Housing Needs Checklist

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Determine Your Housing Needs

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 located?
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.