Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment

So you’re looking to rent a new apartment, before you sign that lease make sure you know what you’re getting into. This article will cover the most important questions you need to ask the landlord and yourself before you sign that new lease.

First, how is much the rent? What is included in the rent? Are utilities included, if so which ones? Is cable or internet included? These questions are very important because they can really affect your budget. If utilities are not included, make sure to ask what people pay on average in the building for utilities.

Do you have a car or do you plan to? Make sure to ask if there is parking and if it is indoor or outdoor. How much is parking? Is it included in the rent or is it extra? How much will your car insurance cost if you move to this location? How secure is the parking lot? Is there security?

How noisy is the building? Are the walls paper thin? Make sure to visit the apartment and listen. Do you hear the street outside? Do you hear your neighbours? Appliances or other “building noises”? Do you feel that you could live there if you constantly hear these noises non-stop?

Do you have to sign a lease? If so, for how long and what is included in the lease? Make sure to read all clauses. Leases can outline information on what may or may not be changed in the unit, noise restrictions, and general information concerning renewal and moving out conditions.

Does the building allow pets? If so, what kind and how many? This is important for a number of reasons. First, if you plan on having pets or already do, you need a pet friendly building. However, if you have severe allergies or are afraid of dogs, perhaps living in an apartment building that is filled with large dogs is not an appropriate place for you.

What kind of people live in the building? Families, students, the elderly, young businessmen/women or  a mixture? This is important for several reasons especially noise. If you live in a building with the elderly and you’re 25 they may complain every time you make any noise whether it be a loud sneeze or a party. Alternatively, if the building is filled with many small children/babies you may be waking up to the sound of running/jumping above your head or screeching babies. Ask the landlord about the type of tenants that live there but also watch who comes in and out of the building. Visit it several times at different times of the day to get a good idea.

How close is the building to parks, restaurants, grocery stores, schools, work, pharmacies, hospitals, walk-in clinics, bars, etc.? Ask yourself these questions and what is important to you - cheaper rent or living in a neighbourhood where everything is within arms reach.

Search the address online to see if anyone posted any comments/complaints about the building. For instance, look at the bed bug registry website to see if your new apartment has had any problems with these critters in the past:  http://bedbugregistry.com/ Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Usually tenants who post information about bed bugs will also give information about other issues in the building such as cockroaches or bad maintenance.

What type of staff is available to help you? Is there full time cleaning staff for the hallways and maintenance staff in case something breaks down? Is there always someone on duty to help you if you have a problem in your apartment?

Is the neighbourhood safe and the building well lit? How secure is the building entrance? Is there full time or part time security in the building? Do they offer quality services? Do you feel safe?

There are many more questions that you could potentially ask but these are some of the most important. Make sure to consider all of these things before moving into your new apartment, otherwise you could end up very unhappy.