Category: Quick Guide / Living on Your Own

⚡ Questions to Ask Before Renting

An apartment may look like a good fit during a short tour, but the monthly cost, lease rules, maintenance process, and building policies will affect what it is actually like to live there.

Ask questions before applying or paying money. Take notes and request written confirmation of anything that could influence your decision.

About the Apartment

Ask:

• Is this the exact apartment I would be renting?
• When will it be available?
• Has anyone else already applied?
• How long has it been vacant?
• Will it be cleaned before move-in?
• Will the locks be changed or rekeyed?
• Are any repairs or improvements planned?
• Which appliances are included?
• Is storage included?
• Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?
• Can I measure the rooms?
• Can I test the water, lights, windows and appliances?

If you are shown a model apartment, ask to inspect the actual unit before signing the lease.

Rent and Monthly Costs

Ask:

• What is the monthly rent?
• When is rent due?
• Is there a grace period?
• What are the late fees?
• How can rent be paid?
• Is there a fee for paying online?
• Can the rent increase during the lease?
• What usually happens to the rent at renewal?
• Is renter’s insurance required?
• Are there monthly building or service fees?
• Is parking included?
• Are pet fees charged monthly?

Calculate the complete monthly cost instead of looking only at the advertised rent.

Move-In Costs

Ask for a written list of everything due before receiving the keys.

Possible costs include:

• Application fee
• Credit or background-check fee
• Security deposit
• First month’s rent
• Last month’s rent
• Broker or agent fee
• Pet deposit
• Pet fee
• Parking fee
• Move-in fee
• Elevator reservation
• Utility deposits
• Renter’s insurance

Also ask:

• Which fees are refundable?
• When must each payment be made?
• What payment methods are accepted?
• Will I receive a receipt?
• What happens to my money if the application is denied?
• Is a holding deposit required?
• Under what circumstances could I lose a holding deposit?

Do not pay until you understand what the payment is for and have verified the property and person receiving it.

Utilities and Services

Ask which utilities are included in the rent and which you must arrange yourself.

Questions may include:

• Who pays for electricity?
• Who pays for gas or heating fuel?
• Who pays for water and sewer service?
• Who pays for trash collection?
• Is heat included?
• Is hot water included?
• Is internet or cable included?
• Is air conditioning provided?
• Are any utilities shared between apartments?
• Is usage individually metered?
• What do utilities usually cost?
• Which providers serve the building?
• When should services be placed in my name?

If utilities are shared, ask how your portion is calculated.

The Lease

Before signing, ask:

• How long is the lease?
• When does it begin and end?
• Does it renew automatically?
• How much notice is required before moving out?
• What happens if I need to leave early?
• Are there lease-termination fees?
• Is subletting allowed?
• Are all agreements included in the written lease?
• Will I receive a complete signed copy?
• Are there additional rules or addendums?
• Who is legally responsible for the rent?
• Is a guarantor or cosigner required?

Do not rely on a verbal promise that conflicts with the written lease.

Security Deposit

Ask:

• How much is the security deposit?
• When is it due?
• Where will it be held?
• What can be deducted from it?
• What is considered normal wear?
• How should move-in damage be documented?
• Is a move-in inspection required?
• What cleaning is expected before moving out?
• How and when will the deposit be returned?
• What forwarding information will be required?

Document the apartment’s condition with photographs and written notes when you move in.

Maintenance and Repairs

Ask:

• How do I request a repair?
• Is there an online maintenance system?
• Who handles emergency repairs?
• Is assistance available after regular business hours?
• How quickly are urgent problems addressed?
• Who maintains included appliances?
• Who handles plumbing, heating and electrical problems?
• Who is responsible for pest control?
• Will I be notified before someone enters the apartment?
• Are there repairs that tenants must handle themselves?

Request written confirmation of any repair promised before move-in.

Safety and Security

Ask:

• Do exterior doors lock automatically?
• Who has keys to the apartment?
• Will the locks be changed before move-in?
• Are smoke alarms installed?
• Are carbon-monoxide alarms installed where needed?
• How are building entrances controlled?
• Are hallways, stairs and parking areas well lit?
• Are security cameras used in common areas?
• How are lost keys handled?
• Are there fees for lockouts or replacement keys?
• What is the emergency evacuation procedure?
• Have there been recurring safety or maintenance problems?

Inspect safety features yourself whenever possible.

Building and Neighborhood

Ask:

• How many apartments are in the building?
• Are there quiet hours?
• Is smoking allowed?
• Where are mail and packages delivered?
• Where are trash and recycling stored?
• Is there an elevator?
• How are stairs, walkways and common areas maintained?
• Is snow removal provided?
• Is there bicycle or additional storage?
• Is cell-phone reception reliable?
• Which internet providers are available?
• Are nearby construction projects planned?

