How to Compare the Advertised Apartment With Its Actual Condition

When looking at an apartment listing you want to ensure that it is worth visiting, however pictures and descriptions may not always reflect the true condition of an apartment. The pictures may include beautiful aspects of the apartment but may miss aspects like surfaces that have been worn down, little storage, maintenance issues or different sized rooms. When visiting an apartment in person you can check whether it meets your expectations and if the price is reasonable. Taking a methodical approach will also help highlight any issues.

Comparing Advertised Features

Before visiting look at the facilities that the landlord has listed. This could include; washing machine in the unit, dishwasher, air conditioning, balcony, parking and shared facilities. When visiting, look around to ensure that all listed facilities are present and available to you. Some listings may include facilities that are in the building however not within the unit, this may include shared laundry or extra monthly payments for parking. Ask your landlord to clarify any discrepancies.

Evaluating Room Sizes and Layout

Often pictures will make your rooms look bigger than they actually are by using wide angle lenses and positioning furnishings in the right way. When you visit, try to get an idea of whether there will be enough space for your things in the bedrooms, living area and kitchen. If the listing states the room size try to measure them as you visit. Be aware of tight door frames, awkward corners and little space to move around.

Try to get an idea of how much usable space there is in the room. Will there be enough space for bed, sofa, dining table and essentials without blocking any doors? Although the room size may be the correct size, the shape of the room, windows and radiators may make it difficult to add your furnishings.

Inspecting Maintenance and Repairs

Look around at any damage to the walls, ceiling, flooring, windows, cupboards and bathroom fittings. Are there any chips in the paint, loose handles, cracked tiles, stained ceilings, damaged flooring or signs of water damage? Compare with the listing. If the pictures look brand new but the unit is quite worn ask if there are any plans to carry out any maintenance or improvements.

Check that all the fittings work by turning on taps, flushing toilets, opening and closing windows and cupboard doors (if applicable). Visually check the sockets. Ask about any fittings that look damaged or incomplete. Don’t assume that any small issues will be fixed. Ask for any promises in writing along with an estimated time frame.

Verifying Advertised Costs

Compare the monthly cost advertised with what the landlord expects to pay. Ask whether any utilities, heating, water, parking, laundry etc are included. Sometimes listings will highlight a low price however miss out on any extra costs. Ask for a clear breakdown of what will be charged monthly. If there are any issues with the overall cost of the apartment, for example there is no appliance listed or there is a lot of cleaning to do ask if the landlord will address this issue. If you’re looking at Montreal apartments for rent you can apply this to other listings. If any changes have been made to the cost or what is included write them down.

Documenting Differences

Take photos and notes whilst viewing. Take photos if you are allowed, of any damage, missing appliances, odd stains or anything that differs from the listing. Make sure you note down the date and the room/issue. Take a copy of the listing.

This will help when discussing any issues with your landlord. Send them a short message mentioning the issue and asking for clarification. Keep a copy of any correspondence, maintenance guarantees and any changes to the rental documents. Make sure any key promises are included in your lease/written agreement. This will help give you a better understanding of the condition of the property and what the landlord is responsible for.

Conclusion

You want to make sure that you compare the facilities, size of rooms, upkeep, costs and identify any differences between the apartment and what is listed. This can be done by asking specific questions and getting clear answers in writing. Doing this will prevent any unnecessary arguments after moving in. Taking your time to compare will also help give you a good idea of whether the apartment will be what you expect and give you good value for money.

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