So, you have been accepted to your university or college of choice. Now it’s time to find an apartment to rent. We know just how exciting getting your first college apartment can be.
It might be tempting to fall in love with the first apartment that you see, but it’s in your best interest to ask your prospective landlord some very important questions. After all, you’ll be living there while going through school so the last thing you need is a headache from the apartment you’re renting.
This is why it’s so important to ask all of the right questions. This will help you form a well-rounded picture of the apartment before you sign the lease. It’s always a good idea to look at several different student apartments before making your decision.
To help you make an educated and informed decision, we’ve put together six important questions to ask when renting an apartment:
Question #1: What are the terms of the apartment lease?
The terms of the lease would be one of the most important questions to ask when renting an apartment. It’s important to know what you are getting yourself into before you sign the lease. You will want to find out when the lease begins and ends before you start looking at the apartment. Make sure you have a clear idea of when the move-in date is and how many months the lease is for.
It’s also wise to know what the late rent policy is for your unit in case you find yourself in a situation where you cannot pay the rent right on time. Ask if there’s a grace period or if you will have to pay additional fees.
This is also the perfect opportunity to ask other things like if you can only move in and out during certain hours and if the building has quiet hours. Also, make sure to find out how you can break the lease, should the need arise.
Question #2: What Costs are Associated with Moving In?
To help you financially plan for your big move, it’s best to find out what costs are associated with moving in. For example, it’s pretty standard that most landlords ask for both first and last month’s rent, but you should always ask to be sure.
Some apartment buildings will also add on an elevator fee or other move-in expenses. Make sure you factor this into your budget and if the cost is too high, keep looking until you find something that is more affordable.
Question #3: What Does Parking Look Like?
If you and your roommate both have cars, it’s important to find out what the parking situation looks like. Is one spot included in the cost of the rent? How much is a second spot (if that option is even available)?
If parking is not included in the rent, you will also need to factor that into your monthly expenses before you sign the lease to make sure it’s something you can afford.
If your potential apartment does not offer parking, you may need to look elsewhere, so always make sure to ask this very important question.
Question #4: What is the Pet Policy?
Whether you currently have a pet or may buy or adopt one down the line, it’s always a good idea to ask what the pet policy is. This may completely change your interest in a place so be sure to ask this question as soon as possible.
If your apartment building does allow pets, ask if there is an associated deposit. Most places will ask for a non-refundable deposit for things like deep cleaning once you move out and any associated damage your pet may have caused to the property.
There may also be breed-specific restrictions so be sure to find out about that too.
Question #5: What Else is Included in the Cost of the Rent?
Sometimes you may come across a place where your rent also covers the cost of utilities. Other times, these expenses are on top of your rent.
If utilities are not included, it’s best to put a budget together with the estimated cost of these services (you can call the provider for an estimate).
If it falls outside your budget, keep looking until you find a place that includes utilities in the rent if that is the most cost-effective option for you.
Question #6: How Do I Make Rent Payments?
It’s always wise to know how your landlord expects you to make payments ahead of time. Do they require post-dated cheques? Will they automatically withdraw it from your account each month? Or do they accept e-transfers?
Knowing what your landlord expects here will save you a headache down the road. This is just one more thing that will help you prepare for your big move.
Remember: the more questions you ask, the better picture you will have, so don’t be shy to ask as many questions as you want.