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Philadelphia APARTMENT HUNTER'S CHECKLIST Philadelphia Apartments

Here's a checklist of some things to keep in mind and check off as you begin searching for that perfect apartment in Philadelphia. We have also provided some interview questions that you may want to keep in mind when speaking to a leasing agent or manager.



Whether you go for fun and funky, a spare "designer" look, or big complexes with Friday happy hours, start your search by listing your top priorities. What can you not live without, and what are you willing to sacrifice? Take copies of this checklist with you as you look-or steal some ideas and make a list of your own.

  • Location of building (safety, proximity to places you visit often)
  • Location in building (bottom floors may be less safe; upper floors are harder to move into)
  • Emergency exits
  • Smoke detectors/fire extinguisher
  • Elevator or stairs (ease of moving or evacuation)
  • Hallways (well-maintained, well-lit)
  • Lead-based paint (important for the very young and those with weakened immune systems)
  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Furnished or unfurnished
  • Room for a desk or home office
  • Natural light
  • Hardwood floors
  • Fireplace
  • Separate dining room
  • Kitchen space (meal area, counter space, storage for cookware and small appliances)
  • Kitchen drawers and cupboards (storage and ease of opening)
  • Appliances included (and condition of refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer)
  • Gas or electric heat
  • Gas or electric oven
  • Air conditioning
  • Closet space and other storage
  • Garden, yard, balcony, patio or rooftop access
  • Outlets in all rooms (plentiful, safe, well-located)
  • Phone jacks for phones and modems
  • Television reception (cable required or provided)
  • Door locks (locks on all doors; deadbolt and security chain on entry door)
  • Windows (ease of opening, locks, screens)
  • Soundproofed walls (neighborhood and building noise)
  • Privacy of unit and bedrooms
  • Curtains or blinds
  • Water heater (large enough to keep showers hot)
  • Faucets and shower heads (condition and water flow)
  • Tap water (odd color and taste might indicate a problem)
  • View
  • Laundry facilities (hours of access, adequate lighting)
  • Parking (paid building parking or off-street)
  • Bike storage (security and lighting)
  • Mailboxes (security and lighting)
  • Swimming pool
  • Common areas
  • Workout facilities
  • Wheelchair access
  • Neighborhood flavor
  • Onsite landlord

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Philadelphia Apartments We do business in accordance with Federal Fair Housing law. (Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988).Some of the content on on this website has been secured from outside sources. We believe it to be reliable, however, we make no representation or warranty, expressed or implied , as to the accurrent Rental information is subject to change with or without prior notification.