Finding a great place to live is harder to do today. Since the pandemic, housing prices have risen, and apartments have gone up in price. That’s why it’s no surprise that many people now struggle to find a place to live.
But if you put in the work, you can find great options. But this also means knowing what to look for when you find a potential place to live.
So, what are the questions to ask before renting an apartment? Keep reading to learn what to look for in your new apartment rental.
1. What’s Included in the Rent?
It’s important to remember when renting an apartment that the rent price you see won’t usually be your total monthly cost. Landlords include the rental space at a minimum in the lease. In other cases, they will include features like free WiFi, heating and cooling, water, and other features.
But not all landlords include these features. For instance, some landlords may require their tenants to pay for electricity.
It’s important to understand those extra charges before signing an apartment lease. When you do, you can understand your monthly cost and whether an apartment is worth the money.
2. Do I Have Extra Responsibilities?
Generally, you’re responsible for caring for a rental’s interior. It’s your living space, so you must keep it clean and in great shape.
But in other cases, you may have other responsibilities. You’ll often find this if you rent a home instead of an apartment building.
Take rental property companies with a selection of single-family homes, for instance. Those homes may have yards the landlord doesn’t want to take care of. They add a clause in the lease requiring the tenant to mow the yard.
Make sure you understand terms like this before signing a lease.
3. Do You Have Parking?
The parking situation in some apartments isn’t ideal. This is especially true if you live in a larger city that doesn’t have as much space for cars.
Check the parking situation of an apartment before committing to the lease. Do you have open parking areas with plenty of space or an assigned parking space? Will you have any extra spaces for guests?
In some cases, parking is so limited that you’ll need to rent a parking space. Check the cost of doing this and factor it into your rental cost.
4. Can I Sublet the Apartment or Break the Lease?
Things can change in life and alter your finances and life situation. You may have a new opportunity or emergency that requires you to move out.
But you committed to your lease, so you need to find options. Many people go with the subletting option. Doing this means you add another person to the lease, so ensure this is available if you’re considering it.
If that isn’t possible, look into the terms of breaking the lease. How early can you do it, and are there any extra fees?
5. Do You Allow Pets?
Many people have furry friends they bring with them anywhere. You have dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and other types of pets.
But not all apartments allow tenants to bring their pets. Landlords don’t want pets to cause damage to their property, so they don’t allow tenants to bring them to their property.
If you have a pet or plan to get one in the future, check the pet policy of an apartment. Make sure it allows your chosen pet and has a reasonable pet fee.
6. What Security Do You Have?
Security is a big concern if you have crime in the area. You have break-ins, carjackings, stolen packages, and more. The last thing you want is to live in an apartment and constantly have concerns for your safety and theft.
Ask about the security procedures for the area. Are there cameras watching the buildings, security guards monitoring things, secure areas for packages, gated access, or other security features?
Compare these features with the general safety of the area to determine if you’ll feel safe in an apartment and the surrounding area.
7. What Apartment Changes Can I Make?
The chances are good that you have a few ideas for changing things in your apartment. Things may look good by default. However, there are things to do that will help you make a space your own.
The problem is that many apartment owners limit what tenants can do in their apartments. For instance, if you want to hang a TV on the wall, a landlord may prevent you from drilling into the wall.
Check to see what options are available to you. Changing the paint, wallpaper, and other features may be possible. Also, check to see if you must return things to how they were before leaving.
8. What’s the Process for Emergency Repairs?
If you find a great landlord, the chances are good that you won’t have many issues. The apartment is in great shape, so everything should work correctly.
But there may be emergencies where you need help. These include burst pipes, dead air conditioners, flooding, and other issues.
The question is, how soon can you get help? Check the terms for emergency repair from your landlord. You want to find an apartment that guarantees help quickly during an emergency.
Know the Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment
You’re making a big decision when you’re apartment hunting for a new place to live. You may not be familiar with the area or with the rental property companies in the area. Because of that, you may struggle to vet your rental options carefully and find a great place to live.
But things are different when you know the questions to ask before renting an apartment. When you ask the right renting questions, you can determine if an apartment has the resources to provide for your needs and keeps their apartments in shape. Ask the questions above and come up with more things to ask when renting an apartment to vet your apartment choices properly.
Are you interested in learning more about making your new apartment feel like home? Check out the blog to learn some tips that will help you settle into your new place.
