Renters head about 36% of the nation’s 122.8 million households. If you’re currently reviewing apartment options, make sure to learn as much as possible about the property first. Knowing what questions to ask can help you avoid headaches in the future.
Here are seven questions to ask about an apartment building before you start renting. Asking these questions will ensure you find a home that checks all your boxes.
Read on to start your search for apartment options today!
Table of Contents
1. How Much Is Rent?
On an annual basis, asking rents rise about 4%. During your search for apartment living, ask about the cost of rent and all associated fees.
The price you first view during your search for an apartment can change, as apartment prices fluctuate daily. Don’t assume the price is the same. Get clarification to ensure you can budget accordingly.
You might notice the rent price is higher if you’re looking for a month-to-month or short-term lease. Ask about pricing for each lease option.
Before renting an apartment, ask when rent is due. Discuss the late fee policy and have all prices discussed documented.
Having a paper trial will allow you to dispute any miscommunications once you’re ready to sign the lease.
Before moving in, ask about the security deposit. The security deposit is one of the biggest expenses you’ll need to plan for before moving on. The amount required for each apartment building’s security deposit can vary.
It’s usually between one to three months’ rent. It’s common to include your first and last months’ rent as the deposit.
When apartment buildings want to find tenants quickly, they sometimes offer waived or discounted security deposits. Ask your prospective landlord when they want to fill the unit. Asking will help you get a deadline, allowing you to plan your move more efficiently.
If they want to fill the unit quickly, you could find an opportunity to negotiate some of the lease agreement terms.
2. Do I Need Renter’s Insurance?
Some apartment buildings require tenants to have renter’s insurance before their application is approved. Renter’s insurance can cover any possessions you lose due to vandalism, a fire, or burglary.
Some apartment buildings require you to pay for insurance through a company they’ve already partnered with. Ask about their renter’s insurance requirements before you complete your application.
3. Are Pets Allowed?
Ask each apartment property about their pet policy. Even if you don’t have pets at the moment, you might decide to get one in the near future. Determine if the building is pet-friendly ahead of time.
Ask what types of pets are allowed as well.
Some properties have breed restrictions or weight limits. If you have a pet, make sure your breed is allowed.
If pets are allowed on the property, ask about the pet deposit or fee. Most apartment buildings require pet fees, either as a single charge or a recurring expense. For example, you might pay the pet fee each month along with your rent.
4. What’s the Building’s History?
Determine if the apartment building had any pest problems in the past. For example, they might have a history of bed bugs, fleas, or roaches. If there was a previous problem in the building, ask about the pest prevention methods they use.
Determine if there was a history of leaks as well. If the leak wasn’t properly addressed, water damage can cause mold growth, potentially compromising your health.
Ask each apartment rental company if they have plans to update the building. Otherwise, you might move in, only to live surrounded by the sounds of construction.
5. What Utilities Are Included?
As you begin reviewing your apartment options, make sure to determine which utilities are included in the rent. Some buildings cover utilities like trash and water. You might be responsible for electricity, heating, and gas.
However, which utilities are included in the rent can vary between apartments. Always ask the property manager before renting an apartment. Otherwise, you might struggle to fully calculate your living expenses.
Once you determine which utilities you’re responsible for, ask how you’ll need to pay them.
Determine which service provider the complex uses for gas, electricity, and internet. Have this information before move-in day to have your utilities turned on beforehand.
Consider asking the property manager what a tenant usually pays for their utilities. Getting an estimate will help you determine your budget. The property manager might also provide you with a list of companies you’ll need to contact before your move-in day.
Ask the apartment complex about the amenities they offer as well. Amenities are one of the best perks of apartment living! For example, pools and gyms are common.
Some luxury apartment complexes and lofts offer private dog parks and co-working spaces. You can discover more lofts here.
Asking about the apartment building’s amenities can help you make adjustments to your monthly budget. For example, you could cancel your gym membership if the complex provides 24/7 access to a gym on the premises.
6. Are Early Terminations Allowed?
Before renting an apartment, determine if early lease terminations are allowed. While you might not intend to terminate your lease before the allotted time, emergencies happen. You might have to leave unexpectedly.
Some rental properties require tenants to pay out the duration of the lease term if they want to terminate early. With these instances, you’ll need to pay the remainder of your lease. For example, if you want to terminate after three months into a 12-month lease, you’ll pay the remaining nine month’s worth of rent.
Ask the property manager about their subletting policy to determine if you’re legally allowed to sublet. You might find subletting is an ideal option if you can’t fulfill the duration of your lease agreement. Some landlords don’t want tenants they haven’t vetted living on their property.
7. How Do Maintenance Requests Work?
Ask each property about their maintenance request process. Determine how long it takes before there’s a response to your requests. Look for properties that already have an efficient process in place for handling urgent requests.
Otherwise, you might find yourself in the middle of an emergency (such as a leak, broken AC, or plumbing issue), unable to handle it alone.
Find the Perfect Apartment Building Today
Don’t rush when reviewing your apartment options. Instead, ask these questions during your search for the perfect apartment building. Asking these questions will allow you to make a more informed decision.
You can choose a comfortable apartment that suits your needs.
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