Living alone means being prepared for emergencies like power outages, water leaks, or medical issues. Keep emergency contacts readily available, know your building's security and maintenance procedures, maintain a basic first aid kit, and establish check-in routines with family or friends. Know your neighbors and building management for urgent situations when you can't reach your landlord.
A master bedroom (with an attached bathroom) is ideal if you value extra space and privacy. It’s great for couples or individuals who want more room and their own bathroom. You get a larger area to yourself, which is nice if you work from your room or just like having a private bathroom and more storage. If your budget allows and you prefer not to share a bathroom, a master bedroom is a good choice.
Condos often have specific rules about tenant behavior, pet policies, noise restrictions, and guest limitations. Some prohibit short-term rentals, have strict move-in procedures, or limit the number of occupants. Understand parking allocations, facility usage rights, and any restrictions on modifications. Violating condo rules can affect your tenancy even if your landlord approves certain activities.
Often 2-bedroom units have two bathrooms: usually one attached to the master bedroom and a second common bathroom. This is great for convenience. However, some 2-bedroom flats only have one shared bathroom. Check the listing. Two bathrooms make life easier, but one is still manageable if you plan your routines.
Landlords typically have property insurance, but this doesn't cover your personal belongings. Consider renter's insurance for your possessions and personal liability. Some policies cover temporary accommodation if the unit becomes uninhabitable. Check if your landlord requires you to have insurance and understand what's covered under their policy versus what you need to protect yourself.
For kids, safety is key. Look for window grilles or child locks if you’re in a high-rise. If there’s a balcony, ensure it’s safe (you might add netting or grilles). Choose rounded furniture edges and secure bookshelves. A simple toy storage system keeps clutter controlled and reduces tripping hazards during busy mornings.
Condos often run entirely on electricity (no city gas), so heavy air-con or hot water use can push up the power bill. Expect to split utilities—electricity, water, internet—with housemates. Clarify your share and which bills are included in your rent to avoid surprises.
Address excessive utility usage diplomatically but firmly. Document patterns with photos of meter readings or bills showing spikes. Propose individual monitoring solutions like smart plugs for high-energy appliances or separate air-con timers. Consider splitting bills proportionally based on actual usage rather than equally. If direct conversation fails, involve the landlord to mediate or implement individual metering systems.