rooms

While hallways and living rooms usually get a quick look to see if they are up to the renters standards, it’s important to be a little more discerning. You may not be looking to rent in luxurious areas but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a condo of good quality. Check for smoke detectors and ensure they are working. In the event that you decide to rent the condo, you will want to know exactly where these devices are so you can make sure their batteries are checked every six months.

Bring a phone charger with you on your tour to check outlets for working power. Do a rough count of these receptacles to make sure there is enough for your electronic needs. If there are any overhead lights, flip their switches and ensure they are in proper working order and if the light level requires extra lamps or lighting.

Kitchen Nightmares

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home and it should be one of the most inspected when on a condo tour. Turn on the sink faucet and check underneath the sink for any ongoing leaks or signs of previous leaks. Soft, peeling, or discolored cabinet wood is a red flag for water damage that should be addressed.

Speaking of cabinets, it may seem strange at first but make sure to open and inspect every cabinet in the kitchen. It’s important to note now if any hardware needs to be replaced but more importantly check to see if there are any signs of infestation.

Peek Into The Bathrooms

Functional bathroom fixtures are an absolute necessity and should be inspected carefully. Just like in the kitchen, run the faucets and check for any leaks underneath the sink or sinks. Keep a keen eye out for any signs of mold that could be showing due to leaks or the general moisture that bathrooms create.

While you have the sink running, check the shower or bath water pressure and ensure that hot water is available quickly and consistently. Take a moment to flush all of the toilets and ensure they are working properly and that they don’t run for an extended period of time after refilling.

Keep An Ear Out

Last but not least, make sure to keep an ear out for any noise you may notice during your time at the property. Many condos for rent in Chicago have convenient access to the L train, but this can come with added ambient noise.

If the noise from the L or from neighbors is too much to handle in the short time you are on your apartment for rent in Andersonville tour, it likely won’t get any better once you are living there. Be discerning and honest with yourself about what level of ambient noise you can tolerate and make your rental decision accordingly.

Deciding on a condo to rent can be an exciting and stressful time. Arming yourself with as much knowledge as you can now will help you make the best decision possible when comparing properties and inspecting your next home.