So you found an apartment for rent. You just signed the lease. You’re all moved in.
Now what?
I know chores probably aren’t at the top of everyone’s list, but there are a few housekeeping items to keep in mind when you move into a new place. Namely, there are three, main maintenance issues you need to have sorted out before settling in. Do you know how your apartment community handles these situations?
Trash: Make sure you know the trash norms for your particular apartment community. Is there valet trash pickup? If so, where do you leave the bag? Is there recycling? Does management provide a recycling bin? These are all questions to ask if they aren’t explained to you while you sign your lease. No one wants to live next to “that” neighbor who always leaves his or her garbage out in the breezeway the night before. So please don’t be that neighbor. Put your trash where it’s supposed to go.
Air filters: As we just mentioned with garbage pickup, every apartment community is also different when it comes to changing out air filters. But it should happen every month during peak usage months for your AC. I’ve lived in places that had an air filter schedule and the maintenance crew would swing by and replace it without me knowing it. I currently live somewhere where I have to request the filter to be changed. Or I can always just do it myself. But know your community’s norms. There’s no need to waste money on air filters if it’s already being changed without your knowledge. Stop by the office and ask.
Pest control: Some apartment communities will regularly schedule pest control. This can be important here in Texas, especially during a drought. It’s a good idea to ask your community manager about pest control while signing your lease. If you see ants or any other small bugs in your apartment, never assume that pest control will eventually come by and fix the problem.
Those are three maintenance-type issues I always keep track of when I move into a new apartment community. And speaking of maintenance, give them a wave or say hello next time you see them. I guarantee it makes them feel good.
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