Are you renting for the first time or moving neighborhoods?
If so there are plenty of issues to clarify before you move in and pay that big deposit. Picking a place to live is a big decision. This is true whether you are dealing directly with a landlord, a property company, or a realtor.
If you’ve ever wondered about the questions to ask a landlord before you sign on the dotted line, keep reading. This article will give you the top five questions you need to get the answers for before you rent.
1. Will I Have To Pay Utilities?
One of the most important things to ask when renting a house is if utilities are included in the rent.
There are many services that an apartment needs. These include things like water, garbage collection, and electricity. Once you find a rental, one of the major questions to ask is if these are your responsibility or the landlord’s.
If the utilities are not included, get an estimate of what the costs may be. The season and the size of the property are usually major factors that affect the price.
2. How Are Rent Payments Made?
Now that you know how much you’ll be paying, ask how the landlord will accept the payment.
You should always be able to prove the payment was made. This is why electronic options are becoming more and more popular. A landlord who only takes cash can be a red flag.
Checks are a good way to get proof of payment, but be sure to know what the late fees are. If you have to mail it to the landlord that can add a few days to the process, making your rent overdue.
3. Are Appliances And Furniture Included?
Another question renters should ask is if the furniture and appliances shown will be included. They could belong to the landlord or the current tenant. Get everything in writing in your lease agreement to be 100 percent sure.
4. What Are My Lease Renewal Options?
If all goes well you may want to continue to live in the apartment when your lease ends. Ask about signing a yearly contract and if you can rent when the year is up. This can be either on a monthly basis or with a new one-year contract.
5. What Happens If I Break The Lease?
Sometimes things happen and you have to move without notice. Ask the landlord the penalties for getting out of the lease early. There may be fees, as well as a requirement to give a certain amount of notice beforehand.
All The Questions To Ask A Landlord Before Renting
Hopefully, these will have inspired you to make a list to approach a landlord with. If you have more questions to ask a landlord frame them as open-ended ones. This makes it more likely you’ll get additional information.
