- Ask how long your lease is for and if you have to pay a security deposit when you sign it.
- Ask if utilities are covered in your rent and how laundry and parking are handled.
- Ask if you can bring your pet, have guests over, or make changes to the apartment.
“How long is the lease?”
Find out what the lease period is. A typical lease is 12 months long, meaning that when you sign the lease, you commit to living there and paying rent for that period of time. If you are looking for a short term stay or want the flexibility to move around, look for leases that are month-to-month or ask your landlord if that’s an option. This question will also tell you the date you can move into the apartment and when you have to leave. Always ask for a copy of the lease to protect yourself as a tenant.
“Are utilities included in the rent?”
See if water, electricity, gas, and internet are included with the rent. Some apartment complexes charge a flat rate for utilities that’s bundled into your rent, while at others you pay for your own each month. Neither is particularly better than the other, but you want to know how you’re paying for them. If utilities aren’t included with rent, be sure to ask: “How much do utilities typically cost?” “Do I have to set up utilities myself?” “Is there a charge for setting up utilities or installing internet?”
“Do you require a security deposit?”
Ask how much the security deposit is and whether it’s refundable. This question is important to ask to make sure you stay within your budget. Landlords typically require that you pay a fee, usually one month’s rent, when you sign your lease. The security deposit ensures that your landlord has money to cover any damages to the apartment. Take good care of your apartment in order to get your security deposit back.
“Do you have a pet policy?”
Ask if there is a fee for pets and how many you can have. If you have a furry friend, you want to move them in with you, so make sure that’s allowed! Complexes that allow pets usually require a monthly or yearly fee. Be sure to also ask if the complex only allows certain breeds on their premises.
“Does the apartment have a laundry facility?”
Ask if there are washers and dryers in the unit or in the building. Apartments handle laundry services in many ways, with some providing units in the apartment, placing units on every floor, or housing units in a central area. If laundry isn’t provided in the apartment, you’ll want to also ask: “How many washers and dryers are available?” “Do I have to pay to use the laundry facilities?”
“What are your parking policies?”
Figure out if parking is assigned, limited, and free. This question is important because parking might be another cost to consider, or be a hassle you don’t want to deal with. Depending where you’re looking at, you might have to park on the street or buy a monthly pass.
“What is your policy on subletting?”
Find out if you can rent your apartment out. If you need to leave your apartment early but can’t break your lease, you can sublet, or get someone to take over your lease. Ask your touring agent if the apartment allows subletting or if there are any specifications.
“Do you require renters insurance?”
Determine if you need to purchase renter’s insurance. This is another great question to ask to see if there are any other costs associated with renting the apartment. Your complex might have an insurance company they prefer to use and coverage specifications. Even if they don’t require it, it’s a good idea to get renters insurance to protect your belongings.
“Can I add a roommate?”
See if you can add a roommate to your lease at a later date. You might be touring an apartment and know that a friend or partner will be moving in with you after a few months. If your landlord allows this, you will probably have to sign a new lease when your roommate moves in.
“Do you have a guest policy?”
Note how long guests can stay and where they can park. You will want to host a housewarming party when you move in, so make sure your guests can come. Some apartment complexes have a maximum number of days a guest can stay in your apartment or rules on where guests can park.
“Is there a penalty for breaking the lease?”
Note if there are situations when you can leave the lease early. It’s important to ask what happens if you have to move out of your apartment before your lease is up. Your landlord will specify under what conditions you can break your lease, such as moving for a job, and if you have to pay a fee.
“Do you have a pest control policy?”
Determine how often pests are sprayed for and whether they’re an issue. This is a subtle question that can tell you about the quality of the apartment. You want to make sure your apartment regularly controls for bugs, as well as how to report any issues you might have with bedbugs or other infestations.
“Can I test out the lights and water pressure?”
Check how well the electricity and plumbing works in the apartment. This will help you make sure everything works properly before you sign the lease. Ask if you can open up the refrigerator, test the stove burners, flick on the lights, run the facets and shower, and flush the toilet.
“Can I make changes to the apartment?”
Ask about decorating policies and how you need to leave the apartment. You will probably want to hang up your favorite pictures or even paint a wall to make your apartment a home. Some properties allow this, but require that you patch up holes and repaint the walls to the original color before you leave.
“Are there any amenities?”
Note if the apartment offers extra facilities and if they cost a fee. Many apartment complexes have a pool, gym, and business center that is open for all residents to use. See what extras you get along with your rent, or if you have to pay for them. As a follow up, ask: “What are your amenity policies? Can I bring guests with me?”
“What is the neighborhood like?”
Meet your neighbors and ask about fun things to do in the area. It’s a great idea to get a sense for your neighborhood and make sure you feel comfortable in it. Ask if you can talk to any current residents to see how they like the area and what they like to do.
“Do you have a smoking policy?"
See if smoking is allowed in the apartment or on the premises. This is a great question to ask if smoking is important to you, whether you smoke or are sensitive to its smell. Some apartments are smoke free or ask that residents smoke some distance away from the apartment.
“Are there any security features for the apartment or complex?”
Ask if there are any features that keep the apartment safe. This question can tell you more about the apartment’s safety without directly questioning it. You will want to know if the apartment’s locks are regularly changed, if the complex is gated, and if there is a security guard on the premises.
“Are there plans to update the building?”
Find out if you’ll be dealing with construction or an outdated apartment. If your landlord has plans to renovate your apartment, this means you’ll be listening to a lot of construction, but you’ll likely have an updated pad in your future. Weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for you.
“How much is the rent?”
Find out if the apartment rent is within your budget. This is an obvious question, but don’t forget to double check how much rent is before you sign the lease. You want to make sure the apartment you fall in love with is in your budget!
“When is rent due?”
See when you’ll pay rent each month. This is a great question that will help you figure out when you need to budget money for rent. Most apartment complexes collect rent between the 1st and 5th of the month, but they might have a different schedule. As a follow up question, ask: “Is there a fee if I turn in my rent late?” “Is there a grace period for late payments?”
“How are rent payments made?”
Find out what payment methods are accepted and preferred. This question can be a dealbreaker if you aren’t comfortable with the preferred payment method. The apartment complex might have their own portal where you pay your rent each month. Or, your landlord might prefer cash or check.
“How often does rent go up?”
Find out if you can expect to pay more for rent in the future. Landlords can increase rent at the end of your lease, so you’ll want to see if this is typical for your apartment when budgeting. Most states require landlords to give you at least 90 days notice of a rent increase, but check your state’s policies to stay informed.
“Is there an application fee?”
Check if there is a fee for processing your application. If you love the apartment you’re touring and are ready to sign the lease, this is a great question to make sure it’s still in your budget. The good news is most apartment complexes only charge a small fee, typically about $30, for the application.
“Is there anything you need for the application process?”
Ask if you need to provide your employment history or a background check. Before you submit your application, your landlord might ask for references, pay stubs, and your credit history. Don’t stress too much if they do, this is a completely routine check just to make sure you’re reliable.
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