What to Look for When Visiting an Apartment

You should make sure of a few things before signing a lease. Here’s an easy-to-use list you can refer to while you’re visiting the apartment.

How much is the rent, and what does it cover?
Rent: How much are you required to pay to the landlord every month (typically the first of the month)?
Services and furnishings included: Are heating, electricity, hot water and/or WiFi included in the price? Does the apartment come with any furniture or appliances?
Terms of payment: How will you be making the payment (e-transfer, cheque, cash) and to whom?

Heating
Type of heating system: Electric? Natural gas?
Equipment: Does every room have a baseboard or radiator?
Insulation: Is the apartment well insulated (windows, doors)?
Included or not: Is heating included in the rent? If so, who sets the thermostat?

To determine the heating costs, you can contact Hydro-Québec (electricity) or Énergir (natural gas). You can also look at old energy bills (especially for the months of December through March).

Electricity
Electrical outlets: How many wall sockets are in there in every room?

Ventilation
Exhaust fan: Is the bathroom properly ventilated, with an exhaust fan vented to the outside?
Windows: Is there a window in every room?

Plumbing
Water pressure: Is there enough water pressure?
Fixtures: Are the faucets, showers and toilets working properly?

Appliances
Condition (if appliances are included): Are they working properly (fridge/freezer, stove/oven, etc.)?
Washer and dryer: Are there outlets in the apartment for a washer and/or dryer? If not, are there laundry facilities in the building? If so, where are they, and how much do they cost to use?

Furniture
Ownership: Does the furniture currently in the apartment belong to the tenant or to the landlord? Make sure any furniture to remain in the apartment is noted in the lease.
Condition: What is the condition of the furniture that comes with the apartment?

Storage
Storage spaces: Is there sufficient storage (closets, cupboards, indoor/outdoor lockers)?

Safety and security
Locks: Are the locks on the front and back doors of the apartment in good working order?
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers: Are they where they should be and do they work properly? Check the expiry dates.

Cleanliness
Pests: Are there any signs of cockroaches, bed bugs or other pests?
Mould: Are there any signs of water damage, stains or discolouration on the walls, floors or ceilings?

Amenities and services
Stores: Are there places nearby to buy fresh groceries and personal supplies?
Property upkeep: Is there someone on site who takes care of garbage disposal, snow shovelling and other maintenance tasks? If so, this should be mentioned in the lease.

Transportation
Public transit: What are the nearby public transit options?

Neighbourhood
Compatibility: How does the surrounding area feel to you? Does it match your personality and your interests?
Proximity to where you are taking classes: How much time does it take you to get to the CSC, DEC and/or EHB buildings?

Co-living considerations
Other tenants in the building: Who are they (students, older adults, families, couples)?
Noise: Who lives above and below you? Sound tends to travel from one floor to the next, especially in older apartments!
Roommates (if sharing the rental): What kind of lifestyle and personality do they have? What’s their attitude toward living with other people? What kind of arrangements are there for splitting the bills, food, chores, etc.?
Common areas: Are there any common areas included in the rental (patio, yard, parking space, etc.)? If so, they should be mentioned in the lease.