They're h-e-r-e!

Late August reminds me of a concept from junior high science class: Brownian motion. It’s the random movement of molecules in a liquid or gas due to their thermal energy. This movement continues because molecules bump into one another, causing more movement. It seems like half the population is changing their rental arrangements. I see trucks, I see furniture on the curb, I see furniture on freecycle, I see Nate (remember Nate?) still reading Craig’s list for apartments to rent.

Here are some of the things that Nate now knows from experience:

He can rent a place without anyone checking his references.

He can rent a place without a permanent job.

Some of the ads really glorify dumpy places. If you don’t know where you are, it all sounds good.

Things new residents need to know:

Commuting is easier east-west than north-south. Check your commuter routes before choosing a place.

Think about where your car or bike will be parked. Is there a convenient, safe place? Many areas have street regulations which will force you to move your car or get a ticket.

Many areas are hilly; remember we get snow in winter.

Inside, consider the quality of the bathrooms and kitchens and consider how many people will be sharing them with you.

Calculate utility costs.

Consider safety: is there a decent fire exit from your bedroom? Is there lighting on stairways into the house and down to the basement? When was the last time the locks were changed?

This is not meant to make you paranoid, but there has been a bed-bug epidemic in the area for the last few years. Do not pick up furniture from the curb. Freecycle is a give-away site; I would hope no one is mean-spirited enough to give away infested things. I would be careful about buying used furniture.

So, what did I miss? What rental mistakes did you make? If you are moving from rental to rental, why?