Finally, you’ve narrowed down your choices for apartments. From finding the right amount of space to keeping within budget, you made it to the apartment tours. However, the search isn’t quite over. There is a lot to consider when you are touring apartments, especially when you are close to finding a lease. It is easy to be hasty when you want the hunt for the ideal apartment to end, but every question and every right answer matters during the apartment tour.

Touring apartments can be just as complicated as searching for the apartment itself. The primary difference is that, now, you can ask your questions upfront and physically see whether the apartment you’re viewing is right for you. It is important to remember that you won’t be viewing an apartment that you aren’t approved for. There will be a discussion of fees, rental budget, the security deposit, and your background check before you are scheduled for a tour. Because this is an important step in the process, no one wastes their time.

As you tour apartments on Broad Street in Columbus, OH, make the most out of speaking to the tour guide. They should know everything about the apartment and the building, as well as fees and nearby amenities. If they cannot answer all of your questions, it is a red flag. Ask about the typical budgetary items, such as which utilities are included, fees and deposits, discounts or move in offers, and anything else that may affect your finances once you move in. You should be comfortable with their answers before you move forward withing signing a lease. 

Look at the apartment itself. Is it clean and well-maintained? Just looking around at the post-move cleaning from the last tenant is another way to judge whether the apartment complex is right for you. Check for a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, leaky faucets, up-to-date and functional locks, test the thermostat, and you should even make sure that the toilets flush properly. Don’t be afraid to check something out if you’re unsure. Other important aspects to consider when touring an apartment include storage space availability, parking information, filing maintenance requests, and the location of the mailbox. 

Much like any other significant purchase or long term rental, finding the best apartment for your family, budget, or lifestyle matters. You may not be a homeowner, but the apartment that you choose is your home. It should be your ideal vision of what an apartment should be - or, at least, come close.