Moving into new apartment - checklist?

CluelessWiFi

Hi folks,

Moving in to a new apartment for the first time in years (and first time where I haven't been a housemate moving into an established houseshare) next week.

Just wondering what the protocol is. What should I check before I sign the lease? The ESB meter? The gas meter? If there's an inventory of equipment, etc.?

I'm honestly clueless about this sort of stuff, so any help greatly appreciated!

the_syco

Get a camera, and take photo's of any damage (if possible the one with a date stamp on it). Notify the agent of the damage. This is so that you don't get charged for something you didn't break.

Ring the ESB up, and tell them the number on the meter. Ask if there's an inventory, and check if it's all there.

Cathmandooo

Make sure you know how the heating works, very important now that it's getting cold, you don't want to have to wait for someone to be able to come round again to show you.
Check the shower(s), make sure the pressure is ok, learn how the water heats
Flush the toilet(s)
Check the cooker works properly, ditto for fridge & freezer
Check the lights
Sit on all the furniture, bed included, make sure they're comfortable and not broken
If there is an inventory list go through it, tick off everything as you see it, anything missing/broken should be reported.
Check for internet
Get a breakdown of who the various bills are with, esb, gas, phone, etc.
Take a meter reading.
Check for mould, particularly near the ceiling in the bathroom.
Check all windows open
When you get the key immediately check it works in the door.

Don't be afraid to take your time, don't let them rush you, have a good look around, poke around everywhere.

Flimbos

I agree with the above advice, basically check that everything works before you hand over money, flick every switch, turn every tap etc.

Also, as it is an apartment...

- Check out things like the access to the front door, have you a key/ fob or access code.
- Check intercom for front door, make sure it works.
- Find out about waste disposal - where is the bin store, is there a recycling store?
- Parking, do you have a designated spot, or it is shared?
- Get the management agent's details.
- Check that the fire escapes (landings, stairs) are clear.

Fiii

the_syco wrote: »

Get a camera, and take photo's of any damage (if possible the one with a date stamp on it). Notify the agent of the damage. This is so that you don't get charged for something you didn't break.

Ring the ESB up, and tell them the number on the meter. Ask if there's an inventory, and check if it's all there.

+1, but not just damage - take pictures of EVERYTHING. As many as you can, and with a date stamp.
This is a bit away yet, but do the same when leaving the property. Take pictures of everything, that way you have proof of how the apartment looked when you moved in, and moved out.
(Always good to have incase the landlord tries to pull a fast one and keep your deposit...happens all too often these days, so better safe than sorry!)

peeweegirl

Also - check everything that was in the advert is there - we recently advertised a property & put things in like 'microwave' but forgot that we had to leave it there for the new tenants!
We got one put in for immediately and it was an honest mistake...
But make sure youre getting eveything that they're advertising! Youre entitled to it!