Note: An ongoing series about finding an apartment. See Parts 1 and 2 here and here.

Now that you've gone out, looked around, and found an apartment that fits your leasing needs, price and area concerns, there is another step to consider before signing on the dotted line: Inspection!

Have you ever gotten a box of chocolates and accidentally eaten one filled with coconut (I despise coconut filled chocolates, but if you like those, then just pretend)? You have no one to blame but yourself, because there is usually a guide on top of the chocolate box listing out which chocolate contains what filling.

Apartments are like that; if there are major problems when you move in that you didn't anticipate, then you didn't do your homework!

A simple walk through and inspection before signing your lease could save you major pain and major money! If you're renting from an established management company (read: not shady) than most major repairs fall under their umbrella and they will fix them, i.e. fridge, stove, oven, air conditioner.

But other things that do not affect the "livability" of the room are not always covered by the management company; carpet stains, leaky faucets, holes in walls, etc.

eHow has a lovely guide to things that you should inspect before signing!

Some highlights:

• Give all appliances a test run.
• Check ceilings for water damage
• Do a "sniff test" to determine where (if there are any) odors are coming from

Check it out and do those inspections!

DeAndre'

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