Docklands Apartments and Your Friendly Apartment Move-In Check List

Although the majority of apartments in East London and the Docklands may be furnished to very high standards, it's important to look beyond 'location, location, location' when considering to rent an apartment anywhere in the world. With London's Docklands at the heart of the 2012 Olympic Games, you'll begin to find more and more focus with escalating prices. So it's ever more important, that something more than a vista be on your checklist for evaluating potential places to live in or properties to purchase.

Before you move it, assuming you are looking to just rent an apartment, it's imperative to do 'walk-through' of the apartment you will be assuming….that is, don't settle for seeing just the model apartment. If you find any items to be deficient or in need of repair, this is your opportunity to make the landlord or the property management company aware of the items.

Safety, especially in high-rise complexes, should always be a top concern. Check for sufficient safety features including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers', and carbon monoxide detectors. Each should be in place and operational. Investigate the areas outside of the apartment, as well, as in the hallways, stairwells, and common areas.

There's probably nothing more annoying than having to deal with leaky faucets, toilets, or pipes. Be sure to check for any signs of plumbing leaks. When it comes to water, check the water pressure and water temperature in your unit. You are looking for sufficient pressure and heat to accommodate your shower or bath. If you are responsible for your water bill and it takes forever for the water to heat, you may have an added concern over your water consumption.

Find out if your apartment has an in-unit water heater versus one that is shared by multiple units. This can definitely have an impact on the amount of hot water available to you, especially if you are competing with hot showers at the same time every morning. Or you might be unfortunate to follow someone else who just consumed all the hot water with an hour long shower.

Check the water heater and boiler to make sure they are free of rust. Look for rocks, stones or other debris on the outside of the heater or furnace. This debris or chipping may indicate leaks. These leaks could possibly indicate carbon monoxide problems. Should the water heater or furnace fail, who is responsible for the repair and how long will it take?

All appliances in the unit should work properly. If there is not a washer or dryer in the unit, ask to see the common laundry area. Make sure the common area is well maintained and is well lit. Make sure that access to the common laundry area is limited to residents only.

Look for any evidence of insects or rodents, both on the floor in visible areas, as well as, inside cabinets, drawers and closets.

Run your hand along the outside of the window to check for drafts. Open and close all windows and doors to check for any issues, especially windows that have been painted shut or have not been opened for years. Inspect the locks on the doors and windows. Locks should be sturdy and not wobbly. Doors should open and close easily and fit well within the doorframe. The hinges should be sturdy. This is of superior importance when inspecting doors that lead to the outside. The apartment should have a deadbolt on all outside doors.

Look up at the ceiling for any water damage. This may indicate either a leak from outside or very careless upstairs neighbours. If there is discoloration, it may be a sign of mould. Check to see if there is any peeling paint or wallpaper, or if any of the walls show signs of cracking or repairs. This may also indicate water seepage problems or may indicate a breech in the building foundation.

Turn off and on all lighting inside the apartment to check for electrical shortages. It's also a good idea to bring a small electrical appliance (like a radio or clock) with you. Check the outlets in the apartment to make sure that they all work properly and there are no electrical problems. If so, make sure they are duly noted.

Don't rush through your inspection of your potential new apartment. Be thorough and take your time. Whether this is your home for the next month, the next year, or several years, makes sure you'll be happy with it.

Armed with this information, you'll be able assess your list of Docklands apartments more easily. Although many people are relocating to this area, initially look for short-term lets, there is no better way to consider a potential property investment than by trying it out for a short lease period. Equally as important as your comfort inside, outside surroundings, ease of shopping, and transportation all play a very important role in your lifestyle happiness and comfort.

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