If there is any damage when you view an apartment, get a written agreement with the landlord or letting agency that this is exempt from the bond / security even if it worsens. Ideally, get it fixed before you move in but still get written agreement it is a known problem. Take photographs and initial and date them with your landlord. Sounds like a small thing to do but when you stand to lose a couple of thousand, you'll be glad of that picture.
- Buy a fire extinguisher for each floor of your apartment.
- Don't forget the little things you've otherwise come to rely on (dishcloths, cutlery, towels, cleaning materials, vacuum cleaner, bleach, toiletries, bedding, washing up liquid/dishwasher tablets, washing powder for clothes, batteries).
- Get the landlord to explain the boiler, sprinkler system, plumbing, circuit breaker, alarm, metering, etc., and write it all down.
- If you hear noises in the night you can't explain, don't jump to conclusions. My apartment often wakes me up with a noise that sounds like someone rapping at the door but is actually just thermal expansion/contraction (it's a new place and hasn't settled yet).
- More than anything, enjoy. Living alone is a wonderful thing if you've got the mindset for it. Closing your front door and not being answerable to anyone makes your apartment into a little haven of peace.
Is it normal I would like to get an apartment.
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If there is any damage when you view an apartment, get a written agreement with the landlord or letting agency that this is exempt from the bond / security even if it worsens. Ideally, get it fixed before you move in but still get written agreement it is a known problem. Take photographs and initial and date them with your landlord. Sounds like a small thing to do but when you stand to lose a couple of thousand, you'll be glad of that picture.
Practical advice from my own experience would be:
- Buy a toolkit (torch, screwdrivers, pliers, hammer, nails, socket set, wrench, scissors, hacksaws, tape measure, etc.)
- Buy a fire extinguisher for each floor of your apartment.
- Don't forget the little things you've otherwise come to rely on (dishcloths, cutlery, towels, cleaning materials, vacuum cleaner, bleach, toiletries, bedding, washing up liquid/dishwasher tablets, washing powder for clothes, batteries).
- Get the landlord to explain the boiler, sprinkler system, plumbing, circuit breaker, alarm, metering, etc., and write it all down.
- If you hear noises in the night you can't explain, don't jump to conclusions. My apartment often wakes me up with a noise that sounds like someone rapping at the door but is actually just thermal expansion/contraction (it's a new place and hasn't settled yet).
- More than anything, enjoy. Living alone is a wonderful thing if you've got the mindset for it. Closing your front door and not being answerable to anyone makes your apartment into a little haven of peace.