Been reading this forum and noted some not so good stories. Some of them are a little late now as they already moved in. Just thought I'd put my two cents in to people who are about to make a move .. trying to make sure the new place will be as peaceful and troubleless as can be. Please feel free to put in your thoughts.
Selecting your new place: whether buying or renting, do inspect time at different times and days. You'll get different perspective each time. Go in early hours, school/work time. Go at lunch time. Go in the evenings when everyone comes home. Lastly go in the weekends. You will find the routine and the habits of the inhabitants.
Be friendly with your Agent or Landlord: they are not your enemies and I do hope that they too want a peaceful relationship with you. Find out what are the important things you should know. Create an effective communication chain.
In general take an interest around you. We spend considerable money and time on our home so it's worthwhile to invest some time to get to know it.
the problem with thoroughly checking a place out is people don't have the time - if you're, say a single working person or even DINK, how do you manage to find time to check out another place during morning peak hours or weekday lunch time? it's even worse if you both work in the city and the place is in the suburbs. the only way around it is to take leave/sickie and do it then.