If you’re preparing for a move and touring apartments or other rental properties, make sure to do your due diligence. There are several important questions to ask when viewing an apartment.
Questions to ask about cost when looking for an apartment
There are several up front and long-term costs of renting an apartment, so it’s important to ask the landlord about more than just the price of rent.
How is rent paid?
Many apartment complexes have online portals where you can pay rent and communicate with your landlord. Some rental properties may require you to mail a check instead. It varies by property so make sure to ask. When discussing rent payment, also ask:
- What are accepted payment methods for rent? I.e. checks, credit cards, direct deposit, cash, etc.
- Are there processing fees for certain payment methods? Using a credit or debit card to pay rent often comes with a fee.
- What are the late fees for paying rent and how are they calculated?
Will the cost of rent ever increase?
This is an important question to ask when looking for an apartment or other rental property because apartment complexes are notorious for hiking up the cost of rent after the first year. There are certain states like California and Oregon that place caps on the amount that rent can increase each year but in most states there is no limit. You might be getting a great deal on rent for the first year only to realize that you can no longer afford the apartment next year when rent increases by $200.
Are there any initial move in fees?
It’s standard for a landlord to require first and last month’s rent before move in day, but most rental properties have additional fees you’ll need to consider. Ask about these fees:
- Security deposits: the landlord will hold onto your deposit and return it at the end of your lease if the apartment is left the way you found it. If there is any damage or the rental is not clean, the landlord will only return a portion of your deposit.
- Application fees: to apply for an apartment you’ll typically pay an application fee anywhere from $30 to $50. In high-demand areas you may pay as much as $100. This money goes toward the cost of tenant screening and a credit check.
- First and last month’s rent
Are any utilities included in rent and how are they paid?
Apartment complexes often include certain utilities like water and trash in the cost of rent. If they aren’t included, you may pay them through the complex’s online portal or directly to the utility company. For utilities paid directly to the company, you’ll need to set up your own accounts with the utility provider. Make sure to ask this question when viewing an apartment so you can get a better idea of your monthly costs and add utilities to your budget.
What are the circumstances where my security deposit won’t be returned?
You won’t receive your full security deposit back at the end of the lease if you leave the apartment damaged. Holes in the wall from hanging pictures, scratches on the hardwood or stains on the carpet are a few common things tenants get dinged for. Some landlords might also charge a house and/or carpet cleaning fee, so if you leave the apartment dirty you’ll lose part of your deposit. Make sure you know what you’ll be charged for, especially if you plan to make any changes to the place or hang things on the walls.
Questions to ask about the landlord’s policies before renting
From parking to pets to guests, you’ll want to ask questions about the property’s policies when viewing an apartment.
How does parking work and is there a cost?
The complex may have reserved spots for each tenant or the parking lot may work on a first come, first served basis. Here are a few things you should ask about parking:
- Is there a shared parking lot/garage or does each unit have its own garage or space?
- Are there any gates, cameras or other security measures in place for the parking area?
- Do I have to pay for a parking permit or is it included in the cost of rent?
- How many parking spaces are allotted to each unit?
- Are the parking spaces covered?
- Is street parking allowed or do I need a permit?
What is your apartment’s pet policy?
If you have pets this should be one of your very first questions to ask when renting an apartment. Many apartment complexes and rental houses have a strict no pet policy. You could be fined or even evicted if the landlord finds out that you have a pet living with you. Complexes that allow pets will typically require a pet deposit or charge a monthly fee. Also double check that the rental allows for your breed of pet. Some complexes may allow certain kinds of animals and breeds but not others.
What is your guest policy?
Apartment complexes may require all guests to be registered with the leasing office or place a limit on the number of days a guest can stay with the tenant. There may also be a limit on the number of people a tenant can have over at one time to prevent loud parties. If you plan on having lots of friends over and the landlord has a very strict guest policy, it probably won’t be the right place for you to move.
What is your noise policy?
Apartment complexes typically have “quiet hours” during which tenants need to avoid making excessive noise. The specific times vary from place to place, but they typically start around 10 pm. If this is detailed in your lease, the landlord may have a right to evict you over noise complaints.
How much notice do you give before entering an apartment?
The landlord or maintenance department may need to enter your unit from time to time, so it’s important to know how much notice they will give you. 24 hours is standard, but some landlords might give you more or less notice. Also ask if there are any emergency situations where the landlord will enter your apartment without any notice. Be wary of landlords that say they can enter your unit at any time without notice, even if it’s not an emergency.
