1) Cost: Make sure that the apartment is within your price-range. If you don't know how much you can afford or you want to estimate how much money you will need, click here.
2) Utilities: You may have to pay for utilities (gas, electric, water) yourself when you move to an apartment. Make sure you take into account the extra expense of utilities when deciding on a rental property. A good way to find out general utilities cost is by talking to the tenants who live in the property now. They may be able to give you advice about the property.
3) Trash: Trash collection may also not be included in your contract. In Buffalo, residents need to buy a special trash bin in order to have the garbage collected. This can sometimes be costly. Be sure to ask the landlord if trash collection is included in the contract.
4) Snow Removal: Snow plowing can cost as much as $10 to $100 per service. Make sure that you understand the snow removal policy in your contract before signing.
5) Parking: Parking is very limited in many neighborhoods in Buffalo. You will probably have a driveway that only holds two vehicles, which means that you might have to park in the street. Remember that once a week at four o’clock you will have to move your car to the other side of the street so that you won’t get a ticket.
6) Condition of the Property: Is your apartment in good condition? Is there a washer/dryer? Are the stairways and other supporting structures safe? Is there a refrigerator and stove? Find the answer to all of the questions before signing a lease. Use common sense when examining an apartment, because most serious problems will be very obvious.
7) Windows/Doors: Make sure that all of the windows and doors are functional by opening/closing them. Also, make sure that there aren’t any large gaps or cracks in the windows/doors because you will lose a lot of heat in the winter if there are.
8) Furnished: Is the apartment furnished? If it is, try out the furniture and make sure that it is comfortable enough to use. The price for a furnished apartment will probably be higher than an unfurnished apartment, so make sure you keep that in mind when comparing apartments.
9) Restrictions: Ask the landlord if there are restrictions regarding pets, friends, parties, decorations, painting, renovating, subletting, noise, etc.
Information adapted Skidmore College, Office of Residence Life