Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Alright, apartment hunting. It’s kind of like dating – looks can be deceiving, and there’s a lot you wish you knew upfront. To help you swipe right on your dream place, here are some top questions to ask when renting, the real reasons you’re asking them, and the issues you’re trying to sidestep.
TL;DR: Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment Checklist
- Ask about any extra fees such as move-in fee, keys replacement key, move-in deposit and any other additional fees?
- Ask about the size of the payment due at lease signing?
- How quickly does the landlord typically return security deposits
- Number of key copies
- Determine which utilities are covered by landlord
- Inquire about laundry facilities in the building and if it’s paid or free?
- Clarify if pets are allowed in the building?
- Ask if you can install shelving and screws in walls?
- Ask if landlord has repainted the apartment prior to your move in
- Ask if the building has ever had an issue with rodents and bed bugs
- How to receive mail and packages and if there’s a mail room with CCTV?
- Where to throw out trash and if there are different trash days?
- Meet your building super
- Know your neighbors
- Amenities use rules
General Questions
Question: When will the apartment become available?
Why: So you can align your moving plans accordingly.
Question: How is rent paid? Personal check, money order, etc.? Can it be paid online? Is there a service fee for this?
Why: Understand your payment options and any potential extra costs.
Question: What day is rent due? What is the late fee?
Why: To manage your finances and avoid any penalties.
Question: Are there specials (i.e., one month free) for longer leases? Is that prorated?
Why: You might save money by committing for a longer period.
Question: Is there pro-rating for half months?
Why: It affects the rent you pay if you move in or out in the middle of the month.
Staffing Questions
Question: Does the landlord live on site? If not, is he easily accessible?
Why: In case of issues, it’s essential to have a landlord who’s reachable.
Question: Are the office members amicable and intelligent?
Why: A friendly and knowledgeable staff will make your stay more pleasant.
Question: Is there 24-hour emergency maintenance available? Who does the apartment maintenance?
Why: For a prompt response in emergencies and regular upkeep.
Money Talk
Question: How much is the monthly rent?
Why: To ensure you won’t be surviving on instant noodles.
Potential Pitfall: Realizing you’ve spent all your salary on rent and, well, noodles.
How much rent can you afford, by the way?
Question: What utilities are included?
Why: Nobody likes surprise bills, right?
Example: Remembering that one winter where heating wasn’t included and you almost became a human popsicle.
Lease Lowdown
Question: How long is the lease term?
Why: Finding out if you’re making a short fling or a long-term commitment.
Potential Pitfall: Needing to jet off for a dream job but being stuck in a lease.
Question: Break-up terms? Aka, what if I need to break the lease?
Why: Life happens. Like when you decide to move in with your S.O.
Example: Your friend, Alex, paying a fortune for breaking his lease because he didn’t check this out.
Apartment Life
Question: Laundry situation – in-unit or communal?
Why: Assessing if you’ll be hauling laundry around or doing it in PJs.
Potential Pitfall: Queueing up at 6 am on Sundays just to get an empty machine.
Question: Can I control my thermostat?
Why: So you’re not roasting in summer or freezing in winter.
Example: The year of wearing three sweaters indoors because the landlord controlled the heat.
Question: How are guests admitted into the building?
Why: For security and the ease of having visitors.
Question: Is there a parking fee? What about guest parking?
Why: To understand the convenience and costs associated with vehicle storage
Safe & Sound
Question: How’s the security?
Why: So your prized comic collection stays where it should.
Potential Pitfall: That sinking feeling when your vintage vinyl collection goes MIA.
Question: What is the neighborhood crime rate?
Why: For safety concerns.
Fixer-Uppers
Question: Who’s on the repair squad?
Why: So you’re not waiting weeks with a leaky faucet.
Example: Remember that month with the perpetually blinking light in the bathroom? Never again.
House Rules
Question: Pets – yay or nay?
Why: Knowing if Mr. Whiskers can join you or if it’s a no-cat zone.
Potential Pitfall: Secretly sneaking your cat in and out, spy-movie style.
Question: Decorating – what’s the lowdown?
Why: Seeing if you can paint a wall or two and really make it your space.
Example: That time you painted your bedroom neon green and lost your deposit. Oops.
Question: How does trash pickup work?
Why: For cleanliness and convenience.
Question: What is the smoking policy?
Why: For health and lifestyle preferences.
Neighborly Love
Question: Who are the neighbors?
Why: Gauging if it’s party central or early-to-bed types next door.
Potential Pitfall: Living next to an aspiring drummer when you have 8 am meetings.
Question:Are there restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations close by?
Why: Daily convenience.
Making the Move
Question: When can I move in?
Why: Getting the deets for planning that housewarming shindig.
Potential Pitfall: Having your couch, bed, and 20 moving boxes with nowhere to go.
Final Thoughts:
Renting can be a maze, but with this handy cheat sheet of questions to ask when renting an apartment, you’re all set to find a place that feels more like ‘home sweet home’ and less like ‘why did I even…?’ Cheers to savvy renting!
