Panama City Florida Rentals and Property Management

Panama City Apartment renters guide

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	Renters Checklist

A handy renter's check list

When renting a new Panama City home or Panama City apartment, there are certain criteria we all find essential to our new residence.

Most of us require a clean, safe place to live, perhaps close to a specific school or close to shopping and family oriented activities. The list is different for each of us, but none the less we all have a list.

Here is a list of things to keep in mind when looking at Panama City apartments for rent or Panama City homes for rent.

The Outside of the Apartment

Do you feel safe in the neighborhood and the surrounding area? This is perhaps the first and most important question to ask yourself. Walk around the community to get a "feel" for the neighborhood.

If you visit the apartment during the day, consider how you'll feel coming home late at night, or early in the morning. If the thought makes you cringe, move on. Better yet, drive by the new apartment at various hours of the day and take notice of anything questionable. No matter what amenities are being offered or how cheap the rent, your comfort and security should always come first.

Inquire with your potential new neighbors about safety, and check with the local police about crime statistics.

Is the apartment close to major roads and public transportation? Drive from the new apartment to various places you frequent and judge how long it would take to reach each of them:
- Work
- Daycare
- Other frequently visited amenity.

Is the outside of the building clean and well kept? Are entryways and hallways well lit and kept clear of obstruction? How the building is kept up is a good indicator of the vigilance of the apartment manager.

Is there a laundry nearby preferably in your building? Decide for yourself whether trudging to a laundry every week or so will be a burden.

Where are gas stations, supermarkets, restaurants, banks, drug stores, and gyms – is the distance near or far away? If you’re on public transit, try to estimate how long it will take to get to these various locations you might visit regularly.

The Interior of the apartment

Before signing a lease and moving in, ask for a walk through of the apartment and take note of not only the appearance and cleanliness, but also that provided appliances actually work. Avoid taking anything for granted – something that doesn’t work before you move in will become your responsibility. If an appliance does not function provided, have it noted on the lease and request it be repaired promptly.

Check the water pressure through out the apartment: the sink, shower and any other faucets. Flush the toilet to make sure it operates properly and there is no leakage. Confirm the hot water works. Often, this check may have to wait until the water is turned on. Many rentals do not come with utilities and therefore some items must be checked immediately after moving in.

If the apartment is near a road, is the sound of traffic noticeable? Can you hear the neighbors next door? If near an airport, how is that noise?
Check the refrigerator, heating and air conditioning, stove and oven and any other appliances that might be provided with the apartment.

Make sure windows open and close easily, and confirm there are no holes or cracks in the glass or screens. Make note of any damage and confirm with the property manager that damage exists prior to your moving.

It’s important that you make a thorough check of your apartment before moving in. To help you, we’ve put together the following easy and quick safety checklist of the things to look for.

Talk to the landlord about the nearest fire extinguishers. One should be centrally located for you to access; know where it is.

Smoke alarm check. Go through the apartment and do a smoke alarm inventory. Do you have one in each room and hallway? If you're missing any, ask the landlord about them. If they're there, talk to the landlord about replacing the batteries, and test them every month.

Before moving in, ask about having the locks rekeyed.
Install deadbolts on exterior doors if permitted.

Consider renters insurance to protect your belongings or your personal liability.

Is the oven and broiler clean? This can be a fire hazard if not.

If you have a balcony with sliding doors, that’s an easy way for burglars to break in. Ask your landlord about installing anti-lift and anti-slide devices on them, especially if you live on the ground floor.

Don’t place valuable items near windows or glass doors; it's much easier to break in by simply breaking the glass.

Contact us directly (850) 532-7799 should you have any questions or require additional information regarding apartment, home or condo rentals in Panama City Florida.

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Panama City Rentals and Property Management
2110 W. 23rd Street, Suite A. Panama City Fl 32405
Direct: (850) 238-5527
Office: (850) 392-1700
Fax: (850) 522-3967