The Apartment Research Information

Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about just how important it is for me to find the right apartment in order to help combat the loneliness of being homesick. So, I thought it might be a good idea today to sit down and watch a few YouTube clips about tips when trying to find an apartment in Shanghai. While I have written about what I wanted in an apartment on 13th of August, watching the videos has given me more helpful information when looking for the right place. However, it has also left me feeling overloaded with information as well as a slightly overwhelmed. So writing this information down will be helpful…I hope.

Tips

FOR THE REAL ESTATE AGENT

• Make it clear what my maximum limit for rent is. NO HIGHER
• Make it clear what my surrounding environment requirements are. Eg Metro lines 9 & 10, gym, tennis courts, super markets and places to eat at, up to 30 mins from school by train.
• Make it clear what style of apartment that I am looking for. I am looking for a clean ikea style apartment building.
• Make it clear about certain none negotiable features the apartment must have. Double or better sized beds, proper washing machines, good curtains, stands on its own shower (not on toilet), elevator for high rise buildings.
• Ask for photos of the place. It will help save wasting time by visiting places that is not what I am looking for.

NOTES FOR MYSELF

• CHOOSE THE APARTMENT THAT IS WHAT I WANT AND IS RIGHT FOR ME. (* Don’t feel bullied into choosing an apartment that I am not happy with. There is plenty of apartments.)
• Check the rules of the place, in relation to rooms and the number of people staying there. Eg 2 rooms might need 2 people over 18 living there. 3 rooms needs 3 people over 18.
• NEVER GET 1st FLOOR APARTMENT. This is due to the humidity and smelly mould growth issues as well as heating issues. JUST DON’T DO IT.
• Try to get an apartment facing on the Southside. It will help with sunlight into the apartment and good for drying clothes.
• Shanghai Laneway housing usually are over 100 years old and that brings its own issues such as heating issues, thin walls, ceiling/ flooring issues and toilet back up issues. Probably best to leave these places alone.
• Check to see if the area is a safe neighbourhood.
• Test the stove, aircon, T.V. and washing machine is working.
• TAKE PHOTOS OF THE CONTRACT (Keep sage)
• Check out that the beds and the lounge is in good condition

Questions to ask the landlord

• What are the neighbours like?
• Where is the nearest post-office?
• Where is the nearest police station?
• Where is the nearest metro lines?
• Where are the super markets?
• Where is the nearest water delivery people?
• Does the landlord live nearby?
• What are the numbers for plumbers, electricians and other repairers that they use in case of emergency and the landlord is unavailable?
• When are rent payments due? Monthly/Every 2 months

Things I need to negotiate on

• Price of the rent (don’t expect to much of a discount)
• Amount of the bond (2 months bond instead of 3 months)
• Negotiate what I want fixed up before moving into the place. Eg. Switches, lights, fridge, curtains, lounge and beds

Now I can see why I felt a little overwhelmed. So much to remember. When I first started out on this journey, I didn’t think that it was going to be this much to think about. In my mind, I pretty much expected to walk into my new apartment just like someone would walk into a hotel apartment. All set up ready to go. Just unpack and off to explore the place. However, I now feel better prepared because of the all of the research information. I guess that all this research prep will help set me up in an apartment that I am happy with, make things less stressful and fewer chances of any nasty surprises.