What kind of policies should I ask about when moving into a new apartment building? Who should I ask?

Each apartment building is different and has varying policies based on the amenities offered, size and whether it is a rental, condo or co-op.  For rentals, the super, property manager and/or doormen (if applicable) are good sources of information regarding building policies relevant to tenants.

For condos or co-ops, the managing agent, a board member, the super and/or doormen should all be able to answer questions about certain policies depending on the type of situation and what is involved.  In addition, a condo will have bylaws and house rules addressing the guidelines that owners and tenants must adhere to.  Similarly, the proprietary lease and house rules in a co-op help to lay out specifics within the building.

Prior To Move-In

  • Move-In – move-in hours and days allowed, scheduling a time, reserving the freight elevator, parking on the street, which entrance to use during move-in, any fees/deposits required to be paid for move-in…
  • Doormen – full-time or part-time doormen (hours on staff)…
  • Walls – type of walls allowed for conversions, ability to build standard temporary (pressurized or the equivalent) walls…
  • Pets – types and sizes of pets allowed, specific elevator and/or building entrance to use for pets, restricted areas of the building…

Post Move-In

  • Garbage – where to put your regular garbage (chute, basement, outside, etc.), are there separate recycling bins, where to put large items (e.g. boxes, old furniture, etc.)…
  • Laundry – laundry room hours of operation, coin or card operated, can laundry carts be removed from the room…
  • Mail – where to get the mail, is there a key, when does the mail come, is there a box for outgoing mail…
  • Packages – is there a package room, where can packages be left (if no doorman), will the super sign for packages and store them (where?)…
  • Food Deliveries – how are deliveries handled, doorman / buzzer / security cam…
  • Safety – where are the fire exits on the floor, where is the fire extinguisher located, who is allowed in the building (holding the front door for non-tenants), what are the security policies in place…
  • Move-Out – move-out hours and days allowed, scheduling a time, reserving the freight elevator, parking on the street, which entrance to use during move-out, any fees/deposits required to be paid for move-out…

Specific To Additional Amenities

  • Gym / Health Center – fees, hours of operation, reservations, access…
  • Sun Deck / Outdoor Space – days / hours of use, dates open, reservations, access, potential for private events, ability to barbecue…
  • Lounge / Children’s Play Room – days / hours of operation, reservations, access, potential for private events, wifi available…
Categories:
Moving & Getting Settled