What questions should you ask before you sign the lease? All of them! To get you started on the path to inquisitiveness, here are a few questions to consider:
Before Applying
Before signing a lease, you first have to submit an application. Here are some questions to ask about the application process:
- How much is the application fee?
- What is your application process?
- What screening criteria will I have to meet?
- What happens if I need a cosigner?
- When would I be able to move in?
The Lease Itself
Here are some questions that might help you better understand the lease agreement:
- How long is the lease?
- After the initial term of the lease, will I be able to renew for another year?
- At the end of the lease, do I have the option to lease month to month?
- Will there be a rent increase if I renew? If so, how much?
- Is subletting allowed?
- Do you require renters insurance?
- Are any utilities included in the rent?
- What is your early lease termination policy?
- How much notice is required when I move out?
Roommates
Even if you don’t currently have a roommate, it’s good to know how getting a roommate could impact your lease agreement. Ask these questions about roommates:
- What is the procedure if I decide to get a roommate?
- How long can a guest stay with me before I have to add them to the lease?
- If I get a roommate, will we have to sign a new lease?
- Will my rent increase if I get a roommate?
- Will I have to pay an additional security deposit if someone moves in with me?
Restrictions
You’ll want to know what you aren’t allowed to do so you don’t inadvertently violate your lease agreement. Here are some questions to ask about restrictions:
- Are there any noise level restrictions?
- Am I allowed to paint the walls?
- Can I put up wallpaper?
- Am I allowed to hang pictures with nails?
- Am I allowed to swap out light fixtures?
- Can I have a waterbed?
- Are fish tanks allowed?
Fees
By the time you reach the leasing phase, you should know how much the rent will be (if you don’t, add that to your list of questions right now!). Aside from rent, there are other fees you might want to inquire about. Here are some questions to ask about apartment fees:
- What fees are associated with breaking the lease?
- Are there any application fees?
- What are your move-in fees?
- How much is the security deposit?
- Is there a late rent payment fee?
- What are the pet fees?
- Is there a parking fee?
Rent
Aside from the “how much,” there are other questions you’ll want to ask concerning rent. Here are a few:
- When is rent due?
- Do you have a grace period? If so, how many days until a late fee is assessed?
- Is there an option to pay rent online?
- What other methods of payment do you accept for rent?
Utilities
Some, all, or none of the utilities could be included in the rent. If you’re not sure, you’ll want to ask.
- What utilities are included in the rent?
- Are there any costs for setting up the utilities that are not covered in the rent?
- What is the approximate cost for utilities that are not included in the rent?
- How big is the hot water heater and is the hot water heater shared with any other apartments?
Parking
It may not be the first thing on your priority list, but parking is important! Be sure to ask the following:
- Is parking included in the rent or are there any additional parking fees?
- Will I have an assigned spot?
- Where can guests park?
- Where is the parking area?
Amenities
Amenities are what make apartment living great! But there are likely rules and possibly even fees associated with apartment amenities. Be sure to ask:
- Is there a pool? Is it secured?
- Can the pool be used by anyone?
- Are there any additional fees for using the pool?
- What are the pool rules?
- If I want to use the clubhouse, what’s the procedure?
- What fees will I have to pay to use the clubhouse?
- If there isn't an in-unit washer and dryer, where is the laundry and what is the cost?
- How’s the Wi-Fi? Is there free Wi-Fi?
- Who are the Wi-Fi and cable providers for the community?
- Are storage rooms available? What is the fee?
- Is the stove gas or electric?
- Is there a dishwasher?
- Is there a garbage disposal?
Maintenance
Another perk to apartment living is having a maintenance team take care of things that go wrong. Here’s what to ask about maintenance:
- What happens if I accidentally break an appliance?
- How is routine maintenance completed for the unit?
- Do you offer 24-hour emergency maintenance? If not, who should I call if there is an emergency?
- Can I submit a maintenance request online?
- How long does it usually take to get something repaired?
- How much notice do you typically give before entering the apartment?
Safety
You want to feel snug as a bug in your new apartment, so be sure to ask about safety:
- Where are the smoke detectors?
- How often are the smoke detectors checked?
- Is there a sprinkler system?
- Are there lights in the parking area?
- Are there cameras in the parking area?
- Do you have on-site security?
- Are apartments equipped with smart devices or alarm systems?
- How often are the door locks changed?
- Do you have keyless entry locks?
Pets
While you might not have a pet currently, you never know when a bundle of fur may steal your heart. Just in case, ask these questions about pets:
- Am I allowed to have pets?
- How many pets am I allowed to have?
- If I don't have a pet now but I get one at a later date, will my lease change?
- Do you have a dog park or a pet-washing station?
- What is the weight limit?
- Do you have breed restrictions?
Other
Here are a few more questions to ask before signing the lease:
- How do I get deliveries?
- Do you have package lockers?
- How is the cell phone reception?
- How old is the building?
- How is the water pressure?
- What school system is the apartment community zoned for?
- Where the nearest highway/bus stop/train station?
- Are there sidewalks and/or bike lanes nearby?
- Where are the nearest shops/restaurants/businesses?
You may have additional questions not on this list. If it helps, write out your questions ahead of time so you don’t forget them when you contact the leasing office. Remember: all questions are good questions. Now get out there and be inquisitive!
