Choosing an apartment can be daunting with numerous factors to consider. It may be difficult knowing whether you’ll be content residing in a certain location. Besides, if you’ve been hunting for a couple of days, every place may start looking similar.
Nevertheless, finding a suitable rental is an important decision. Before you settle for a living space, ensure you ask the right questions because breaking a lease might prove difficult after you sign it.
In case you’re wondering what to ask, these questions will help you determine a suitable rental space.
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What is the Rental Cost and What Does it Include?
While this may seem like an obvious question, it’s surprising to discover the number of people that forget to verify the rental cost after seeing it in an advertisement.
At times, the posted rate may not necessarily be the rate for the vacant space. Therefore, make sure you seek clarity from the landlord and ensure the cost holds for the lease’s terms. It is also important you establish the utilities included in the fee.
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Do You Allow Pets?
Some property owners forbid any dogs or cats. So, check the policies. While not every landlord is strict when it comes to pets, many are reluctant to allow them because of financial reasons; dogs can scratch hardwood floors and doors.
Furthermore, pet accidents can wreck flooring and stain carpets. You should also establish whether you’ll pay extra fees for a pet. These days, it’s common for pet friendly apartments to charge extra monthly fees, so expect to pay an additional $50-100 monthly.
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Can I Paint?
You may presume the response is,” Yes.” However, this might not be the case. Most leases specify that you must restore the place to its original condition when you move out.
Some property owners even have a clause in the agreement stating that you require written permission to decorate or paint. Therefore, inquire before making any changes.
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What are the Lease’s Terms?
Some property owners may offer cheaper rent for a lengthy agreement while others may agree to a monthly lease. A monthly lease is risky because it could imply that the property owner is contemplating a sale and is likely to give you only a month’s notice to move out.
Regardless of what you see in the advertisement, inquire about options before signing. This way, you won’t need to break the lease. Before signing, establish the penalties for violating the lease under extenuating situations.
If anything makes you uncomfortable in the agreement, raise the issue. It’s also imperative you verify that every verbal agreement reflects in the lease.
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Do You Provide Utilities?
Most rentals provide appliances such as fridge and dishwasher. Ensure you understand what the proprietor’s responsible for and your roles. For instance, in some complexes, the property owner may be responsible for water while the tenant will be responsible for electricity and the trash.
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What are the Parking Policies?
Although you’ll probably have a spot assigned to your unit, you must establish where your friends or family will park during a visit. Therefore, ensure there’s sufficient parking for guests. You should also establish whether you’ll be responsible for your vehicle’s security.
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What are the Rules for Recycling, Garbage, and Outdoor Spaces?
Some buildings only allow certain household trash in the common dumpster. Others may restrict the time during which you can put out your trash while others may require recycling-separating plastic and glass from food waste.
As for outdoor spaces such as gardens, your building may lack the space to grow your fresh herbs. So, consider these factors before renting.
For more information on what to ask before renting an apartment, contact Apartment Agents or leave a comment.