The best way to avoid a mistake when selecting an apartment is to ask questions. Some questions are for the apartment management, other questions are best answered by your prospective neighbors.

For the apartment management:

1. What is the apartment complex policy concerning noise? How are they enforced?

2. Is there a designated parking place with the apartment? Can extra parking places be obtained, and if so, what is the cost?

3. Where are the electrical outlets and phone jacks located?

4. What type of laundry facilities does the complex have?

5. What, if any, utilities are included in the rent?

6. What security features do you have? Smoke detectors?

For apartment tenants:

1. Do you often hear noise from dogs, planes, trains, other tenants?

2. How responsive is the apartment management to repairing things in the apartment or apartment complex? Do they maintain things like smoke detectors and lights to keep the complex safe?

3. Are shared laundry facilities usually available or does the complex have an inadequate supply of washers and dryers?

4. If the complex is gated, is the main entrance usually locked securely?