The Allstate Blog » Apartment

A Deep Dive into Storage Auctions

Jenny Zhang, SpareFoot — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:00:18 +0000

Storage auctions were virtually unheard of before A&E’s "Storage Wars" gained popularity, joining the new phenomenon of oddly specific reality shows like "Hoarders," "Auction Hunters" and "Pawn Stars." Anyone who has ever watched an episode of "Storage Wars" or "Auction Hunters" may think that storage auctions are some of the most exciting, cutthroat events around, but the old adage holds true: Don’t believe everything you see on TV.

If you’re worried about the belongings inside your self-storage unit falling into the hands of eager auction-goers, save yourself the graying hair— having your possessions auctioned is less likely than these shows would have you believe.

The Laws You Should Know

A facility will only auction the contents of a storage unit if the owner fails to pay rent past a certain number of days. If this is the case, the storage facility must correctly notify the delinquent tenant of any unpaid rent, fees or outstanding balances before proceeding with auction procedures. While laws vary by state, these basic principles hold true across the nation:

Storage facility managers and operators are legally bound to send the delinquent tenant several notifications if he or she fails to pay rent. This can range from post to email, according to the specifications of each state’s law, so be sure to keep your information up-to-date to avoid any unfortunate surprises. These notifications must include an itemized account of the claim and the date before which the tenant must pay.
If the storage facility receives no response or payment from the delinquent tenant, only then can they advertise the lien sale. Again, this may vary from posting in the newspaper classifieds to making an online announcement, according to each state. The law requires that the advertisement includes descriptions of the property, the tenant’s name, address of the facility, time, place and terms of sale, and a statement that the property is being sold to satisfy the lien.
If at any time the delinquent tenant pays, the auction is nullified and the goods are given back to the tenant.

Keep in mind that most storage facilities don’t enjoy auctions and aren’t the enemy in these situations— auctions are sometimes the only way that facilities can legally procure owed rent. Any additional revenue from the auction must be returned to the delinquent tenant, per law.

Be sure to check your state’s laws on lien sales; facilities in Indianapolis, for example, can only proceed with enforcement of a lien when a renter has been in default continuously for 30 days. Facilities in Vancouver, however, only require 14 consecutive days of unpaid rent before proceeding. Read the fine print of your lease agreement; otherwise, you may end up like Lindsay Lohan, who owed nearly $16,000 for unpaid rental fees, according to reports.

How Storage Auctions Work

If you’re interested in attending a storage auction in the hopes of picking up some undiscovered gems, don’t be fooled by the seemingly action-packed environment depicted on reality TV. Countless journalists have attended real storage auctions and returned with reports that they were nowhere near as exciting or dramatic:

Before bidding begins, bidders may preview the contents of the unit from the door. Those participating in the auction are generally not allowed to step inside the unit or touch anything.
After the auction, the winner of the unit usually has about 48 hours to remove the contents and clean the unit. They are not allowed to dump trash from the unit onsite.
The winning bid must be paid in cash.
If the auctioned unit has personal documents like birth certificates or tax records, the winning bidder must return these items to the office for return to tenant.

Most storage auctions happen quickly, and in our experience, bids rarely go above $300. Additionally, you won’t often find exciting stuff like a car or hidden valuables— most units will be filled with boxes, unwanted furniture and random knickknacks. It’s helpful to remember that the storage unit is up for auction because the owner stopped paying rent, which could speak for the importance of the contents inside the unit. Follow the lead of experienced auction attendees: Place your bids accordingly, and don’t be fooled by the audacious bids you see on TV.

Jenny Zhang is a writer at SpareFoot, the online marketplace where you can find and reserve a self-storage unit with comparison shopping tools that show real-time availability and exclusive deals.

Renters: Why You Need a Home Inventory [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Fri, 31 May 2013 08:00:55 +0000

Renters of both apartments and homes have similar concerns regarding safety, security and protecting their stuff. Some disasters can be prevented; others can seem inevitable. Either way, a home inventory can offer all types of renters peace of mind. Our infographic below illustrates some of the benefits and concerns of the renters who participated in our Home Inventory survey. [infographic]

The Essential Guide to Renting a Storage Unit

Jenny Zhang, SpareFoot — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:28 +0000

Many of us, at one point or another, will use self-storage. Whether it be for college, moving, general storage or downsizing, self-storage remains a viable option for those with simply too much stuff. Though, if you’ve never used self-storage before, the process can seem overwhelming: What is climate control, and do you need it? What should you bring on the day of move-in? Will you end up on Storage Wars? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, keep reading for a comprehensive guide to renting a storage unit.

