When finding a new home, it’s important to tour the house to ensure it meets your needs; however, you also need to ask some specific questions to ensure everything else is in order.
These questions allow you to learn more than just the aesthetics but also the logistics and policies surrounding the property.
So, whether you are a first-time renter or someone looking to change location, knowing how to ask the right questions can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Continue reading the article below as we discuss the five good questions to ask when touring an apartment.
1. What is Included in the Rent?
When renting an apartment, it’s important to set the date of your apartment tour to ask any questions you may have, and this includes understanding all facets of the rent.
Are the basic utilities like water, gas, and electricity, as well as the garbage service’s cost, all included in the rent, or do you have to pay for them separately? You will consider this point when drawing the budget for the rental.
Moreover, also ask if there are any general amenities provided. Does the rent include usage of the common facilities like the gym, swimming pools, parking garages, etc?
Sometimes, there are extra amenities such as free internet or cable television that landlords can use to market the apartment, which can be very useful to the tenants.
2. What is the Lease Term and Renewal Policy?
Before entering into any rental agreement, it is important to understand the lease term and renewal policy. Leases vary as the duration is between six months to a year or more. It is ideal to ask about the specific duration if you have plans to relocate in the future.
Generally, longer periods are good because they bring stability, but shorter periods are better for flexibility, so you have to think about your personal and work plans when choosing a term.
Renewal criteria should be next in line. Check whether the lease has a provision or a clause that provides automatic renewal or whether you have to inform the landlord about lease expiration.
Some properties might send the written notice a few months before your lease term is over, and others might be more flexible.
It would also be smart to inquire whether the rent will change when renewing the lease. Will there be any increase in rent? Knowing the possible increases in cost will inform you of your budgetary intentions and whether you will be able to afford the property in the future.
3. What is the Process for Submitting Maintenance Requests?
When going around an apartment, seek to know how the residents report complaints and whether there are procedures in place to act on them.
Start by asking about the possible ways of submitting requests. Are there any online sites, phone numbers, or emails that can be used? Is are there strata experts managing the maintenance requests?
Find out the average hours taken to respond to maintenance requests. Inquire how long it generally takes for someone to attend to regular appliance problems, like plumbing or electricity.
You should also find out how requests are prioritized. For instance, do they respond quickly to problems like a leaking pipe or broken heating system? Understanding this prioritization can give you peace of mind that urgent matters will be resolved quickly.
Also, ask about the availability of the maintenance staff in the building. This is very helpful as having in-house staff reduces the time taken to respond to emergencies.
If the building does not have in-house staff, how often do the contractors come to the building, and are they reliable?
4. What are the Security Measures in Place?
It is quite essential to discuss security issues while inspecting the apartment. The first one includes controlling access to the building. What kind of protection is installed on the property: intercoms, key fobs, code locks, or fingerprint readers?
Moreover, check if there are security guards. Are there security guards employed for twenty-four hours? What do these security guards do that enhances protection among the residents?
In the absence of guards, check whether a security company performs regular security patrols or any other security measures, such as choosing the right fencing for the home.
Also, it is important to know if there is a camera surveillance system. Ask whether there are cameras on the whole premises, the parking lots, and the entrances. Cameras can prevent break-ins, and in the event something does happen, the footage is invaluable.
Another critical issue to examine is emergency preparedness. Also, determine whether the building has a contingency plan in case of emergencies such as fire, blackout, or natural disasters.
Do the premises have a fire escape route along with appropriately labeled exit doors?
5. What is the Policy for Lease Termination?
Ask about the conditions under which your lease can be terminated with immediate effect. In certain situations, and with the payment of stipulated fees, some leases allow early termination if, say, the tenant changes jobs or faces other family obligations.
It is also important to learn the duration of the notice period before you are required to move out. Most notices for lease and rental agreement term termination are generally provided within 30-60 days of the lease expiration date.
Also, note that failing to give proper notice can result in you losing your security deposit or getting additional charges. Therefore, we recommend clarifying these during the inspection to avoid surprises.
It is also important to find out if there are any penalties for breaching the lease agreement. Some landlords may impose a charge of one month’s rent or 2 months’ equivalent if the lease is terminated.
Conclusion
Ultimately, asking the right questions before signing any lease agreement is a crucial step in finding the right property.
This includes asking about lease terms, maintenance processes, security measures, and lease termination policies.
If you have more questions tailored to your specific rental or situation, it’s best to discuss with an experienced property manager in Boston about any possible questions you may have before signing the lease.