Visit the area at different times to evaluate noise, lighting, traffic and transportation.

Parking and Transportation

If you drive, ask:

• Is parking included?
• Is a specific space assigned?
• Is a permit required?
• Are there additional parking fees?
• Is guest parking available?
• What happens during snow removal?
• Are there towing rules?
• Is electric-vehicle charging available?
• Where can moving vehicles park?

If you use public transportation, confirm the route, schedule and walking distance yourself.

Laundry

Ask:

• Is laundry available in the apartment or building?
• Where is the laundry room?
• What hours is it open?
• How much does it cost?
• How is payment made?
• Are machines regularly maintained?
• Can a personal washer or dryer be installed?
• Is there a nearby laundromat?

If laundry access is important, inspect the machines and location during the tour.

Pets

If you have or may get a pet, ask:

• Are pets allowed?
• Are there size, breed, species or quantity restrictions?
• Is approval required?
• Is there a pet deposit?
• Is there a one-time pet fee?
• Is there monthly pet rent?
• Are assistance animals handled under a different process?
• Are there rules about noise, waste or common areas?
• Is there a nearby outdoor area?

Make sure the written lease matches what you were told.

Guests, Roommates and Other Rules

Ask:

• How long may guests stay?
• Must roommates be listed on the lease?
• Can someone be added later?
• Are parties or gatherings restricted?
• Can I work from home?
• Can I hang pictures or paint?
• Are grills allowed?
• Are candles permitted?
• Can I install shelves, cameras or a different lock?
• Are there rules about balconies or outdoor spaces?
• Are there smoking restrictions?

These rules should be available in writing before you agree to rent.

Accessibility

If accessibility matters, ask:

• Is there a step-free entrance?
• Is the elevator reliable and large enough?
• Are doorways and hallways wide enough?
• Is an accessible parking space available?
• Can the bathroom be used safely?
• Are reasonable modifications possible?
• Who pays for approved modifications?
• Must modifications be reversed when moving out?
• How are emergency exits handled?

Inspect the actual route from the property entrance to the apartment.

Moving In and Moving Out

Ask:

• When will I receive the keys?
• Is a move-in inspection required?
• Must I reserve an elevator or loading area?
• Are moving hours restricted?
• Is proof of mover’s insurance required?
• How should damage be reported?
• How much notice is required before moving out?
• Is a final inspection required?
• What cleaning is expected?
• Where must keys be returned?
• How do I provide a forwarding address?
• When should utilities be transferred or canceled?

Put important dates and requirements on your calendar.

About the Landlord or Property Manager

Confirm:

• Who owns or manages the property?
• Who will receive rent?
• Who should be contacted about lease questions?
• Who handles maintenance?
• Where will official notices be sent?
• Is there an office or verified business address?
• Is there an emergency contact number?

Be cautious if the person cannot show that they are authorized to rent the apartment.

Before Applying

Ask:

• What are the application requirements?
• What income documentation is needed?
• Is a credit or background check required?
• Is rental history considered?
• Is a guarantor or cosigner accepted?
• How long does approval usually take?
• Is the application fee refundable?
• How will sensitive information be protected?
• What happens after approval?
• How long will the apartment be held?

Read the application before providing identification, financial information or payment.

Questions to Ask Current Tenants

If an opportunity arises naturally, you may ask a current tenant:

• Is the building generally quiet?
• Are repairs handled reliably?
• Are common areas maintained?
• Are packages usually secure?
• Are there recurring pest, heating or plumbing problems?
• Is management responsive?
• Are there costs that surprised you?

Respect the person’s time and privacy.

Final Questions Before Signing

Before committing, confirm:

• What is the complete amount due before move-in?
• What is the complete monthly cost?
• Which utilities am I responsible for?
• Have all promised repairs been documented?
• Are all fees listed in the lease?
• Do the pet, parking and guest rules match what I was told?
• What happens when the lease ends?
• Do I have time to read the complete lease?
• Will I receive a signed copy?

Do not sign if important questions remain unanswered.

Quick Tour Checklist

Bring these questions to every apartment viewing:

• What is the total monthly cost?
• Which utilities are included?
• What is due before move-in?
• How long is the lease?
• How are repairs handled?
• What rules affect daily life?
• Are pets and parking allowed?
• Are there known problems or planned repairs?
• What happens at renewal or move-out?
• Can I inspect the exact apartment?
• Can all promises be put in writing?
• When do I need to decide?

Remember

Asking questions does not make you difficult. Renting a home is a major financial and legal commitment. A responsible landlord or property manager should be willing to explain the costs, rules, condition and responsibilities before you sign.