Moving into a new rental can be thrilling, but stressful at the same time. The last thing you want is to end up in a rental that doesn’t suit your budget or needs. That’s why you must ask the necessary questions before you sign the dotted line.
Beware that a lease is legally binding, so you want to make sure you understand it before you move into a rental. Asking the right questions is an excellent way of getting a good feel of the landlord’s expectations. Nevertheless, it would help if you didn’t skim over the lease. Instead, you want to read it carefully to determine whether you missed vital information while asking these questions.
1. In case the Lease Doesn’t Begin on the First of the Month, will the Rent be Pro-rated?
Numerous lease terms indicate the first of the month as the due date for making rental payments. However, you might find yourself moving in on a different date. Most often, the rent will be pro-rated for the initial month, which means you’ll simply pay for the days you’ll be there.
The same applies to the end of the lease term if the lease ends on a different day than the first. It’s common to issue pro-rated rent for the last and first month under such circumstances, so ensure it’s stipulated on the lease. In case, it isn’t so, request pro-rated rent for those periods.
2. Do I Need to Give Notice to Move Out?
Each rental building has its policy concerning termination notices. Most landlords expect you to issue a 60-day calendar notice. This gives the landlord ample time to get a new tenant.
Bear in mind that the 60 calendar days’ notice isn’t similar to a 60-day notice. Sixty calendar days imply two calendar months. Typically, landlords require a written notice and many expect you to send certified mail to avoid any dispute concerning the date it was issued.
Normally, landlords use that date as the start date, however, the renter should ensure the start date isn’t based on the receipt or delivery of the notice to the landlord.
3. What Happens if I Break the Lease Early?
Under normal circumstances, nobody enters a lease with to break it early. However, you might find yourself in a situation in which you need to relocate before your lease ends. That’s why you need to recognize the policies surrounding this matter before signing the lease.
In particular, you want to find out whether it’s permissible and the penalties that are likely to take effect. Although numerous landlords permit early release where necessary, you can expect a fine or you might need to forfeit the security deposit.
4. Are Pets Allowed?
You must ask this question during your apartment search before signing a lease. You need to review the lease to ensure the document you’re about to sign includes written provisions that allow pets.
The last thing you want to do is to assume that pets are allowed simply because you can’t identify the provision that forbids pets. After all, such restrictions might be included in the rules you obtained earlier or the agent might have forgotten to give them to you. Permission to own a pet should be in writing. Don’t depend on verbal statements irrespective of the source. Also, you should confirm the pet deposit needed before you sign the lease.
Final Thoughts
If you’re moving into a rental, it might be tempting to sign the lease in a rush simply to secure the unit. However, this decision might land you in unnecessary trouble. You want to ask these questions to avoid costly mistakes associated with renting the wrong unit.
For more information on the questions to ask before signing a new lease, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.