Make a Visit
Arrange To Make a Visit
- NEVER agree to live in a place site unseen.
- Most landlords have websites. ASG’s Oxford Tenants Organization has a link to landlord and rental contact information.
- Schedule a visit with the landlord or property manager to check out places.
- If you have a specific house in mind we recommend that you go through the property manager.
- Some tenants don’t mind if you knock on the door, but we don’t recommend that.
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What To Look For
- What is the general condition?
- Do both the inside and outside look clean and well cared for?
- Are there any repairs needed before move-in?
- Is 24-hour maintenance staff available?
- Are there laundry facilities? Where are they located, and what is the cost?
- Are parking spaces provided? Is a permit, either from the landlord or the city required? Do you have to park on the street? Is it on a snow route?
- Is there a yard? Who takes care of it?
- How is trash dealt with? Dumpster? Does landlord or tenants provide trash cans?
- How do tenants recycle?
- Are pets allowed? Do the neighbors have pets?
- Who else lives in the same facility? Students? General Public?
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Utility Considerations
- What kind of heat is used? What about air conditioning? What was the average cost last year?
- Do tenants have control of their own heat or is it landlord controlled or connected to another unit?
- What about water? Is the water meter just for this one unit?
- How is the place wired for internet access? Is additional equipment needed?
- How is it wired for cable?
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Things to Check
- Make sure all toilets flush.
- Run faucets to check water pressure.
- Turn on all of the wall switches to make sure they work.
- Check for the number of electrical outlets. Are they 3 pronged? Burned outlets are a sign of electrical problems and are a fire hazard.
- Check for smoke detectors which are required in every bedroom and on every floor. Are they hard wired or require battery changing?
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Safety Considerations
- Is the address number clearly visible from the street?
- Do the doors shut tightly and have good working locks?
- Do the windows, particularly on the first floor, close and lock?
- Is there good outside lighting around entrances and in the parking lot?
- Does the entryway feel safe, unobstructed by overgrown bushes or landscaping?
Print this check sheet to take along on your visits.
Checklist Before Signing Lease