Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stairs and corridors:
Are these clear of clutter and does the lighting work? Stair-
well lights are often sound activated, so stamp your foot or cough like a local to see
if it turns on.
Security:
This varies greatly depending on where you are and what kind of prop-
erty you're in. It's very unusual to hear of homes being broken into, but you should
check what security systems are in place and that your door locks properly. If you're
on the ground floor you should ask for bars to be installed if they're not already.
Modern complexes will usually have security guards at the gate and require elec-
tronic cards or keys to get in. Regardless, strangers still do get in. Bolt your doors
properly at night when sleeping. (I used to just use the simple switch that locked the
handle, without bolting the door, and one morning I awoke to find some cigarette ash
on my living room floor. My neighbors later told me that people use credit cards to
slide open doors that aren't locked properly.) Check if there is a secure location to
store your bike, scooter, or car.
Property management office:
Find out if there is one and where it is on the prop-
erty. Make yourself aware of what they can do for you. If you're expecting a large
package in the post it may end up here rather than in your mailbox, and you'll need
to be proactive about finding out if it's arrived or not—they're not going to leave a
note under your door. They can often help with general maintenance problems inside
and outside your apartment, lost keys, and occasionally utility bills.
The compound in general:
Is the whole apartment complex and its grounds well
maintained? You might not see bugs on the day you visit, but if the compound has
an unusual amount of trash lying around, these might become a problem when you
move in.
Around the block:
What kinds of supermarkets, convenience stores, or restaur-
ants are there in your hood?
The landlord or landlady:
Is he or she transparent and trustworthy? For some
landlords and landladies, renting out a home is pure under-the-table business, and
they will not hesitate to throw you under the bus or out of the apartment if they can
swing a better deal. Try to protect yourself by running some security checks, such
as: Are they willing to arrange
f
ā
piào
(receipts) for every rental payment if you need
them? Will they come with you to register at the police station? Are they using a
standard contract from a rental agency (rather than something they've doctored up)?
Will they give you a photocopy of their ID card? Is rent to be paid via a bank transfer
