Touring the Rental

While it’s easy to feel excited and rushed when you’re touring a rental, the most important thing is to TAKE YOUR TIME! By taking your time you can save yourself from getting stuck in a rental that isn't safe or healthy. When touring the rental ask yourself these questions:

Is there any visible mold or moldy smells?
Do you see any evidence of water leaks or damage?
Are all of the advertised appliances present and working?
Do all of the lights work without flickering? Do you see any exposed electric wires?
Does the place seem dirty, smelly or in disrepair?
Is the building structurally sound? Is there anything that seems like it has the potential to be unsafe or unhealthy?

For fire safety information and a home inspection checklist, visit Western's Environmental Health and Safety Department website.
You can also check out Fire Science Online: Fire Safety & Education for College Students.

Is there a window in every bedroom that can open for escape in case of fire?
How much are utilities in the winter?
Do the locks work properly on the windows and doors?
Is there off-street parking available? Is the rental close to any public transit lines or stores?
Has the rental been registered with Bellingham's Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program?
Has the rental been flagged on the Tenant's Revolt map?

If you are looking at a lot of different rentals, it can be tough to remember the specifics of the place. You can find a helpful checklist HERE.

Sizing Up your Landlord

Additionally, there are a few things that you should look out for in your dealings with your potential property manager or landlord:

Are they professional and do they ask for a completed application? This shows they care about their rental!
Are they easy to contact? If they’re hard to contact when you’re trying to rent from them, they’ll be even harder to contact when you’re trying to get repairs done.
Did they provide you with a written rental agreement?
Did they give their tenants 24 hour notice before showing the rental to you? It’s illegal for them not to do this!
Do they screen all applicants for criminal convictions?
Do they treat you with courtesy and respect?
Do they have a good reputation? Check for reviews on Google.

Also, sometimes landlords will promise repairs in order to get you to sign the lease. If this happens, make sure you get the repairs request in writing, and that you both sign it! For more information visit the off-campus living page on Western's website.