Do you want a patio?

Some apartments have a patio so you can get some fresh air, and those can be nice to have. Keep in mind that some apartments have strict rules against having a grill on the patio, though, so make sure you read the leasing agreement … or at least don’t get caught.

 Smoking

If you smoke cigarettes, which you should stop doing, it can be a challenge to find a place to do so. Some apartments, and houses don’t allow smoking in your unit or on the premises at all.

Utilities

More often than not, apartment tenants are responsible both for rent and for the necessary utilities — water, sewer, electricity, gas, etc. Sometimes landlords cover a couple or all of these utilities, which can be a definite plus because you don’t have to worry about dealing with other bills.

Internet and cable are often included in a rental agreement too, but be aware of the service provider if you’re picky about your connection speed.

Pushing snow, mowing the lawn

In apartment areas, it’s more often than not the duty of the property manager to take care of the land. It’s nice to not have to worry about pushing snow off the sidewalk or maintaining a yard.

With houses, it’s common for the resident to have to take care of everything from the utilities to the lawn care. If this is the case, keep in mind that you’ll have to purchase a lawn mower, ice melt, a snow shovel, etc. and have a place to store all your supplies.

Leaky sinks

When you’re touring a place, it’s a good idea to test out anything and everything, even if you think you’re stretching your reach too far. You have the right to ensure that everything is in working order before you decide to legally bind yourself to a property, though most property managers are required to fix broken/unsound things in your apartment.

A big thing to check is your sinks and your drains. Run some water and make sure excess water doesn’t spew out the back or around the nozzle, and ensure that the used water drains smoothly in the sink basins and shower/bathtub.

With this, check ceiling fans to make sure they aren’t wobbly and test out plug-ins to see whether or not they’re loose/a potential fire hazard. Also check windows to make sure they aren’t leaky and that they seal correctly. The same goes for doors and vents.

Take measurements

Furniture can be weird dimensions, and doorways/hallways/staircases can be hard to manage. Measure the openings through which you’re going to move all your things through to ensure that you’ll be able to move into your new place without a hitch.

Too often there’s an awkward staircase that only allows a full bed to squeeze through or a corner by your door frame that doesn’t allow you to twist your entertainment center just right to enter.

Storage, storage, storage

Areas to put your stuff aren’t always on the top of your checklist when you’re touring a place, but it should be a big deal. It’s pretty horrible to move in all your junk and realize that you have no shelves and/or closets to put it all in.

Check for a pantry, linen closet, kitchen cupboards, extra bedroom closet space, etc. It’s always nice to have extra room.