If you’re interested in relatively mundane but highly useful things like having your trash picked up (those pizza boxes stack up eventually) and knowing what to do if the lights cut out, be sure to go through our quick checklist when you pick up your key.
- Make sure the key works. Test the key to your apartment as well as the front door key if your building has a central entrance.
- Know how to operate air conditioning and heating units. Locate any climate control units and make sure you know how to use them.
- Find the circuit breaker. If a circuit blows and your lights go out, you’ll want to know how to reset the circuit. If you’ve never done this before, ask your landlord to show you how.
- Get the trash and recycling schedule. Know when both are picked up and from where.
- Know who to contact if something goes wrong. Get contact information for the person you should contact with any apartment-related issues. The process and contact person might be different depending on whether it’s an emergency or an issue that isn’t urgent.
- Locate the mailbox. Find out how you will receive mail and packages. Does each unit have its own mailbox and key (if so, test the key)? Where are packages left when they’re delivered? Ask if there have been any problems with packages being stolen. If so, you might want to have them delivered elsewhere, like a PO box or a friend’s place.
- Find out if there are additional storage spaces. Some buildings provide small storage spaces, either included in the rent or for an additional fee, for things like boxes and bikes.
- Know the parking situation. If your building doesn’t offer parking, check the parking regulations on the surrounding streets. There might be time limits on certain days, you might need to get a parking permit or there could be street sweeping on certain days of the month.