Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
You’re moving, congratulations! Whether it’s for a job, college, or simply to find a better place, moving to a new city or even state is no small feat. It requires mental and physical fortitude.
After all the research, list-making, and late-night pondering, you’ve finally found a few apartments that fit your budget and lifestyle. Now comes the tricky part: making sure you gather every bit of useful information while touring what might soon be your new home.
Don’t let flashy interior decor and freshly painted walls fool you. Pay attention to the small details and ask the right questions. To make it easier, here’s your go-to guide on what to ask when touring an apartment.
What’s the total cost of signing this lease?
You already know the sticker price for leasing the apartment you’re touring. It was in the listing. But this is only the starting point. Leasing an apartment comes with a bunch of extra costs that are not included in the initial listing.
It’s up to you to learn about them, so be very thorough.
Here’s what to inquire about:
- All the upfront costs, including first and last month’s rent, plus the security deposit (plus conditions to recover it in full).
- Late payment fees policies (it’s best to know even if you don’t ever plan on being late);
- Average annual rent hikes, especially if you’re renting in a hot market. If you’re not renting in a state with rent control laws, rates can increase by 10 to 20% upon renewal.
- The cost of breaking the lease early. This can result in a cost of two to four months’ rent, loss of your security deposit, and other fees, so pay close attention to it.
- Acceptable payment methods (online, checks, cash).
Let’s take moving to California as an example. California is a state with rent control laws established by the statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482). This act sets limits on annual rent increases to 5% plus the local inflation rate (or 10%, whichever is lower) for most rental units.
According to Zillow, the average rent in Los Angeles is $2,795 per month, with little year-over-year change. Now, if your landlord decides to bump the rate by 5% upon renewal, your rent will be $3,115 per month, which is an extra $140.
If you’re already in debt (who isn’t nowadays?), this increase can derail your budget and throw a wrench into your repayment plans. The good news is that you can use a service like California debt consolidation to stay afloat until you figure things out. However, knowing this rent increase is coming as soon as your renewal is up gives you time to prepare and plan for it.
Are utilities included or separate?
Do not sign anything until you make sure you understand how the utilities work. In general, basic utilities include electricity, water, gas, and heating. Some apartment complexes also have trash and recycling, sewer, pest control, common area utilities, and others.
Make sure to read the lease agreement, and if utilities aren’t clearly mentioned, ask for details.
Additional questions to ask:
- Are they included in the overall rent cost?
- Are they separated?
- Do you have to pay only some of them separately?
- How is the measuring done, and how do you communicate the readings?
If the payment is separate, expect to shell out around $110-$170 extra per month. Of course, the cost is influenced by a wide range of factors, but this is the average cost for a big city like Los Angeles.
Who handles maintenance?
You do not want to move into an apartment where maintenance is nonexistent or patched just enough to hold until better days. All it takes is one burst pipe while you’re away to cause damage that’s costly and stressful to recover from.
According to Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and Founder of Fig Loans, many homeowners and renters face this problem.
“Many customers come to us because of unexpected home emergencies. Things like a burst pipe or a broken heater can set you back hundreds of dollars. These situations often stem from delayed maintenance or small issues that snowball into expensive fixes,” he shared.
That’s why it’s essential to clarify who handles repairs and what costs you might be responsible for if damage occurs. Ask whether the building and your unit follow a regular maintenance schedule, and find out if you’ll be expected to take care of simple tasks like replacing batteries in smoke detectors or changing air filters.
During the tour, pay attention to the small details that may raise some red flags, such as:
- Discoloration on ceilings, near windows, or under sinks. Fresh paint patches or oddly placed wall art can hint at a recent leak.
- Mold or musty smells mean poor ventilation or past flooding issues.
- Small cracks around doors, windows, or the foundation could point to structural shifts or water intrusion.
- Peeling paint or bubbling walls signal trapped moisture beneath the surface.
- Check appliances for rust, missing knobs, or signs of DIY repairs. If the water heater looks like it came from the 1950s, chances are maintenance is lax.
- Run the taps and flush the toilet—low pressure or slow drainage can indicate deeper plumbing problems.
- Flickering lights, warm outlets, or exposed wiring should raise immediate concern.
- Listen for rattling or banging noises from the heater or AC, and check the vents. Dirty or dusty ones suggest poor upkeep.
On your tour, ask who handles building maintenance and how to report issues. It’s a green flag if there’s an online system in place and issues are addressed promptly. Additionally, if reputable local plumbing, cleaning, and electrical contractors are on retainer, you know the landlord cares about the tenants’ well-being.
Be wary of landlords who don’t seem too invested in maintaining their properties. It’s a clear sign they have no issue cutting corners on safety, either. Plus, if things do go wrong, you may be saddled with the repairs and associated costs.
How secure is the building and the surrounding area?
“There’s a lot you can learn about a neighborhood at first glance,” said Adrian Iorga, Founder & President at 617 Boston Movers. “The little things like lighting on the streets, how clean and maintained the yards are, and whether people seem comfortable walking their dogs or chatting outside, speak volumes about how safe and well-kept the area is.”
According to the Council on Criminal Justice, property crime and crime in general are on a descending trend in most US cities. This is great news, but it doesn’t mean you should be less vigilant.
Besides what you can read online about the city you’ll soon call home, ask your touring agent about safety measures within the building. These can range from security cameras at the entryways and well-lit hallways to secure entry systems and safe parking.
Noise is usually a good indicator of a building’s safety levels, so ask if there have been any noise complaints and how they were handled. Some buildings also have noise restrictions you need to be aware of.
Along with learning about the neighborhood, it can be helpful to map out nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, or even bookmark a reliable online doctor service. When you’re new to an area, it’s easy to overlook things like where to get medical help, especially if something comes up unexpectedly. Having these essentials noted down early can save you a lot of stress later.
How’s the internet connection?
Nowadays, a bad connection can be as frustrating as a leaky roof, so do not forget to ask which providers service the building. Some older properties or smaller complexes may only have limited options and one slow provider, which may not be compatible with your online activities.
“In today’s digital age, a stable internet connection is a necessity. Whether you’re working from home, gaming, managing daily tasks, or staying connected with loved ones, the quality of your internet will impact your daily life and expenses.”—Anna Zhang, Head of Marketing at U7BUY.
You should also ask about the type of connection installed in the building. Fiber is fastest and most reliable, cable is decent, DSL is slower, and satellite can be spotty.
If the internet subscription is not included in the rent, ask about typical setup costs and monthly fees. If you’re taking over an existing subscription, ask for the password and connect using your phone during the tour. Check if signals reach all rooms, including bedrooms and corners (concrete walls or thick insulation can block signals).
When can the landlord enter the apartment without notice?
Once the lease is signed, your landlord cannot enter your apartment at will. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as:
- Emergencies. If there’s a fire, flood, gas leak, or other immediate danger, they can enter to protect life or property.
- Tenant consent. If you explicitly allow entry, no notice is needed.
- Abandonment or eviction.
Landlords can enter the apartment for routine repairs, maintenance, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants/buyers, but only if they provide notice within the legally required timeframe (which varies by state). Most states require written notice, but some allow verbal notification.
What policies should I be aware of?
Each building and unit can have its own policies, in addition to those discussed in the initial agreement. These can impact your living conditions and lifestyle, so be sure to learn more before signing the lease.
Understanding your lease is just as important as understanding any other legal contract. Tenants often overlook fine print, but that’s where crucial terms about rights, responsibilities, and possible penalties hide. Knowing these details upfront can prevent serious disputes later.
For instance, you may want to share your rent with a roommate. If this is the case, ask if subletting is allowed, and if yes, under which circumstances and conditions. Do you have to run the possible candidates by the landlord? Do you have full freedom to choose who you want? Who is responsible for the new tenant?
Also, ask about pets and guests. Are you allowed to have any? Are there restrictions or additional fees? Do you have to give notice for guests?
Enjoy your new apartment
These questions, and any others you consider important, will help you get a clearer picture of the apartment you’re about to rent. Whether it’s a short-term three-month lease or a long-term commitment, feeling comfortable and secure in your new home is essential. Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions and dig a little deeper during the tour. The leasing agent or landlord is used to it, and it’s better to be thorough now than regret it later.
