7 Things to Consider for an Ideal Apartment

7 Things to Consider for an Ideal Apartment

Are you planning to rent an apartment at Ho Chi Minh City? There are a lot of things to keep in mind before signing a lease or contract with an apartment manager besides your budget, that is why it’s important that you schedule a tour of the property and you ask the appropriate questions with the landlord or the apartment manager.

We’ve narrowed down the seven most important factors that you should look for when apartment-hunting.

1. The Neighbors. Most prospective tenants to overlook this factor when assessing the apartment complex, but being surrounded by noisy or troublesome neighbors can cause major issues later on. Regardless if you’re going to socialize with your neighbors or not, you should take your time to observe the neighborhood culture in the apartment complex as well as the surrounding commercial and residential areas. Not only will this give you a good idea about the accessibility and the livability of the apartment, but it will also ensure that you will have a private, quiet, and peaceful place to live in. Take a few minutes to chat with potential neighbors and ask them about the common complaints in the apartment complex, the management’s response to these complaints, and where are the best places to go to eat, have fun, and shop nearby. These can be more insightful than the physical inspection of the apartment unit, because most managers will try to appear at their best to get you to agree to the deal.

2. Property Condition. No apartment manager will readily admit that their units are unsanitary and poorly-maintained, that is why you must have a good eye for details when touring the apartment complex. Do not just focus on the unit you have selected, but you should also check the hallways, fire exits, carpets, lawn or garden, elevators, lighting, and the parking area. Are there any ongoing projects, renovations, and repairs? Are the carpets stained and are the hallways cluttered? Is the parking area near the residential complex, and is it well-lit, clutter-free, and secure? Are there emergency exits and are they accessible? Finally, when inspecting the condition of the apartment unit itself, you should not hesitate to look under the sink, open the windows, and test the faucets and light switches. To help you inspect the apartment thoroughly, remember the following: look for leaks in the pipes, faucets and shower; look for plugs and switches that don’t seem to work; check if the electric appliances are working, if there are any; check if the windows and doors are in need of repair; make sure that the apartment is well-lit and well-ventilated; check the acoustics of the room and if the unit is near a noisy neighbor or the highway; inspect the walls and ceilings for holes and cracks; and check the place for signs of pest infestation. 

    

3. Features and Amenities. Some apartments will require you to pay for water, electricity, gas, and parking space separately, so make sure these are stated clearly on the leasing contract. But even if this is the case, you should still be able to enjoy ten basic amenities in any apartment, such as; electricity, water supply, security services; elevators; parking space; common spaces in the apartment such as function halls, if any; waste disposal methods based on the system approved by the city; ventilation; and approved apartment design. The last item is usually overlooked by tenants especially if they are on a tight budget, but a good apartment design, which refers not just to size but to ventilation and lighting, can spell a difference when it comes for comfort.

4. Terms of the Contract or Lease. Before signing the contract, make sure that there is a detailed breakdown of all the features, amenities, and perks you will be paying for. A complete leasing contract should include the following items: beginning and expirations dates of the contract; rental price and other information; terms and methods of payment and deposit; terms for terminating the lease contract; penalties; coverage of the responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant for repairs and renovations; provisions for subletting; tenant insurance and cost; guest policies; policies on illegal and disruptive tenant activities; policies on raising pets; and the terms for ending tenancy before the expiration of the contract.

5. Apartment Layout. The layout not only refers to the lighting, ventilation, and location of the apartment. Depending on the location and rental fee, every apartment will look different, but the unit you have selected should have a good layout that will meet your needs. This means that you need to find an apartment size that is right for the number of people who will live in the unit; a design or style that will suit your needs; an apartment space that will accommodate all existing and ne furniture and equipment; and the options for floor plan modification.

6. Management Response and Attitude. The landlord or the apartment manager should not be difficult to contact and will always find a way to accommodate your requests or answer your questions. During the apartment inspection, don’t hesitate to ask about the common problems in the complex and the response time when it comes to repairs and maintenance of the facilities. You should also ask for additional details about the terms in the lease contract in case it’s confusing and unclear. A landlord or manager who is responsive, polite, and honest will indicate that you will be dealing with an apartment management that is responsive to and caring about their tenants.

7. Location and Transportation. Lastly, consider the accessibility of the apartment complex to your workplace, the school, hospitals, and shopping areas. Although the location is also a factor when it comes to the rental prices, you should consider apartments that will require the least travel time to work or school. However, you need to make sure that the property isn’t sitting right beside a busy highway which can mean a lot of noise, traffic, and pollution.