We are in week three after the move and we’ve made a full recovery. Everything is unpacked and in its place. Our first online rent payment is currently being processed by WilliamPaid. It’s nice not to have to worry about my rent being paid on time. We love our new place and the more urban atmosphere of the neighborhood – fun shops, restaurants and great people watching.
As we’ve settled in, we’ve met the other five neighbors in our six-flat. Three are six owner occupied units and three rentals. We’ve also have begun to notice some typical problems that go along with living in an older building. While we are happy here, I wish we had asked the questions below as it’s different living in a smaller vintage building vs. a large high-rise condo building.
From personal experience, there are some important questions to ask before renting a condo, particularly in an older or vintage apartment building.
1) What is the percentage of owners vs. renters?
2) Ask specifics about the condition of the building and what repairs, if any are scheduled. If anyone in the owners’ association isn’t getting along, or there isn’t enough money in reserve, you may find yourself living in a building that could be in disrepair with no one in agreement as to how to address the issues.
This includes:
· Roof – Any leaking issues?
· Heating System(s) – type and have they been maintained regularly?
· Basement – Seepage or flooding?
· Security – Latching lock on all doors? Is there an alarm?
· Windows – Any that are broken or leaking badly?
- Apartment Appliances – Refrigerator, stove, disposal, bathrooms – are they all in working order? You’ll want those fixed before move in if at all possible.
3) Who do you call if something breaks? The owner, or is there a maintenance person the building has hired?
Next time I’ll fill you in on moving companies!