Where to Start

If you don’t already have a storage facility in mind, the Yellow Pages, Google and websites like SpareFoot are wonderful places to start. Many local facilities offer promotions, deals and discounts on storage, so it can be valuable to do research on the various options in your area before making a choice.

Understanding Climate Control

With more and more storage facilities offering climate control, it’s important to understand exactly what it is and how it can help you. The most basic level of climate control guarantees that your storage unit will remain within a certain temperature range. This will often mean anywhere between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some facilities also offer humidity control in tandem with climate control, so ask your facility representative if you’re unsure. If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items like wine, wood or leather furniture, vehicles or artwork, climate control is a must; swings and extreme highs or lows in temperature can affect the quality of your possessions. Additionally, you may want to avoid plastic bags -- a sealed plastic bag can foster humidity, especially if you haven’t properly dried whatever item you’re storing before wrapping it in plastic.

Renting a Truck

Again, depending on the amount and size of possessions you’re looking the store, you may or may not need a truck. Many storage facilities offer deals involving free or discounted trucks and other necessary moving equipment, so make sure you make a point to ask.

Know Your Insurance Plan

It's crucial to insure your belongings if you're planning to store for a long term, and especially if you're keeping expensive items in storage. Check with your agent first to clarify if your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy will cover your stored possessions; while most do, the extent of coverage can vary by insurance company. In many cases, the storage facility may also offer its own coverage. Regardless of which provider you choose, make sure you read the respective insurance policy and rental lease carefully for any fine print to make sure you understand.

A Word on Storage Auctions

If you’re worried about ending up on Storage Wars or Auction Hunters, take note: Storage facilities can only auction off the contents of a unit when the tenant stops paying rent. Even then, the storage facility is required by law to notify the tenant through either public notice, post or electronic mail. The delinquent tenant can pay for their unit at any point during this process, thus cancelling the need for the auction. The process can vary slightly by state, though, so if you’re worried that your chaise will end up on TV, make sure you familiarize yourself with your state’s laws. Overall, however, if you pay your fees on time, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about losing your valuables to an auction.

Security

Before you commit to a storage facility, take a tour and ask about the electronic systems. Do the grounds have video surveillance? Is there gate access? Ask about the neighborhood, or do some research online if you’re unsure.

Locks

Most self-storage facilities will require you to use your own lock, so don’t let that be the one thing you forget on move-in day! Stay away from standard or combination padlocks, as these can be easily picked or broken. Stick with a closed-shackle padlock, disc lock or cylinder lock.

Unit Sizing

If you’re storing heavy or large objects, it can often be worth the extra money to rent a unit on the ground floor. Additionally, choose a larger-sized unit if you plan on "visiting" your items often. This gives you walking space and will make your life exceptionally easier. Don’t forget to take advantage of the height of the unit, which usually ranges from 8 to 12 feet. Store vertically, with heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes at the top. As always, if you’re unsure about the best size for your belongs, describe your stored items to your facility or a SpareFoot representative, and they’ll help you figure out the appropriate size.

Know What You Can’t Store

This includes animals, perishables, firearms (varies by state, make sure you check first), explosives, flammable items, noxious or hazardous materials, and stolen property. Again, if you’re unsure, ask the facility manager before going forward. Jenny Zhang is a writer at SpareFoot, the online marketplace where you can find and reserve a self-storage unit with comparison shopping tools that show real-time availability and exclusive deals.

10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Your Life Easier

Quicken Loans Guest Blogger — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:42 +0000

Despite the chill that still lingers in the air, spring is here. Whenever I hear the word spring I almost always associate it with cleaning. And as much as I really despise cleaning, dusting off the dirt and polishing things up puts a smile on my face. For many, it means it’s time for a fresh start. Spring cleaning is no small task, though. In fact, it can often turn into a huge beast of a project that some of us may give up on. To make your spring cleaning adventure a little less painful, I’ll share a few tips that always help me tackle my dirty house.

Make a list of what needs to be cleaned in each room.

Lists help me stay organized – especially if I have a huge project, like spring cleaning, on my plate. Before I even get started, I walk through each room and write down what needs to get done. Writing a list out also helps me make sure I have all the cleaning materials I need before I get started, saving me tons of time later. It’s a pain in the butt when you have to stop everything to run out and buy more carpet cleaning solution.

