Trying to Find Out About Horrendous Neighbors BEFORE Moving In (apt complex, leasing)

[Forever Blue]

As we can see from this RENTING area of the forum, horrible neighbors is one of the major problems of living in an apt complex. I've been thinking, before I move into a unit, can't I ask who lives on either side of me or above/below me, see ifthey have kids, see if anyone's made complaints about them in the past, etc.? Not that the leasing agent will tell the truth. They're not going to tell a potential new renter that their soon-to-be next door neighbor is horrendous.

But...can't I find out SOMETHING before I regret it 6 months later?!

[KonaKat]

The only thing you could probably do is visit the property if possible, at various times of the day and night and see what you might find out. It is doubtful that any agent would give out details of neighbors for obvious reasons. You could check crime statistics with your local police department for that address tho.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

There is a bad neighbor web site, I don't remember the exact name but Google. May not cover that address but you can check.

[Forever Blue]

I never knew that, but of course there's a site for everything, right! Thanks, I'll try to find it.

Any more comments?

[CptnRn]

Knock on all the doors around the area you are considering, introduce yourself and ask if they are happy living there and are there any problem areas. You will quickly learn who is abrasive and un-neighborly and hear about any problems living in the area.

[sas0814]

I plan to do this next time.

[jamies]

I only rent top floor corner units where the bedroom doesn't adjoin any common walls. That reduces most problems and increases price.

[Forever Blue]

jaimes, absolutely! Ideally, I only want tp floor corner units FAR from the swimmin pools too.

[las vegas drunk]

Also, look for a place with concrete walls. That helps a lot.

[JanND]

You can also do a crime check, or a sex offender check for neighborhoods