7 Red Flags to Watch for When You’re Looking to Rent a Studio Apartment
For some people, nothing beats big city living. The culture, the convenience, the people, the energy—it can all feel downright magical.
What’s not so magical? Cities are notoriously cramped, which means you won’t have much space, and you’ll pay a whole lot for what you do have. Case in point: Studio apartments.
Although many residents seeking studios are looking for a good deal, some units can be downright duds. We spoke to two real estate agents in large metro areas—San Francisco and New York—about warning signs to watch for when looking to rent a studio apartment.
Money is required up front
If a broker wants to be paid before even showing you a unit, turn and run, says Jeanique Cook, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in San Francisco.
“Never ever give money to secure a unit without visiting the unit in person and signing a lease. This could be a sign that the posting might not be legitimate.”
It’s an amazing deal
Likewise, if someone offers you a deal that sounds too good to be true, it just might be, Cook says. The solution? Do your due diligence to make sure it’s not a scam.
“Meet the real estate agent or leasing representative in person,” she said. “Do a thorough online search of the unit, the landlord, and the area. Ultimately, trust your gut.”
There isn’t proper kitchen ventilation
When touring the unit, be sure to check for a vent or a window in the kitchen, says Kobi Lahav, managing director of Mdrn. Residential in New York City.
Since you’ll be sleeping in the same room you’re cooking in, you want to be able to vent cooking odors outside and let fresh air in. Otherwise, everything from your sofa to your wardrobe might wind up smelling like tacos.
The unit and common areas are unkempt
If the building’s common areas—like the hallways and mailroom—aren’t well-maintained, or if the unit seems run down, that could indicate problems to come with the landlord, Cook says.
“Your unit will most likely need maintenance during your leasing period, so it may be a warning sign of the level of upkeep you can expect if the place is already ragged,” she says.
The bathroom’s in a bad location
Studio apartments are often carved out of larger apartments, which means things can wind up in weird spots, Lahav said. For example, it’s not unheard of for a bathroom to be located in the middle of a living space. It’s inconvenient and, well, just weird.
Instead, look for a layout where the bathroom is separated in an alcove or located at the entrance of the unit so the living area isn’t affected.
Basic amenities are limited
Even with a relatively inexpensive unit like a studio, at least some basic amenities should be included. Depending on what’s important to you, examples might include bike storage or a building security system, Cook says.
“When living in a small space, these types of offerings can help enhance the livability of the unit,” Cook says. “Ask questions, and carefully read the lease to fully understand what is covered in your payment, including utilities, the washer and dryer, and shared areas.”
The kitchen is disproportionately bigger than the rest of the unit
Having a sizable kitchen might sound appealing, but it can be a bummer in studios, Lahav says.
“Sometimes, studios are advertised at a certain square footage and may seem large,” he says. “But when you come to see it, you realize a lot of the space is in the kitchen.”
The result? You might not be able to fit both a couch and a bed in the living area.