Security is a major concern for many people. For extra security, it is a safe idea to have the locks changed on the apartment you move into. This may seem like a paranoid extra expense, but when you consider that it is really impossible to know who has a key to your apartment, it doesn’t seem so paranoid. Even if the landlord assures you there are only two keys or you have the only keys, previous tenants could have made copies. Fire exits are an additional area you should check. Knowing not only where multiple exits are, but also that they are not blocked by storage or anything won’t seem essential unless you need to use them. Most apartments will have smoke detectors, but it may be your responsibility to ensure your alarm has batteries.

Heating costs are sometimes a surprise bill to tenants who didn’t realize they were responsible for their heat in addition to their rent. Asking who pays for the heat, and whether it is gas or electricity will allow you to estimate on your own what kind of cost the heat will be adding to your payments. The landlord can likely give you an approximation, but remember that he is trying to sell you something and may not be entirely honest or accurate. The more information you can find out up front, the fewer unpleasant surprises you will have later on.

Water is another possible headache you might have. Do the pipes normally freeze during the winter? Is there rust in the sinks? Do the sinks drain quickly or are they clogged? Is there hot water and good water pressure? Checking for cracked, leaking, or other evidences of damage and poor plumbing can not only tell you about the water in the apartment, but also the general maintenance. Appliances and electricity are important amenities to look over as well. A stovetop and oven that heats, a freezer and fridge that cools, and adequate electrical outlets for your needs are all things you should check to see are present and working properly.