Make your playlist.

I have a cleaning playlist that includes the Black Keys, Boston and the Rolling Stones. Listening to music while I clean just seems to make things go by faster. Of course, you don’t have to make a playlist; you could always just turn the radio on to your favorite station.

Get a trash and donate box/bag.

As you go through each room, make sure to declutter. Throw away old magazines and papers from the previous year. Put items you no longer use or need, like that book you bought 10 years ago but never read, in the donate box. Once you’re done cleaning your whole house, itemize your donate pile because you may be able to deduct those donations on your taxes.

Work on one room at a time.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you want to clean your entire home all at once. Try writing down all the rooms in your home on a piece of paper and checking each one off as you go. If you can work on at least two or three rooms each weekend, you’ll get a lot more done and still have free time on the side.

Set an amount of time to work on each room.

I know I can get easily distracted, looking at items I'd forgotten or old photographs, and before I know it I’ve spent the entire day cleaning just one single room. Set a timer so you don't fall into this trap. You can also use the timer to give yourself a little break here and there. Much like a list, it helps keep me on track. Trust me, I get easily distracted.

Get some help.

Don’t do all the cleaning yourself. Recruit your kids, significant other or roommates to help you out. I know that when my roommates and I pitch in together to clean the kitchen, it takes about half the amount of time that it takes when I do it myself. To be honest, if those who live there make the mess, they should also help clean it.

Start from the top and work your way down.

This is just the law of gravity – clean from the top of the ceiling to the floor. Knock all the dusty cobwebs from the corner, wash the curtains, clean the windows, dust the furniture, vacuum the furniture and finally vacuum the floor.

Use natural cleaners.

Many chemical-based cleaners emit hazardous fumes. Some cleaners when mixed together can even emit toxic fumes that can seriously hurt you. Vinegar is a great substitute to use in your bathroom or kitchen and as a general household cleaning solution. Although it sounds crazy, vodka can also substitute for chemical cleaners. My grandmother had sworn off “newfangled” chemical cleaners some years ago. She only cleans with vodka and vinegar. It makes sense, though, because the acidity of vinegar is extremely high at a pH level of 2. A study in the Journal of Environmental Health found that vinegar is comparable to bleach when killing harmful bacteria like E. coli.

Be patient.

My dad always told me to work smarter, not harder. Take your time and let grimy surfaces, like the ones in your bathroom and kitchen, soak in your cleaning solution. Work on something else on your list while your cleaner does the hard work.

Reward yourself at the end.

For me, having something to look forward to at the end of a long day of cleaning sure makes things go a lot faster. Plus, you worked hard and deserve it. Treat yourself. OK, so these ideas won’t make all the dirt magically disappear, but the tips above can make the process a little less agonizing. Just remember to pace yourself. You don’t have to do everything in one day. Want more spring cleaning inspiration for your home? Check out these helpful tips for cleaning up the outside of your home. What kinds of things do you do around the house to get ready for spring? Share what you do with other readers! Krissy Schwab is a writer at Quicken Loans, focusing on sustainable living, home, money and life for the Quicken Loans Zing Blog.

Shoveling Snow: Who’s Responsible, the Renter or the Landlord?

Sarah Katz, Apartments.com — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:44:28 +0000

Winter is not quite over, which means there a few more opportunities for snow to fall and ice to form. And while renters might assume that their landlord is responsible for shoveling snow and other winter weather maintenance, that’s not necessarily true. As a renter, the responsibility for snow removal varies depending on your location and the agreement you’ve entered into with the landlord. To get down to the bottom of the issue, we recommend looking in three places: Your lease, state laws and local ordinances.

Your Lease

Like many questions involving landlord and renter rights and responsibilities, your lease is a good starting point to find out more information. Usually, if you live in an apartment complex with shared walkways and parking areas, your landlord will be responsible for keeping those areas clear; but it won’t always be explicitly written in the lease. (If you’re renting a single-family home where you have sole control over the walkways and driveways, you may find that you’re responsible for shoveling snow and clearing walkways of ice, in addition to cutting the grass and other seasonal maintenance.)

State Laws

If your lease has no mentions of snow removal, your next step is to find out what your state law says. State laws vary, and responsibility for the task may differ depending on the apartment you’re renting and the terms of your lease. This is important if your lease does not explicitly mention snow removal, but it's also important even if your lease does cover the topic. Some landlords, particularly smaller ones, use stock leases without being fully aware of the relevant state laws or statutes. If your landlord has an obligation based on state laws, the language in your lease may not change or override that.

