The Best Apartment Tour Checklist and Apartment Search Guide

When you’re planning or considering a big move to an apartment home rental, first things first… There are a variety of options when it comes to finding a perfect fit for your living situation. So after you’ve narrowed down your location, apartment home floor plan needs, and budget, it’s time to take either an in-person or virtual tour. 

Here’s the thing. No one wants to be surprised by a missing must-have on your wishlist when you pick up your keys and walk into your new space for the first time. And sometimes while you’re touring one or more properties in a single day, you’re busy looking at what your property concierge is highlighting vs. comparing what’s offered against your priorities. 

At Redwood, we know a thing or two about apartment searches, tours, and moving. For 30 years we’ve been showing our spacious, single story apartment rental homes to prospective residents across seven different states and 18 metro areas.

So to help our Redwood tour-takers, we’ve developed a comprehensive apartment tour checklist:

Lease Options

It’s important to know the differences between long-term, short-term, subleasing, and how your lease renewal process will work. Rental rates may differ between a six, nine, or twelve month lease. As an example, at Redwood Neighborhoods, we offer promotional pricing incentives for residents who select our 15-month lease option.   

Apartment home rental leasing discussion points to go over during your tour:

• Application fee
• Security deposit requirements
• Discounts / Promotions
• Renters’ insurance requirements
• Guarantee policy
• Sublet policy

Floor Plan Options

If you’re touring an apartment neighborhood or high-rise, chances are there will be more than one floor plan available for you to lease. You may only be offered one floor plan to tour, so be sure to hit up your tour guide for two-dimensional floor plan drawings that can really help you visualize each floor plan home layout. 

Additional apartment floor plan question topics to ask about during your tour:

• Minimum to Maximum Square Footage
• Availability / Move In Date Options
• Major differences between floor plans (including pricing)

Location

Narrowing down your search to a specific city is a step in the right direction. But drilling down further to discover what conveniences are in close proximity to your new apartment living might be the key to your happiness. Be sure to talk to your apartment property guide about: 

• Freeway entrance access
• Commuting distance
• Nearest hospital
• Nearest shopping centers
• Nearest entertainment/Recreation or park centers

On-site Manager

Many apartment communities have an on-site manager to help with the day-to-day operational needs of their residents. An on-site manager may be able to help out with package deliveries, move-in day, and other tasks. Be sure to ask how the on-site team can assist you.

Smoking Policy

While in most states, there are no laws prohibiting smoking in private residential apartment rental homes, depending on the property management company policy, they may require additional fees for smokers including larger security deposits and mandatory move-out cleaning fees. As an example at Redwood, every single-story apartment home is 100% smoke-free. Be sure to ask about resident smoking damage responsibilities and common area smoking policies. 

Privacy 

If social distancing is high on your priority list, then privacy is an important part of your apartment rental home search. Securing a home where you have exclusive access to your front or side door will filter your search and eliminate many multi-unit highrises or condos.

Apartment privacy items discuss during your tour:

• Common code building entrance
• Gated community
• Private front door
• Maintenance access
• Private mailbox
• Private parking/Garage access

Pet Policy

Many apartment homes today are considered pet friendly, but at the same time, you’ll be held liable and responsible for your furry friends’ actions. It’s important for you to understand what’s allowed, expected, and covered in any rental pet policy. 

Pet policy details to discuss during your tour:

• Number of dogs
• Number of cats
• Breed/weight restrictions
• Pet deposit or up-front fees
• Monthly add-on cost
• Noise policy
• Pet move-out costs

Included Apartment Home Utilities

Some home seekers prefer to keep monthly bills and budgeting simple. So if you’re on the lookout for a “utilities-included” or “all bills paid” apartment where your property management company covers all the services you use with your single rent payment, be sure to ask your tour guide about:

• Cable
• Water
• Trash
• Gas
• Electricity
• Internet

Included In-Unit Appliances

While property management companies and landlords are required to maintain the structure, electrical, and plumbing systems of their homes, appliances and appliance maintenance may or may not be part of your lease terms. Talk to your leasing team about what’s included as part of your rental home package, including:

• Refrigerator
• Stove/Oven
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Washer/Dryer
• Air Conditioning
• Other

Home Upgrades

Lots of apartment home property management companies are offering residents upgraded amenities as part of the overall value of their lease agreement. From added storage space to energy efficient appliances, be sure to ask about these common updated in-home amenities:

• Walk-In Closets
• Ceiling fans
• Vaulted or high ceilings
• Patio/Balcony 
• Elevator (If applicable)
• Window coverings
• Pantry / storage space
• Granite countertops
• Eat-in kitchen
• Separate office/Flex space
• Fireplace
• Electric vehicle parking

Neighborhood or Complex Upgrades

Depending on your lifestyle, you may be looking for amenities that are accessible on-site or close to your apartment rental home. As an example, if you have one or more dogs, you may be looking for a large green space or dog park for morning and evening walks.

Be sure to talk to your apartment tour guide about resident only: 

• Walking paths/Green Space
• Gym
• Pool
• Dog park
• Clubhouse
• Community social events
• Recycling efforts

Mandatory Added Maintenance Costs/Fees/Dues

Depending on the location, amenities, and property management company, you may come across what feel like hidden fees for “variable common costs and maintenance”. As an example in the winter time, you may be required to contribute additional service dollars towards common driveway or common street snow plowing. Be sure to discuss these potential maintenance items that may cost you more money outside of your monthly rental payment: 

• Landscaping
• Snow plowing
• Clubhouse
• HOA
• Shared utility costs

Parking

If you have a car and have ever lived in a busy, crowded urban area with “street only” parking, you know that assigned spaces (at a minimum) are mission critical to daily happiness. In fact we think it’s so important that at Redwood, we offer our residents private, attached garages to store their vehicles and other belongings, free of charge. And if you have more than one vehicle, depending on the size of your apartment rental, you may be limited in the number of vehicles you can park near your home. Be sure to have a detailed discussion with your tour guide about:

• Private garage options
• Common garage space
• Street parking only
• Assigned outdoor covered or uncovered spaces
• Visitor parking

Optional Paid Add-Ons

Some communities will offer residents a baseline rental home with the ability to upgrade their unit with add-on amenities. Talk to your tour guide about everything that’s offered to residents, whether they’re included or require additional fees.

• Garage
• On-Site storage
• Rental furniture
• Rental appliances
• Other

Remember that during an apartment rental home tour is the best time to get all your questions answered while visualizing yourself inside the space. At Redwood neighborhoods, our goals are to ensure you take your time and enjoy the journey.

Want to know more about Redwood Homes?  Find out if Redwood has a single-story apartment neighborhood near you.