Renting

7 questions to ask before renting an apartment

Admin_MansopEG

February 28, 2020
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You’ve done tons of searching online, toured numerous apartment complexes, and you’ve narrowed it down to a few top contenders. At this point in your apartment search, you’ve probably had all of your major questions answered. How much is rent, how long is the lease term, what utilities are included? But there are more questions to ask when renting an apartment than just the obvious ones.

Now is the time to get answers to some essential questions before signing a lease. After you pen your John Hancock, it will be too late to take these things into consideration to ensure that you find the best place to live.

  • HOW DO I PAY RENT

These days, nearly every complex has at least one electronic option for paying rent, but there may be a convenience fee from $1 – $5 for doing so. It may make sense to pay with a hand written check delivered to the leasing office or mailed to the landlord. In that case, make sure you understand exactly when the landlord imposes a late fee (e.g. five days after rent is due) and how much that fee is.

  • UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WILL YOU ENTER MY APARTMENT WITHOUT NOTICE?

You may not own the apartment, but that doesn’t mean the community employees should be able to enter your home anytime they please. In most instances the apartment should give you notice prior to entering your apartment, and legit complexes will be up front about what circumstances warrant them entering an apartment. You may also want to consider safety here. For example, does the landlord require background checks for those employees who have access to your apartment?

  • WHERE WILL I PARK MY CAR?

Does your rent include access to one or more parking spaces? Are the reserved, or in an open lot? If parking isn’t provided, what are the alternatives? Street parking? Nearby garages? Be wary of being told street parking is easy to find. It could be tougher than advertised, so you should check it out for yourself.

  • HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO GIVE NOTICE BEFORE MOVING OUT?

In many instances you’ll have to give notice 30-60 days in advance of moving out. If you don’t give the required notice, your lease could automatically renew or you could lose your security deposit.

  • CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO THE APARTMENT AND WILL THERE BE COSTS INVOLVED?

Putting your own personal touch on an apartment can end up costing you at some complexes, while others don’t mind as long as you put things back the way they were when you moved in.

  • UNDER WHICH CIRCUMSTANCES WILL MY SECURITY DEPOSIT NOT BE REFUNDED?

Not cleaning the apartment sufficiently could be enough for the property manager to withhold a portion of your security deposit. A good rule of thumb is that with the exception of normal wear and tear, the apartment should be left the way it was when you moved in if you want to get the full deposit back.

  • WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR LEASE RENEWAL?

Perhaps the landlord plans to renovate in a year’s time, so renewing isn’t an option. Or maybe in a year’s time you’ll decide to move, but what if your new lease doesn’t begin until two months after your current lease expires? Is month-to-month an option?