10 Questions To Ask When Apartment Hunting

By: Abdullah Haroon

Finding an Apartment is like a love Affair: both take work. Your new place should complement your interests and lifestyle. It’s also important that you and your landlord are on the same page. We’ve prepared a list of great questions to ask prospective landlords before signing a lease.

What does the Lease Cover?

The lease includes the rules that govern the property. It also outlines how you will relate to the landlord when it comes to reporting maintenance issues, making modifications to the property, and the terms by which your rental relationship ends. Discussing these terms in advance will help you make an informed decision of whether or not you want to sign the lease.

What are the Rules for Late Rent Payments?

Life happens and sometimes you may have to pay rent after the due date. Ask about late rent payment due dates, the methods for making such payments, and any penalties you’d incur.

When can the Landlord Enter the Property?

Though the landlord is the owner of the property you still have a right to maintain your privacy. Landlords or property managers usually notify the tenant before entering the apartment with the tenant’s consent. Find out under what circumstances the landlord or property manager would enter your home ahead of time as well as if they conduct any type of background check on maintenance professionals who may need to access your home.

Which Utilities are Included in the Rent?

Sometimes landlords include certain utilities in the monthly rent payment while others don’t. Get clarification on which, if any, utilities are covered and ensure it’s documented in the lease before signing it.

Is There a Visitation Policy?

Social people often entertain, so it would be good to ask in advance if there are any community restrictions pertaining to overnight guests or guest parking at the property.

How and when would you need to notify the Landlord of your Plans to Vacate the Apartment?

In NYC, formal written notice is required to alert the landlord of your intent to move. However, it remains debatable when and how far in advance the tenant should tell the landlord. Ask the landlord about their preferred notification method.

Do I have the Authority to Sublet the Apartment?

In the event you have to move out suddenly or be away for an extended period of time it would be good to know whether subletting your place is allowed and the requirements for doing so.

May I Get a Permanent Roommate?

Ask your landlord about the guidelines around acquiring a roommate and what is needed beforehand. This is especially important if the landlord conducts background checks or conducts other forms of screening for residents.

Is Renter’s Insurance Required?

Renter’s insurance is different from the homeowner’s insurance; it’s insurance that protects the renter’s belongings. It is always better to have it and some landlords require it as a condition of the lease.

Can I make Structural or Cosmetic Changes to the Property?

There may be things you don’t particularly care for in the apartment. Talk to the landlord or property manager about whether tenants are allowed to make any cosmetic or small structural changes to the property before signing the lease.

Summing it All Up:

It is always better to discuss as many questions before signing the lease to ensure both you as the renter and the landlord are on the same page before entering into a rental agreement.