Searching for your next home can be both an exciting and draining adventure, especially with the competitive real estate market. 

When you finally find an apartment for rent in London that gives you that warm, homey feeling and is within your price range, your immediate reaction is to say, “I’ll take it!” and sign the lease. But hold on now. Have you ensured that the apartment meets your standards beyond what you see on the surface?

Read on to learn five tips on what to look for before committing to any apartment lease.

Tip #1: Inspect Storage Areas

Space is a valuable commodity. During your initial inspection, don’t be afraid to open all the kitchen cupboards — this helps you visualize having room for all your dishes, pots and pans, utensils, and pantry items. Is there space on the top of the cupboards for extra storage? Or room to add a standalone cabinet or baker’s rack?

Counter space can often be a shortfall in apartments. How much will you have left after setting out your small appliances, like your coffee maker, toaster, and microwave? If you’re a baker or love to cook, you know how frustrating a lack of counter space can be. Is there room for a small kitchen cart to give you more working space?

Take a good look at the closets to make sure they provide enough storage space. They may appear to be the proper size…until you put a hanger on the rod and find the back wall is just a tad too close for your clothes to hang straight. While this isn’t a deal breaker for most, little annoyances can add up.

Some apartments come with a storage locker. This feature is an added bonus where you can keep things you don’t often use, like holiday decor, exercise equipment, or those Rubbermaids full of sentimental things. You’ll typically find these lockers at the end of a hallway or in the basement.

Tip #2: Test the Heating, Plumbing, and Electricity

While the appearance of your apartment matters, checking its three core elements — heating, plumbing, and electricity — is essential for determining your comfort and quality of life.

Start by testing all electrical outlets to ensure they work and you have enough to meet your needs. A small plug-in night light that fits into your pocket is perfect for testing. Also, check that all light switches work and find the electrical panel. Is it an old-style panel requiring you to have fuses on hand, or are they resettable breakers? 

Next, ask the property manager about the heating. Does it keep the apartment nice and toasty? If it’s electric heat, check with your local utility company to determine the previous usage and avoid steep electrical bills that can send you over budget. Is there a working air conditioner to keep you cool on hot summer days?

Now let's look at plumbing. Are the water pressure and temperature adequate? Test all the taps, including in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room (if there is one). Shower pressure matters, too! Also, throw some TP in the toilet and give it a test flush — no one wants a toilet that doesn’t flush properly.

Tip #3: Check the Windows and Doors

Whether you’re looking for 1-bedroom apartments on the ground floor or 2-bedroom apartments for rent on the upper levels, your safety and comfort are a priority. Start by checking all egress windows and access doors to ensure they open, close, and lock properly. Doors and windows that don’t seal tightly can lead to higher heating costs. Are there bars on the windows or a security system to deter break-ins? If your inspection occurs during the winter, check for excess moisture on windows, which could eventually lead to mold.

Tip #4: Test Smoke/CO Alarms and Look for Signs of Pests and Mold

Pests and rodents can be anywhere — downtown of a big city, rural outskirts, or urban sprawl. Thoroughly inspect cupboards, baseboards, the oven drawer, and behind the fridge and stove for any holes or signs of mice or bugs, like droppings, crumbs, or odours. 

Check under the sinks for signs of leakage from water lines or drain pipes. Bathrooms are the most humid place in the apartment. Check around the tub and shower for mold — parts of the caulking and tiles will be black if it’s there. Also, look for water damage on drywall, which could indicate a leak behind the wall. 

Lastly,  find and test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Most alarms have an average life expectancy of five to ten years. The date should be on the device, and these safety features should be replaced at that time. Most detectors have a low-battery light warning you when it’s time to change them.

Tip #5: Lease Conditions

To avoid unwanted scenarios (not everyone likes surprises, right?), it’s crucial that you thoroughly read the lease. Every.bit.of.fine.print. If there’s any ambiguity, ask questions and never assume. Ensure you have a solid grasp of policies like pets, damage, deposits, fees, maintenance, utilities (what’s included and what’s not), parking, balcony uses, amenities, and common-use areas.

Are there any special rules or regulations to follow? For example, are you allowed to BBQ on your balcony? What is the procedure if something needs repair, like a clogged toilet or if the stove quits? What are the guidelines for using amenities like gyms, saunas, pools, or tennis courts? 

Always define the terms before signing your lease.

Looking for an Apartment to Rent in London, Ontario?

At SPM, we treat our tenants as equal partners. Our list of rental properties suit all demographics, and our dedicated, multifaceted team is always available to answer questions.

Our company-wide standard provides tenants peace of mind and confidence, knowing their property is in good hands. So, if you’re tired of googling “apartments for rent near me” and coming up with subpar standards, check out our listings — 1 or 2 bedroom apartments, we have you covered. Need a bigger space, or perhaps an extra bedroom? Check our listings to see if your next home is waiting for you!

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