Local Ordinances

Finally, take a look at your local ordinances. Some cities and counties have additional laws, called ordinances, which place obligations on either tenants or landlords.They’ll spell out not only your landlord’s responsibilities with regard to snow removal, but may provide you with remedies, or a person to contact, if management isn’t keeping up their end of the bargain. While these ordinances won’t conflict with state law, they may increase your responsibilities—or your landlord’s. You can usually find a copy of local ordinances on your town’s or county’s website. By checking your lease, state laws and local ordinances, you should be able to get concrete answers to your question who is responsible for shoveling snow during the winter months.

This is a guest post from Sarah Katz, Content & Community Manager at Apartments.com.

Living Large, Spending Small: Tricking Out Your First Apartment on a Budget

Lindsey — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:00:45 +0000

I'm done with college and officially a member of the real world. I have a job and a new apartment. I'm feeling safe and secure from those real-world risks with a new renters insurance policy for my apartment. Now, I just need some new stuff that's worth insuring. I want my new pad to be a cool, comfortable spot to hang out and entertain; I'm so done with living in sorority house squalor. Luckily, I've got $3,000 in graduation gift money saved and, after doing a little research, this is what I'm thinking I'll pick up.

TV

In school, I spent a lot of time watching Hulu on my laptop, but that doesn't feel very adult. I'll need company while I watch hours of reality TV on Sunday afternoons and making my girlfriends huddle around a 13-inch computer screen just isn't going to cut it. These days, and especially around the holidays, it’s not unusual to find a 40-inch HDTV on sale for around $375, which would be a great, affordable addition to my living room and will definitely win me brownie points with my football-crazy boyfriend.

Laptop

My job's not a simple 9-5, and my boss expects a lot from me. Because I want to do my best, I'm going to need to put in some time after hours and on weekends and I'll need a reliable computer for that. It's time to upgrade the 4-year-old fossil I've had since freshman year, and a refurbished laptop looks like the perfect replacement. OK, yes, the fact that I'll look really cool sitting on my couch while typing on it is a contributing factor.

Couch

No more beanbags and blow-up furniture. It's time for a real couch that hasn't been dragged inside from a street corner. I'm thinking about going to that gigantic, Scandinavian furniture store to pick up an ultra-sleek loveseat for just over $300. It seems relatively affordable, but its bold style statement makes it look about three times the price.

Record Player

I'm a huge music lover, but I can't afford a top-notch sound system yet. I could always blast tunes through my laptop, but a $100 record player might be a more interesting aesthetic addition to my living room. Picking one up will also force me to amass a collection of vinyl...which is totally awesome in its own right. Album covers are also a great cheap way to decorate a space if displayed in an interesting way.

Vanity

Being able to relax in my apartment is a top priority, but I'll need to get out and show off my heel collection at some point, too. Prepping for nights out with friends is a process, and I need a chic beauty station to make sure all goes to plan. That's why I'm buying a vanity and stool. It'll look perfect with my bedroom set and it's less than $150. Some people say beauty is pain, but no one says it has to cost a lot.

Studio, Apartment or Condo: Which One’s Right for You?

Jamie Grimes - Apartment Guide — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:18:55 +0000

Searching for a place to rent can be overwhelming if you consider the array of available options. Should you take the studio? Or opt for something a little larger, like an apartment? Or maybe even a condo that's up for rent? If you find yourself contemplating these questions in your rental search, check out our guide for answers on which option—studio, apartment or condo—is right for you.

Renting a Studio

The average size of a studio apartment in New York City is about 550 square feet, according to CNN. You may think living in such cramped quarters is all drawbacks, but there’s surprisingly a lot to love about living in a teeny space. Consider the following:

Savings. Studio apartments are generally the cheapest units available, which gives you an opportunity to save money.
Prime location. With the money you’ll save renting a smaller space, you might be able to afford living in the hip and trendy parts of town. Many studio apartments are located in urban areas within a short distance of fun restaurants and shops.
Less cleaning required. If the thought of sweeping or vacuuming makes you feel sick, then studio apartment living may be for you. Living in a much smaller space means less surface area to keep clean.
Perfect minimalism. Life in a studio will teach you how to prioritize your belongings. You’ll quickly figure out what you really need and absolutely can’t do without because of limited space.

