ADVICE FROM 20 YEARS OF BEING A LANDLORD
I've always managed my own properties and have never had more than a few days vacancy in 20 years. I keep my properties in excellent condition, my tenant know they can call day or night and I'll have a repair person out that same day. I treat my tenants with respect and don't just take the first application I get. Hopefully you get a similar landlord.
When you first contact the landlord, note how long it takes them to respond. If they are slow to respond when they have the incentive of trying to get your business, they won't be any quicker when you want something fixed.
Take lots of photos and videos the day you move in to record the move in condition.
Notify your landlord at the first sign of any issues. Things don't fix themselves and will cost the landlord more, the longer you leave it.
Pay on time ! If something comes up, communicate with the landlord and explain why.
Those gorgeous old homes downtown are stunning, but they're old and with that often comes high utilities bill, maintenance issues and small closets !
Do you want the space of a house ? Don't forget you have to maintain the yard.
Prefer the maintenance free lifestyle of an apartment ? You'll have people living above/below/next to you. You'll have to bring your trash to the dumpster.
Take lots of photos and videos the day you move in to record the move in condition.
Document your communication with your landlord