11 Questions a Renter Should Ask (From a Landlords Perspective)
With all the excitement surrounding signing a lease and moving into your new home, sometimes things may be overlooked. Below are 11 helpful questions to ask before you sign your lease in order to avoid any issues or surprises down the road:
1. How soon are you looking to fill the suite?
Asking this question upfront is great because it could potentially save you and the landlord a lot of time. If the unit is ready to move in ASAP but you can't move until the end of next month, you may realize it won't work out right away.
In some cases, landlords will hold the unit for you depending on their vacancy and your willingness to make a down payment upfront.
2. What are my lease term options?
Depending on the property, some buildings will allow a month-to-month contract, 6-month contract, or 12-month contract. In some scenarios, other terms are also available. Ensure you are aware of all your options and can commit to the lease you sign to avoid additional lease break fees.
If you do break your lease early, what are the fees?
3. What are your payment options for rent?
Typically, the better the landlord, the easier it is to pay. If possible, try to set up online payments to enhance security and convenience for both you and the landlord. Any properties that only accept cash should be approached with great caution.
4. What's your policy regarding guests?
Do you have a friend who is in town for a few nights and needs a place to stay? Are you going to be out of town and need someone to come stay at your place to watch your dog? Ask beforehand if your landlord will be okay with it.
5. How does the parking work?
Some properties will assign a free stall dedicated to your suite number. You may then have to pay for any additional stalls for roommates or family (energized and non-energized stalls may vary in price so ensure the costs are clear).
Other properties may include no free stalls.
Check to see if there is guest parking and if there's a time limit on those stalls. If there is no above ground or underground parking, ask what other options are available and then verify them yourself.
6. Are there restrictions on my personalizing the apartment?
If you want to hang up pictures, shelving etc. see if there are any rules against it first. This will help avoid any surprise costs come move out.
If you are looking to install different curtains or new lights (some tenants like options that use less energy to reduce their bill), many landlords allow it as long as the originals are kept safe for re-installment at the time of moveout.
Most landlords will be okay with slight modifications as long as the apartment looks the same from the outside or street view, and no major damages occur in the process.
7. What is your pet policy?
For the properties that advertise as pet friendly, ask about any prohibited breeds, monthly fees, initial deposits etc.
Some properties advertise as "no pets allowed" on a mass scale, however, will handle each scenario on a case by case basis and occasionally make exceptions.
8. How much notice is given before you enter the suite?
Typically, it will be a 24-hour notice. This usually will to be within standard business hours and not in the evenings or weekends. Confirming this will give you some peace of mind knowing that your landlord won't be coming and going as they please.
In the case of emergency their may be exceptions you want to ask about (burst pipe, fire etc.)
9. Is there any planned construction or renovations in the building or nearby happening soon?
If you are a light sleeper, or unable to zone background noises out this is definitely something you would want to inquire about.
10. What will you do to prepare the apartment for me before I move in?
Everything should be clean and orderly at the time of your move in. Ask if the landlord will be steam cleaning the carpets or repainting the walls. If anything else is promised such as new appliances or new flooring ask to have it in writing so you have something you can refer back to.
11. Would you live here?
This is definitely a question I can guarantee many landlords won't receive. If they seem genuinely excited you asked and begin explaining why, you are probably in good hands. If the are hesitant to answer or seem unsure, ask why. Find out if there are any hidden issues or concerns not previously disclosed.
Hopefully these 11 questions will help you during your hunt for a new home; and remember, it never hurts to ask!