Renting an Apartment

If you’re still looking to save money but don’t want to sacrifice space, living in a regular-sized apartment really gives you the best of both worlds.

Bonus amenities. If you’re looking for amenities but want to avoid having to pay extra fees for a gym or health club, you might look into renting at an apartment complex that has a swimming pool, tennis courts, hot tubs or gym facilities. Sometimes, the added extras really make a place worth renting.
Extra rooms. An apartment can be a good option if you like to entertain or if you frequently work from home. Having a bedroom allows you to maintain private areas when you have guests over for cocktails; overnight guests can also enjoy private sleeping quarters. A bedroom can also double as a home office, which you can leave behind at the end of the work day simply by shutting the door.
Yard. Renters that live an on-the-go lifestyle might not exactly have extra hours for time-consuming yard work like mowing, watering or landscaping. Many larger apartment complexes are beautifully landscaped, which means you can enjoy all the benefits of having a yard without putting in any of the work.

Renting a Condo or Townhome

Renting a condo or townhome may be a great alternative to living in an apartment complex, and while the two may seem similar, they have more differences than you might think.

Private ownership. Most condos are owned by private, individual owners, who generally have a bigger emotional investment in the property than a commercial landlord. This means that the space might be better maintained. Carpets, windows and walls may be cleaned or painted more frequently, and the space may be equipped with better appliances and features like premium countertops and flooring.
Negotiation. Since most condos are privately owned, the owner may not be looking to make a huge profit from the rental. The owner may just be looking to cover the mortgage, taxes and other condo-related expenses, which means you might have more room to negotiate monthly rent payments.
Sense of community. Most people living in condo buildings are unit owners, which mean there’s likely less turnover among the residents than in an apartment building. People tend to know each other. And, chances are, you’ll get to know others who live in the building rather quickly and enjoy that shared sense of community.
Security. Living in an owner-occupied building can offer what feels like an added layer of security. Longer-term residents have a better feel for the neighborhood and can be more aware of suspicious activities. Condominium buildings also sometimes have greater security features, like secure entry doors, a staffed front desk or a doorman; and, in many instances, unit owners also have individual home security alarms. Additionally, a parking spot is almost always assigned to you, so you likely won’t have to worry about unsafe street parking.

This guest post was provided by Apartment Guide, a leader in apartment search listings and moving, decorating and green living content. Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction.

Winter Home Safety: The Tree [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:58:59 +0000

Home safety during the holiday season can be a priority with friends and family coming together for various celebrations. Preparation can help you avoid the most common in-home dangers, even when cooped-up in the house during the winter months. Prevent the holiday tree-related causes below and your holiday season can be event-free. [infographic]

7 College Winter Break Safety Tips

Frank Rivera, ADT — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:37 +0000

Heading home for winter break becomes something of a ritual for many college kids. Students finish their exams, say goodbye to their friends for a few weeks, and prepare for a return to doing chores, coming home before their parents’ curfew, and sleeping in. But, all too often, students head home without realizing the best way to protect the things they’re leaving behind. When locking the doors and closing the blinds aren’t enough, here is a list of college winter break safety tips to help your son or daughter leave any worries about their apartment behind:

Create the illusion that someone is home

A favorite of homeowners, this is a tactic that works for apartment dwellers, as well. Connect lights, the radio and even the TV to an automatic timer that can be used to vary the on/off pattern of interior lights when your child is away.

Recruit a trusted neighbor

If your son or daughter is going home for an extended period of time, a friend or neighbor can help pick up the mail, park a car in the driveway or even shovel some snow—all creating the appearance that someone is home.

Make the last person to leave do a double-check

If your son or daughter lives with other students, a good security tip is to discuss who will be leaving last, and then make sure that person is willing and able to double-check all windows and doors, turn on any automatic timers and put away or cover up any common-area valuables, such as gaming systems or big-screen TVs.

Keep utilities in mind

In cold-weather areas, pipes can freeze, crack and cause water damage. If they don’t have a flood alarm, talk with your college students about ways they can safeguard their home or apartment by keeping the heat inside their temporarily unoccupied apartment to at least 58 degrees. Also, windows should be completely closed; a one-inch opening near a pipe can be enough to cause it to freeze and break.

Care for a car that’s left behind

Students who are carpooling home and leaving their vehicle back at school for winter break should park in a well-lit area or secure location and remove all valuables (GPS, small electronics, etc.) from the car. Talk to them about electing a friend who is staying behind at school to start the car, so that it's not sitting idle.

