What Do You Need?

Use this checklist to evaluate a room or apartment to determine if it meets your needs:

• Expenses. Can you realistically afford the expenses involved in renting this apartment? Be sure to include heat, parking, transportation, Internet, and utility costs in your estimate.
• Parking. Is parking provided on the premises or available on the street? Will there be an additional charge for off-street parking?
• MBTA. Is the unit accessible to public transportation? Is it accessible to MIT?
• Shopping. Is it close to a supermarket?
• Laundry. Where are the laundry facilities?
• Storage. Is there adequate storage space for clothes and other belongings?
• Appliances. Does the apartment have appliances (stove, refrigerator, etc.)? Are they in good working order?
• Heat. Is the unit heated by oil, gas, or electricity? (Electricity is the most expensive source of energy in this area.) Are the heating units in good condition?
• Pets. Are pets permitted?
• Noise. Is there excessive noise from traffic or neighbors?
• Improvements. If the apartment needs painting, will the landlord pay for or provide labor and/or materials?
• Pests. Are there signs of bugs or rodents?
• Safety. Do the building and the apartment appear to be well-maintained and secure?
• Past tenants. What do previous tenants have to say about the safety of the community, average utility costs, and the responsiveness of the landlord?
• Mail. Are locked mailboxes provided?
• Entry. Does the doorbell and/or intercom system work?
• Neighborhood. Does the neighborhood appear to be safe?
• Lead paint. Was the building built before 1978? If so, it might have traces of lead paint, which is a danger to children under six. Learn more.
• Maintenance. Who is responsible for building maintenance? Who handles tasks like shoveling the sidewalk or mowing the lawn? Owner-occupied buildings or those with resident superintendents tend to provide more efficient and reliable repair and emergency services.