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Housing>>Renter's Guide>>Searching
Tips>>Evaluating the Options
Evaluating
the Options
Reasons for
choosing housing varies from person to person, but everyone should assess
important, basic characteristics before signing
a lease agreement.
Consider
the following –
Do physical conditions in the rental provide for
a safe living environment?
Does
the rental have basic security features and is it located in an area
where I feel safe?
Is
the general condition of the rental acceptable to me?
Assessing the Physical Conditions of the Rental
- Are smoke detectors installed on every floor and outside sleeping areas, do they work?
- Do windows and doors unlock and open easily if you would need to exit quickly?
- Where are the emergency exits for rentals located on the second floor or above?
- Is the electric wiring system adequate for your needs? An overloaded electrical system is a fire hazard.
Assessing Basic Security Features
Some
basic security features include -
- Windows with secure locks.
- Sturdy exterior doors with deadbolt locks.
- Exterior doors with peephole or other means of seeing outside without
having to unlock and open the door to see outside.
- Trimmed trees & shrubbery leaving windows and
entryways with an unobstructed view.
- Adequate exterior lighting.
To evaluate
area safety, consider the following -
- Visit the rental several times. You will likely view it during the
day. Returning in the evening may give you a different impression.
- Try to meet neighbors and talk to them about the area.
- Visit the Durham
Police Crimemapper web site to obtain crime statistics
for the community.
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Assessing the General Condition
- Take your time inspecting the rental.
- Examine and test, as best you can, the things you will use on a regular basis
Electricity
- Turn on lights
- Look for outlets & receptacles for plugging in lighting,
computers, telephones, and cable.
Plumbing
- As you go through the kitchen and bathrooms, turn on the water.
- Is their adequate waterpressure?
- Are there any leaks?
- Does the water drain in the sinks, shower and bathtub?
- Do toilets flush?
Heating
- How is the rental heated and do all habitable rooms have heat?
- How is the heating system maintained if it does not operate
properly? (Ask the same question for air-conditioning)
Appliances
- What appliances are provided?
- Do they work?
- How are appliances maintained if they donot operate properly?
Ceilings, Walls, Floors
- Are there stains on ceilings, walls, carpet?
- If yes, ask the
landlord if the rental has hadwater damage (which might cause mold & mildew
problems).
After you inspect and test everything, confirm with the
landlord what they maintain and how they maintain it.
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