11 questions to ask when renting an apartment

Table of Content

• Are pets welcome -- and is there an extra charge?
• What is your ideal renter?
• Questions to ask when enquiring about a rental
• What am I allowed to change? What am I not allowed to change?
• When can you expect the security deposit to be returned once you vacate the property?
• Will you agree to a background and credit check?

The majority of tenants who rent homes want to benefit from having a reliable internet connection. You may, at most, need to reactivate the service, in which case you can select the internet provider of your choice. However, there are still locations without cables or with very weak signals, so it is imperative to inquire about internet service. This inquiry is not frequently asked, despite the fact that it is crucial. The owner typically requires the contract’s signature in addition to the inventory or the complete description of the furnishings when the unit being rented out is equipped. When thinking about what to ask your landlord before renting, another consideration should be what the neighborhood is like.

The application process will vary from house rental to house rental. Some landlords will require you to submit a credit report and reference, while others just accept an application and the security deposit. Some landlords have rules regarding how much notice you’ll have to give if you want to renew the lease after your initial term. Most of the time, security deposits are returned to tenants upon move out, provided there isn’t any major damage or mess left behind. See what the terms are so that you can be sure you maintain the apartment in such a way that you can get your security deposit back when the lease is over.

Are pets welcome -- and is there an extra charge?

You may have some non-negotiable terms, such as permitting pets on the premises, and asking the right questions will allow you to narrow down your options. You may have an upcoming trip or long-term out-of-town assignment for work. Either way, you will be gone for many months and don’t want to waste money paying rent for a unit you won’t use for a while. In this case, you may want to sublet your unit, though it will depend on your landlord’s subletting policies. To get access to those pieces of information, you must ask questions.

Request the smoke detectors be inspected and tested to make sure they work correctly. Don't assume what utilities you will need to pay in your new house rental. If the locks were not changed recently and you love the rental, ask the landlord to change them on his or her budget before moving in.

What is your ideal renter?

Knowing your landlord is going to update something is exciting, but it often comes with its own challenges. Some updates take weeks or months, so prepare to live without something for a little bit while it's being updated. Or if things aren't updated and need work, you can negotiate the lease to specify that something gets updated in a timely manner. On the other hand, you might not have renters insurance and don't want to buy it, so this place isn't the one.

You can avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong place by asking the landlord questions about their property. The landlord must give reasonable notice before entering the apartment and may not abuse his/her right to enter. Price, available inventory and your own commitments and schedule determine the best time to rent an apartment. If possible, search the area around the rental home on a crime map and drive around at night to see if you feel comfortable.

Questions to ask when enquiring about a rental

After all, if you do not intend to stay for 18 months, there is no point in signing an agreement that binds you for that long. Let’s face it — there may be times when you miss the deadline for rent and even go beyond the grace period. As such, one of the most important questions to ask when renting an apartment is, “Are there any penalties for late payments? ” Most landlords will let you off with a warning the first time around and then impose a late fee or fine for subsequent occurrences. Speaking of non-tenants, check the lease to see if it has any specific rules around guests.

In many cases, a renter will be looking to move in at the beginning of the next month. Perhaps the most revealing question of all, asking this will determine whether or not the property is even worth your time. When you ask a landlord this question, remember to study their reaction.

How proactive the landlord will be at effecting this agreement is another story. Even if you don't plan on doing any decorating, find out what changes you're able to make. Some landlords are fine with repainting as long as you check with them first, while others don't even want you putting a nail in the wall.

Many lease terms dictate the first of the month as the day rent is due, but what if you’re moving in on another date? Most of the time, your rent will be pro-rated for that first month, meaning that you’ll only pay for the days you’re going to be there. The same goes for the end of the term if your lease ends on any day other than the first. It’s pretty standard to offer pro-rated rent for the first and last month in these circumstances, so make sure it’s spelled out on the lease. If it’s not, request that your rent is pro-rated for these periods. Whether it’s required or not, every renter should have renters insurance because it protects you from events out of your control.

Confirm the age of the appliances are and what will be in place when you move in. Include any repairs and maintenance in the lease agreement to avoid paying in the future. If applicable, ask the landlord to remove any remaining furnishings if you don't plan to use them.

To confirm that your plans sync with reality, this question should be one of the first questions you should ask a landlord before renting a house. While many leases are 12-months, not all are and the timing sometimes is negotiable for six months or even month-to-month. If the landlord requires a 12-month lease and won't budge on that amount of time, but you're only looking to live somewhere for six months, find somewhere else to live. Being on the same page as your landlord when it comes to payment methods will make it easier for both of you when paying rent, especially if you can do it all online.

When can you expect the security deposit to be returned once you vacate the property?

Make sure the applicant provides written permission to run these checks when they submit their application — verbal confirmation is insufficient. There are an estimated 43 million rental properties in the United States alone, and that number seems to increase with each passing year. That means the options for renters are growing, and there are more prospects to consider. Part of sensible house hunting, though, is knowing what to ask when renting an apartment or house.

Not every rental house comes with a standard year-long lease as many apartment complexes. There's a lot of flexibility in dealing with a private landlord or property company for houses. Fieldworkers posed as potential tenants interested in renting a property and were shown round by a letting agent. Currently, it's much more common for renters to choose the property, not the letting agent. Went undercover to investigate letting agents (see Which? letting agents investigation, below), we found a huge variance in the quality of service they provide. Find out how to choose a rental property, including what to look for during a viewing, and what questions to ask the letting agent.

Giving proper notice before handing in your keys can help avoid unnecessary stress and fees. Most landlords in the US require security deposits in case of property damage. The amount can vary from state to state, but it is usually one month’s rent.

Most leases last for 12 months, then switch to a month-to-month agreement. However, it’s a good idea to ask upfront how long the lease is for, as terms can range from six months to 18 months. If you want to settle in one place for a year or two, then a six-month lease may not be best option for you.