Touring apartments to find your new dream home is as exhausting as it is exciting. You might be tempted to jump the gun and lock down the first apartment that looks good. However, there are many questions you need to find out the answer to first. For example, if you're renting with pets, you'll want to know if your pet can live with you and the costs. If you're moving in with your best friend or partner, you'll wonder if the neighborhood is a good fit for the both of you.
Part 1: Questions to ask your property manager
You'll be signing a lease with your property manager, so who better to turn to first? In this section, we'll cover ten important questions to ask when touring an apartment.
1. What's the rent?
Did you know that apartment prices fluctuate daily? So, always confirm the rent with your property manager to check whether or not it matches the online advertisement. Plus, it's a good idea to find out when the rent's due each month and if there are late fees. You want to be sure that the lease length and rent fit in with your budget.
2. How much is the security deposit?
In addition to the rent, you'll have to put down a security deposit. Generally speaking, the security deposit is equivalent to the first and last month's rent.
3. Are utilities included in the rent?
The tenant usually pays for electricity, gas, and water bills. However, the rent might cover other costs like a garbage disposal. Therefore, it's best to check with your property manager about utility bills and each party's responsibilities.
4. How do I pay utility bills?
Ask the property manager if utilites are billed alongside the rent, or if you pay the provider directly.
5. Are pets allowed?
Each complex will have its own rules when it comes to pets. For example, some property managers only allow certain breeds of pets. Nonetheless, It's best to know the regulations regarding renting with pets with each new apartment you visit.
For a more comprehensive review of renting with pets and associated costs, read our guide here.
6. What amenities are included?
Some of the biggest perks of living in apartment complexes are the amenities on offer. For example, your new dream home might come with an on-site gym! However, the more amenities there are, the higher the price is. So, on the list of questions to ask when touring an apartment, check whether you get an in-unit laundry or dishwasher.
7. What's the application process and fees?
Everything is perfect, and you want your dream home to be yours before someone else strikes! Ask your potential new property manager about the application process and how long it takes.
8. What about rent hikes?
For long-term leases, you'll want to ask about any potential changes to your lease. If you're in it for the long haul, why live somewhere that regularly raises rent prices?
9. What are the house rules?
Just like pets, some property owners might have policies about parties, smoking, or hosting guests. You should ask them about house rules and come to a mutually agreeable conclusion.
10. How soon can I move in?
As soon as you're sure this is the place for you, you'll want to move in straight away. However, that might not be possible. Check with the property owner about how soon you can move into your new home. Are there any tenants who have to move out first? Is there a specific policy regarding the entry of new tenants?
Part 2: Questions to ask your roommate or partner
Whether you're moving in with your partner or a potential roommate to save money, it's best to get these four questions out of the way. This checklist is also a self-assessment of your expectations as a renter.
1. How do we split rent?
The monthly payments will soon pile up if you're unsure of who's responsible for what. For example, your roommate might cover the apartment utilities instead of the rent if the amount is almost the same. Read our guide on splitting rent here for more creative ways to avoid risking late fees.
2. Is the neighborhood a good fit?
Since 2020, there's been an upswing in virtual tours of apartments, However, virtual tours are different from exploring nearby places in real-time. You might take a walk around the block and notice construction work or shuttered cafes. Before signing the lease, openly communicate your feelings and opinions!
3. Should we share renter's insurance?
Sharing renter's insurance is a cost-effective solution when bunking with a buddy. However, there are some pitfalls. For example, how can you be sure that your items are of the same value as your roommate's? If you're in a jam, hop on over to this blog to weigh the pros and cons of sharing renter's insurance.
4. What direction is the apartment facing?
If you love natural light or want to avoid direct sunlight, the answer to this question is important. In a west-facing apartment, the sun will rise behind you and set in the front. However, for an east-facing home, the opposite is true.
Wrapping up
Between application fees, renting with pets, and budgeting for utilities, it's hard to keep track of everything you need to find out when you're moving. Feeling overwhelmed? Use our checklist to guide you as you go along. Go ahead, bookmark or print this page when you have questions when renting an apartment! Are you moving in alone and need someone to co-sign your lease? We can be your guarantor!