Planning to live solo in secret, not wanting to move out yet completely until I’m ready. Little by little i’ll make my secret home base as my own. Got not clue where to start after getting an apartment tho
Checking List
💰 Payments & Bills
• Ask if deposit is refundable (many don’t return it).
• Confirm advance + deposit terms (1 month advance, 2 months deposit).
• Check if previous tenant bills (water, Meralco) are cleared — request a meter reading.
• Verify submeter for electricity and water.
🏠 Unit Condition
• Test water pressure (sink + CR).
• Flush toilet, run shower → check drainage.
• Inspect walls/ceiling for leaks, molds, moisture marks.
• Check ventilation — windows, airflow, heat during 10AM–3PM.
📡 Utilities & Connectivity
• Ask if aircon installation is allowed.
• Confirm internet service providers available (PLDT, Globe, Converge).
• Test signal strength inside unit.
🌧️ Flood & Environment
• Look for waterlines/mud marks outside.
• Ask neighbors if area floods during heavy rain.
• Check street elevation and drainage.
🔐 Safety & Rules
• Test door locks (main + secondary).
• Ask about visitor rules, curfew, gate restrictions.
• Confirm if gated compound or open access.
• Check if pets allowed (if relevant later).
🚲 Parking & Commute
• Inspect parking spot (lighting, visibility, CCTV).
• Ask if parking is guaranteed or first come, first serve.
• Test commute distance (bike ride to work/school).
🛒 Surroundings
• Check nearby stores (sari‑sari, talipapa, 7/11).
• Listen for noise sources (videoke, neighbors fighting).
• Walk around to feel daytime heat and nighttime vibe.
It’s been 6 months since I’ve been going out every weekend either to stay at a friends house or just travel somewhere. I have the money I know 4.5k for a studio with own sink/cr seems nice and even has own parking space. It’s kinda tiring sneaking out every weekend for a fake night shift work as a student. I budget it out I can still help pay for my parent’s bill while I secretly rent an apartment for my own.
Yes, I do have my own room at home but I can’t even rest well anymore people at the house are all awake in the morning in which case I’m asleep and literally traveling 17-20km just to go to work is exhausting and not so fun anymore.
Home to school 7km
School to work 10km
Work to home 20km
If i get an apartment in secret
Every free time I get after school I would go directly here
School to apt 11km
Apt to work is 7km
Home to apt is 25km
Yes it sounds wasteful to get apt all while having my own room but I wanna know independence for real because I’m already planning to go abroad after graduation and that’s a big shift, this secret getaway apt is my practice.
Should I get it or no?