Questions to ask when viewing an apartment about maintenance
How do I make a maintenance request?
If the apartment complex has an online portal, maintenance requests are usually made there. Otherwise, there may be a maintenance phone number or you’ll call the landlord. For emergency maintenance requests after hours, many apartment complexes have another phone number or extension to call. Also ask how long it typically takes for the maintenance department to respond to a request. If the landlord is vague or says that maintenance requests aren’t taken care of quickly, it’s a red flag.
What changes can I make to the apartment?
If there are changes or upgrades you want to make to anything in the apartment, you’ll need to clear it with the landlord first. Double check to see what is allowed and what isn’t. The landlord might charge for something as small as putting holes in the wall to hang a picture.
Are you planning to update the building or unit any time soon?
Apartment complexes upgrade appliances and furnishings in units and amenities throughout the complex every few years. While it’s nice to have a new and upgraded home, that can also mean hikes in rent because upgraded apartments tend to cost more. You’ll also have to deal with the noise and mess of construction if it’s happening near or in your unit.
Which appliances and furnishings are included with the apartment?
The appliances provided in your unit will very from complex to complex, so this is a good question to ask when looking for an apartment to you know what you’ll need to bring with you. Some apartments will have everything from a dishwasher to a washer and dryer, while others might not even provide a microwave. If the apartment comes fully furnished the rent will likely be higher as well, though it is convenient that you won’t have to move any furniture.
Questions to ask about the lease when looking for an apartment
Before you sign anything, there are several important questions to ask about your rental lease.
What is your subletting policy?
Unexpected moves for jobs or family happen all the time, and it’s important to know what your options are if you need to move before the lease is up. Subletting allows you to rent your room or apartment to someone else if you need to move and don’t want to break your lease. Different apartment complexes and landlords will have varying subletting policies, so it’s important to ask these questions up front. Check out our subletting article for more details on renting out your place.
What are your rules for breaking the lease early?
If you need to move before your lease ends and you aren’t planning or able to sublease your place, you’ll need to break your lease. Each complex or rental property will have different rules and fees for breaking a lease. Make sure to ask the landlord about any costs or penalties listed in your lease.
What is the application process like and what screening criteria do you have?
Don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed outline of the screening and application process. It’s important to know what to expect so can get a better idea of if you’ll be a suitable candidate. Ask about screening fees and any credit score or salary requirements. If a credit check is required, ask if it’s a hard or soft inquiry. Hard inquiries may hurt your credit score while soft inquiries won’t.
Do I need renter’s insurance?
Some leases require you to have renter’s insurance set up before moving in. The coverage required at each property varies, so ask for specifics on the amount and types of coverage required.
What are my options for renewing the lease?
If you plan to stay in your apartment long-term, ask about the renewal process. Some complexes might not let you renew or you may have to switch to a month-to-month lease in order to renew. This is also a good time to ask how long the lease will be. A year-long lease is standard, but there are also shorter and longer options.
How soon are you looking to fill the unit?
If you won’t be ready to move for a few months but the landlord is looking to fill the unit in the next few weeks, it’s not going to be the right fit for you. This is a good time to ask if there is a lot of interest in the apartment or property. If there is, you’ll want to apply as soon as possible. If there’s not, it’s time to do some digging and see if there is anything wrong with the unit that is deterring people from applying.
Other questions to ask when renting an apartment
Can you describe your ideal tenant?
Asking this question when looking for an apartment will help you decide if it will be a good fit for you, but it will also tell you a lot about your landlord. If the landlord says they’re looking for someone that will keep the place clean and rent for the next few years, great! On the other hand, if you ask this question and the landlord makes any sexist, racist, homophobic, or other offensive preferences known, that’s a major red flag.
Is there any crime in the neighborhood?
While the landlord could easily withhold details about this question, it’s still a good idea to ask so you can get an idea of the neighborhood. Ask about crime in the neighborhood and if there have been any incidents on the property like theft or assaults. You can also check with the police or public records for more details.
Quick recap: There are several important questions to ask when looking for an apartment. Make sure you cover the following topics with the landlord:
- Questions about cost when viewing an apartment
- Questions about the landlord’s policies before renting
- Questions about maintenance when viewing an apartment
- Questions about the lease when looking for an apartment