Before you move into a new apartment, it's important that you investigate the overall compliance level of a location. This will ensure that your new residence is safe, healthy, and comfortable for you and your family. An apartment building's compliance might not seem like a huge deal, but it could have a large impact on the building's upkeep so it's important to not let it slide. Let's look at some of the ways to check an apartment building's compliance.
Make Sure There Are Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The number of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in an apartment will depend on the square footage of the apartment and its layout. One smoke alarm should be present in each sleeping area. Each level of the building should have a carbon monoxide alarm. You can use plug-in alarms to provide more protection in your apartment.
Look for GFCI Outlets
Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs for short, are devices that protect against electrical shock in areas that house electricity and water in a specific area. You should look to see if there are GFCI outlets in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room if there is one.
Stairway Safety
If there are stairs in your apartment or in the building, check to see that they are secure, they have secure railings, and there isn't anything in the way that could make it unsafe to move up and down the stairs.
Checking for Mold
Unfortunately, it's common for older apartments to have mold in them. This mold isn't always highly visible, so you may need to look around. Check around windows and exterior doors. Look inside vents and around baseboards. You can even have a mold test performed to ensure the safety of the air inside an apartment.
Checking for Pests
Pests are another issue that aren't always immediately visible. However, you can look for signs of pest infestations. This includes droppings underneath furniture or appliances, dead pests, chew marks on baseboards, wood, wires, and nest material. If there are signs of pests, the apartment owner must provide remediation services prior to you moving in. Just make sure that they are doing so safely and with plenty of time to air out the apartment prior to your move.
Appliance Functionality
The appliances that are included in an apartment should all be inspected to ensure they work properly. Open the refrigerator and freezer to confirm they are producing cold air. If there is a washer and dryer in your unit, it's not unacceptable to run a cycle for each to confirm they work. Check the heat and air conditioning for functionality. You should also turn on faucets to ensure both hot and cold water comes from them.
If you need assistance with an issue in your apartment that deals with compliance, you can reach out to an experienced professional for assistance. Sometimes taking legal action is necessary to ensure your safety and that you aren't being taken advantage of.Realty professionals can also assist with the process of finding an apartment that is within compliance with local regulations and requirements.
