Beware: There are first apartment do’s, don’ts

Apartment living can have plenty of benefits. However, moving from your parents’ house or a college dorm to your first apartment can be an adjustment, so here are some tips to make the transition easier.

Have the right roommate: Your roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend — in fact, it’s sometimes best if they’re not, but you need to agree on the basics. If you keep everything neat and clean, a messy roommate will become annoying really quickly. So, before you co-sign a lease, have that uncomfortable discussion first. Be specific about what is acceptable and what is not, from cleaning and division of chores to the number and frequency of visitors, smoking inside, etc. Make sure you’re on the same page before you sign a 12-month lease together.

Move-in inspection: Before you move in, always do a “walk-through” with the property manager. That little crack in the wall or chip in the sink enamel may not be a deal breaker, but you don’t want to get charged for it when you move out. Make sure you and the manager note every flaw you can find together, and keep a copy of the inspection checklist with your lease the entire time you’re living there. Taking photos is always a good idea as well.

Know your neighbors: You often keep casual track of a hundred people you barely know through social media, but don’t take the time to meet the people who live next door. In an apartment community, you’re going to share a wall, ceiling or floor with other people or even entire families. A lot of future problems can be avoided if you know each other, and it starts with a simple introduction. Neighbors look out for each other, and can sometimes tell when something isn’t right. Knowing your neighbors is the difference between living in a complex and in a community — take a few minutes and say hi. Decorating: Before you start make your apartment your own, check with the manager before you paint anything, drill major holes or make any other changes beyond hanging pictures and posters. Installing heavy duty hooks in your newly-painted magenta accent wall for an indoor hammock may sound like a great idea, but check with the management first. You might be surprised what you can do, but make sure it is approved first. Management may even offer to have the maintenance crew do it, so they know it’s being done correctly and safely.

Report maintenance issues in writing: In even the most expertly maintained apartment property things happen. Appliances can break. Pipes can leak. Toilets can clog. One of the best things about apartment living is that the management is there to fix whatever needs fixing. For the best results, though, always report maintenance requests — even the little ones — in writing and keep a copy. This may sound silly, especially for minor issues, but it’s required in most leases and it prevents misunderstandings. With a specific, written maintenance request, there’s no mistaking what you asked for and when you asked for it.