Before signing a lease, it’s essential to ask your property manager some questions. Interviewing your property manager can help you learn more about the apartment and decide if it’s the right fit for you. Asking the right questions before renting an apartment can give you the information you need to feel confident in your rental choice. Here are 10 questions to ask before signing a lease.
10 questions to ask your landlord before signing a lease agreement
- What is the application process?
- Which utilities are my responsibility?
- When is the unit available?
- How are monthly rent payments made?
- What happens if I break the lease?
- Will I be able to renew the lease?
- What is the procedure for submitting a service request?
- What furnishings are included?
- Would you live here?
- How often are the locks changed?
Read on for detailed explanations and examples for each of these important questions.
1. What is the application process?
Understanding the application process can help you understand the process you’ll follow and the qualities the property manager looks for in renters. Make sure you ask about any information you should provide so that you can gather it early and minimize delays. You may also want to know whether there are fees or deposits associated with the process. Ensure you understand property manager-renter regulations in your state to understand the legal fees.
Many properties require renters to earn three times the monthly rent, collectively. If you’re living with roommates, the landlord will expect each person to make 3x their share of the rent. The majority of landlords also do both background and credit checks. Ask which pieces of information you’ll have to provide.
- Understand all screening and application fees. Are there any non-refundable deposits? Some states have prohibitions against non-refundable deposits, so familiarize yourself with the landlord-tenant regulations and laws set forth by your state.
- Ask specifics about the credit score portion if you already know you have a low credit score. Becoming aware of this upfront is a great way to prevent yourself and your roomies from wasting time on units that won’t end up being a good fit.
- If your credit score is pulled, find out if it’s a hard or soft inquiry. A hard inquiry can potentially hurt your score, so make sure you’re applying for a property you genuinely want.
2. Which utilities are my responsibility?
Ask your property manager if the monthly rent includes any utilities. Some rentals include water and garbage; others expect renters to pay for all utilities. Many variables determine the cost of utilities, including the property’s square footage, the location, and the season. While you may have a rough estimate of utility costs, learning typical utility costs for a particular property can help you budget.
3. When is the unit available?
If you’re trying to move into an apartment in the middle of September, but it’s not available until the end of October, that will be an issue. Find out when the apartment will become available at the beginning of the discussion to avoid any mix-ups. You can always sublet an apartment for a month or two if your move-in date doesn’t align perfectly with your move-out date.
4. How are monthly rent payments made?
Before committing to a rental agreement, ask how you’ll pay monthly rent. A property manager who only takes cash is a red flag, as you should always have some way of proving your past payments. Paying online is probably the best – and most popular – way to pay rent. Online payments can be automated and protect the renter and the property manager. Checks are also acceptable; your bank statements will reflect the money paid each month. Paying rent improves your credit score, too, so you’ll want some proof of payment if yours needs a boost.
5. What happens if I break the lease?
Life happens, and sometimes you have to move unexpectedly. Perhaps it’s a job offer in another state, or maybe it’s a family emergency. Regardless of the reason, ask your property manager if you’d be able to get out of your lease early, if necessary. Ask about any fees for early termination and how much notice you need to give your property manager if you’re moving out and breaking a lease agreement. You’ll likely need to provide your property manager with a notice to vacate letter but check first before signing anything.
6. Will I be able to renew the lease?
Think about your future in this particular apartment. Are you absolutely in love with it? Will you want to live here for longer than your lease will allow? Ask the property manager if you could sign a one-year lease and if you have the option to continue renting once that year is up, either with a renewed, one-year lease or on a month-to-month basis.
7. What is the procedure for submitting a service request?
One of the most desirable benefits of renting is that someone else will take care of all the maintenance requests, apartment repairs, and a plethora of other dirty work. Find out how you will be submitting your requests and who handles repairs. You may call the property manager directly or use an online portal to submit requests. However it’s done, find out ahead of time so that you’re ready when a pipe breaks or the washing machine starts leaking.
8. Which furnishings and appliances are included?
Some furnishings in an apartment may belong to a current renter, the property manager, or a staging company. Find out which appliances and furnishings will stay and which will go. The lease agreement may state inclusions, but make sure you know whether you’re renting a furnished apartment or if you’ll need furniture.
9. Would you live here?
A simple way to discern whether a property manager values and respects the rental property is by asking directly if the individual would live there. If the property manager looks away or takes a long time to respond, the individual may be trying to conceal something like roaches, unruly neighbors, or leaks. On the other hand, if the response comes with a solid answer, giving you the pros and cons, you know you can make an informed decision.
10. How often are the locks changed?
If there’s a high turnover rate at the apartment, you don’t want previous renters having access to your new home. Make sure the property manager changes the locks before you move in, and ask how often they’re changed.
FAQs: Questions to ask before signing a lease
Focus your questions on learning information about the property that isn’t in the rental ad. This approach shows the property manager that you’ve done basic research and want to learn more. It can also tell you information about the property beyond the marketing spin designed to get you to sign on the dotted line.
Ask open-ended questions that require the property manager to open up and give more than a simple yes or no answer. Once the property manager starts talking, let the individual speak for as long as possible. You might miss vital information if you ask your next question too quickly.
Many property managers interview potential renters before collecting their applications or handing them a lease agreement. If your prospective property manager schedules an interview, this is the perfect time to ask your questions. The property manager may ask you if you have any questions at the end of the interview. If you don’t receive this offer, feel free to ask whether you can ask questions. If the property manager doesn’t interview you, contact the property management company or real estate agent and ask to schedule an interview with the property manager.
Think about these questions, and talk to your landlord about as many of them as needed; there’s no harm in asking!
Getting answers before you put your name on the dotted line will only help you feel more confident on your move-in date.
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