Keep good records

Students should consider taking small items, such as personal safes, jewelry boxes, electronics and laptops, home with them during college winter break. If they must leave items of value behind, recording the serial numbers, brand names and date and price of purchases, and taking a few pictures of their valuables will help authorities identify their property in the event of a theft or a natural disaster.

Don't go back with family heirlooms

Many students like to come back to school after winter break with a memento or special reminder from their homes. All too often, these reminders have a certain priceless value attached to them. Explain to your children that they shouldn’t bring anything back to school that they can’t afford to live without. Of course, not everyone goes home for college winter break. If your son or daughter is enrolling in a winter session or chooses to stay on campus, be sure they do so with extra precaution. Campus crowds and campus security may be a little light during this time, so added awareness is imperative. Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Services. Recommended by the editors:

The Apartment Walkthrough: Things to Watch Out For Before You Move In

Jamie Grimes - Apartment Guide — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:49:33 +0000

You’ve found a great apartment in your price range and are ready to move in. But before you pack your bags and boxes and load up the moving truck, you’ll want to do an apartment walkthrough. Essentially, it’s like running through a home safety checklist; you walk through the apartment with your landlord or rental agent and determine if there are any issues that need fixing before you move in. This is one of the most important steps in the moving process. An apartment walkthrough will ensure that you avoid any fees for damages (that you didn’t cause) when you move out; if it isn’t initiated for you, make sure to request one. Read on for a list of common problems to look for during a walkthrough.

Come Prepared

The first step to a successful walkthrough is to make sure you come prepared. Bring a camera to take pictures of any problematic areas, and make sure you have a notepad and pen handy to take notes. Also, bring a tape measure and size up the doorways to ensure your furniture will fit through them.

General Checks

Check for any signs of an insect or rodent infestation, such as droppings or chew marks.
Bring a cell phone charger to plug into outlets and check function.
Make sure home phone or cable jacks are available (if you'll be using them) and that they are functioning and accessible.

Safety Checks

Make sure proper fire safety equipment is installed: Check to see that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and in the appropriate areas, and ensure that fire extinguishers are in place.
Find the fire escape plan (if your apartment is in a complex) and make sure you know where to go in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Door and Window Checks

Check all windows and doors to make sure they open and close properly.
Try all locks and doorknobs to ensure they are secure and not wobbly. If there is more than one type of lock, ask to receive a key for each lock.
See if all window coverings are intact, including screens. Check for drafts.

Bathroom Checks

Flush every toilet to make sure the plumbing works properly. Look inside the tank to make sure the handle is sturdy, so you know it’s not going to snap.
Check for leaks under the sink by running every faucet. Look under the sink to make sure there are no drips, water discolorations or odors. Fill up the sinks to make sure they hold water and drain properly.
Make sure the shower head works and isn’t spraying water all over the place.
Test the hot water to ensure it heats up in a timely manner. Check the water pressure.
Check for any cracks or discolorations in the bathroom mirror. If there is a medicine cabinet behind the mirror, make sure the door opens properly.

Kitchen Checks

Turn on each appliance (microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, etc.) and make sure it works properly.
Turn on all the burners on the stove to make sure they light up. Open and close the oven door, and look for all the racks in the oven. Check the broiler and make sure it works.
Open and close the fridge doors and pull out every drawer. Check any musty smells. If there is an icemaker, check to see if it works. Make sure the fridge is chilly and the freezer is cold.
Examine the linoleum or tile for any scrapes, scuffs and cuts, and check the counter tops for any stains, burn marks or chips.
Open and close all the cupboard doors and drawers. Check for chips and dings.

Bedroom and Living Room Checks

Flip every light switch on and off.
Test the air conditioner on both the hot and cold settings. Listen for any strange sounds and be aware of any weird smells, which could be a sign that the filter needs to be changed.
Open and close the blinds to make sure they work properly.
Look for cracks and dents in the walls and baseboards, which could be an indicator of structural damage.
Check for any aesthetic details, like stains on the carpet, chipped paint, peeling wallpaper, nail holes in the wall.
Make sure the fireplace (if there is one) is in working condition.

Once you and your landlord have completed the apartment walkthrough, clarify the terms of the security deposit, schedule any repairs, and make sure to sign a document detailing the agreed-upon condition of the property.

This guest post was provided by Apartment Guide, a leader in apartment search listings and moving, decorating and green living content. Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction.