12 Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment
When you start looking for an apartment, it can be an overwhelming experience. You want to find a place that meets all, or at least most, of your needs and is a great fit for you. That’s why it’s so important that you ask questions. While an apartment can look ideal for you, you want to be sure to ask some important questions, so you know if your future home meets your financial criteria, along with being a fit for your lifestyle.
Here are twelve questions to consider when apartment hunting:
Do I need a co-signer to rent this apartment?
Your landlord is going to want to know that you are financially responsible. If you have limited credit, a co-signer may be necessary. Be sure to ask this question so you are not caught off-guard if a co-signer is needed.
What can I do to decorate my apartment that won’t cause me to incur penalties?
Of course, you want to make your new apartment feel like home by decorating it to your taste. But, this is still a rental, and most apartments have restrictions on what you can or can’t do when it comes to decorating. Be sure to ask about paint, wallpaper or even the hanging of pictures, so you know what the expectations are.
Are there policies about guests or listing the apartment on Airbnb?
If you frequently have guests, you may want to ask what the policy is on this. Your new landlord may have concerns that frequent guests are actually roommates who are not listed as tenants.
Additionally, there may be restrictions against listing your apartment on sites such as Airbnb. Don’t assume that you can do this just because you are the tenant.
Are pets allowed? If yes, what kind? Are there pet fees?
Whether you want a pet or not, it’s a good question to ask. If your apartment complex allows pets, but you’re not an animal lover, this may not be the place for you. If you want a pet, you need to make sure it’s allowed. There may be restrictions on the type of pet allowed and even specific limitations as to breed and size. You’ll also want to know if there are additional fees associated with having a pet.
Are utilities included? What are the average monthly costs if not included?
You definitely want to know what, if any, utilities are included. Utilities are part of your monthly budget, and if you haven’t planned accordingly, you could find yourself short on cash. Also, ask what the average cost is for utilities that are not included so you can factor that into your decision process.
How do I go about requesting maintenance?
Be sure to ask how you go about requesting maintenance help if something in your apartment requires assistance. Is there a form? Do you call someone? Learn what the procedure is for future reference.
Can I sublet my apartment?
When it comes to your lease, you will want to ask if you are able to sublet your apartment.
What if I need to break my lease?
This is an important question. Sometimes it may be unavoidable, and you may need to break your lease (such as with a transfer of jobs). Ask how you go about this and what the penalties may be.
How much do I need to pay up front?
You will want to know if a security deposit is necessary and if other fees are required (for example the first and last month of rent.) You want to make sure you can meet your upfront financial obligations when securing an apartment.
Is there parking? How does it work?
Parking is an important area to ask about. Find out how many spaces are allotted to each apartment. Are they specifically assigned? Is there a garage? Is there open parking for guests? Do cars need to be registered? Can you pay for an additional space? You’ll want to be sure there is room for your vehicle and, perhaps, any guests you may have.
What appliances are included?
When you look at an apartment, don’t assume that everything you see will be included. Things may have been left by a previous tenant and not yet removed. You’ll want to know what you’re getting.
When is rent due and what forms of payment do you accept?
Be sure you know how and when to pay your rent. There may be several ways to pay (via the mail, online, or bank transfer) and you may be able to pay by cash, check, or even credit card depending on your landlord.
Finding your perfect apartment is exciting. If you have questions about Pennsauken Golf Course Villas, please feel free to call us at (856) 516-0094. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and talk to you about our available units.