Tips to finding a great apartment, by Meg Herbert, Boston Globe Staff

Looking for an apartment in and around Boston can sometimes be overwhelming. Don't get stuck living somewhere you dislike simply because you forgot to check something out first.

1. Heat/Thermostat

Check for a thermostat and ask about what kind of heat is used. Sometimes heat is included in your rent, and the tenant cannot control the temperature. Some places have electric baseboard heat, which can be more expensive than gas or oil. If it is electric, check with your local utility company, which may offer discounts on using electric heat.

2. Closets/Storage

Pay special attention to closet space and find out if there is a storage option. Older buildings in and around Boston do not always have a lot of closets or storage space, so you may find yourself in a tough spot without room to put your belongings.

3. Windows

Check windows to make sure they close securely, so that you don't waste money on heating and cooling costs. You also want to protect yourself against potential water damage.

4. Appliances

Check for appliances, such as a refrigerator, range, washer and dryer. Some places do not include these with the unit.

5. Bathroom

Assess the bathroom situation. If you plan on living with roommates, make sure the bathroom is large enough to accommodate everyone and their stuff. Also, check for mold or mildew on the walls-a sign of poor ventilation, which could lead to health issues.

6. Water pressure

It's hard to shower or get your dishes clean without enough water pressure. Feel free to turn the shower and sinks on. Pay special attention to how well they drain. A slow drain can be a sign of a major plumbing issue.

7. Outlets

Count the number of electrical outlets in each room. It's a good idea to have at least one 3-pronged outlet (grounded) in each room. Also, ask if the unit has a restriction on amps. A lot of older buildings with obsolete wiring simply cannot handle too much electricity use, so appliances like air conditioners and dishwashers may be out of the question. If an outlet is within six feet of a water source, it needs to have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed to help avoid a potential shock hazard.

8. Parking

If you have a car, ask if parking is available and whether or not you need a permit to park on the street. If a permit is required, you will need to get a sticker through City Hall. Also, ask about how to deal with visitor parking. Sometimes visitor passes are required and can be purchased for a fee.

Repairs

Inspect the apartment for anything that may be in need of repair and document it with the agent to ensure you are not charged for damages when your lease is up. You can request that these things be repaired prior to your move-in date, or if it's a small cosmetic thing, you may even be able to bump your rent down a bit if it's something you can live with.

10. Measure

Bring a measuring tape with you for entryways and hallways to make sure your furniture will fit.

11. Research

If you can manage it, try and talk with the current or previous tenant to see why they are moving out and what their thoughts are on the apartment and location. Oftentimes, they will shed light on anything they might perceive as a negative, but take it with a grain of salt. Make sure to ask if there are any problems with insects or rodents.

12. Surroundings

Proximity to transportation, grocery store, Laundromat, and restaurants is important to some. Some areas inside the city are not necessarily close to these types of establishments. This can be a big nuisance if you do not plan on having a car.

13. Take pictures

Take photos of every room from different angles. That way, you can compare the places you looked at to help you make your decision. Plus, having photos can help you plan your living set-up and will help to make your move a bit easier.

14. Take notes

Bring a notebook. Write down which units have utilities included, the size of each apartment, number of rooms, general likes and dislikes, measurements, closet locations, electrical-outlet locations, and maybe even a sketch of the floor plan.

Additional helpful hints:

• Beware of high-pressure agents. Yes, there is a lot of demand in the Boston area for apartments, but the market is more favorable toward renters now as high prices and a lagging economy have forced a lot of would-be renters outside the city limits. It might be worth a shot to try and negotiate the price or make a deal.
• Don't let an agent rush you through a unit. Take your time to look around and get a feel for it. Since you could be in this space for at least a year, it's important to be happy with your new home.
• Not all apartments are created equal in Boston and not all of them have a place to relax outside. If this is important to you, ask if there is a roof deck or any kind of patio or outdoor area.
• If you're on a budget, try to find a no or half-fee apartment. A lot of buildings and complexes with in-house Rewards & Incentives teams do not require a fee. Most people can expect to pay first, last, and security (usually equal to 1 month's rent) up-front, so adding a fee on top of that can add up to a rather large bill. Also, a lot of landlords will opt to pay the fee (or half of it) for you if they are desperate enough to fill the space. Another option might be to find owner-occupied properties, which usually do not have a fee.
• Ask about what cable services are available and make sure to check your cell phone signal.

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