Renting an apartment is an important commitment, and it’s critical that you make sure you tick off all the boxes before you sign a lease. Before renting, there is probably a list of questions you already have pertaining to the quality of the space and the experience of renting it–but to make sure you’ve got everything covered, we have some oft-forgotten questions to ask before renting an apartment.
What’s the Insurance Situation?
Your landlord will typically already have some type of insurance policy that covers the entire property and shared spaces within. This protection usually doesn’t extend to individual rented spaces.
This is where plans like renters insurance or content insurance for tenants come in handy. Look into what type of insurance product you’ll need for your rental, ironing out details with your landlord to ensure you’re adequately protected.
Are Pets Allowed?
Asking if pets are allowed isn’t just a question reserved for pet owners–it’s one you should ask if you have concerns about safety and or personal preferences (such as if you’re afraid of dogs). The presence of pets in the property can affect your everyday renting experience.
How Does Parking Work?
If you have a vehicle, you should ask about the parking situation. Check if there’s parking on-site for maximum convenience, and look into how visitor parking works. Some related queries that you can ask include:
-
Will I need to park my car on the streets?
-
Is parking free?
-
Are there parking slots to choose from?
How Is Rent Paid?
Your lease agreement will outline the amount and frequency or due date of payments, but you might want to consider how rent is paid, as well. Does your landlord only accept money order payments? Can you set up an automatic payment plan that transfers money every month? Can payments be made securely online?
What’s the Late Policy on Rent?
There may be times when you won’t be able to pay your rent on time. In these events, it’s critical to communicate with your landlord to explain why you can’t pay and to figure out a compromise or solution.
Still, your property owner may have set policies to minimize the risks related to late or non-payment of rent, and it’s good to know these–especially if there are late fees involved–so that you know how to prepare for the consequences.
Can I Sublet the Space?
Subletting an apartment is a great way to earn an income, but can you do it in a property that’s not yours? Ask the property owner if you can sublet the space and what limitations may come with doing so. It’s also useful to go through the legal and financial aspects of this arrangement to ensure you’re not doing anything that could be considered illegal or a breach of your lease agreement.
