Questions to Ask When Considering a Rental Property
Asking the right questions of your agent or property manager before you sign is important to avoid misunderstandings after it’s too late, and avoiding unexpected expenses in the future.
Make sure you see the exact property before you agree to a lease. Take the time to do a thorough inspection with your agent before accepting the property. We’ll be there with you every step of the way to make sure any damages are property noted and recorded. We’ll also want to make sure we inspect the appliances for functionality and condition.
It would be awful to move into your new home only to learn that there is excessive noise from the highway, overhead air traffic, and roosters! It may sound funny, and it is a little, but one of the things you always want to check in your new neighborhood is for roosters! Quite annoying at 4am. So if peace and quiet are important to you, ask the question.
Is there designated off street parking? How many spaces do you have? Some places may require your vehicles be registered with management and only a limited number of vehicles may be parked on the property. Make sure that there will be room for your car in the community’s lot. You’ll also want to be clear on where guests are allowed to park.
Are there washer & dryer hookups, are they provided, or is there a community laundry facility? Some complexes, particularly if untilites are included, don’t allow washers/dryers in the unit. Are there coin operated machines or do you have to go to the Laundromat?
If you have pets or plan to have pets in the future, don’t forget to ask about the pet policy. Rules vary greatly. In some cases only pets of a certain size limit are allowed. There may also be a refundable (or non-refundable) pet deposit required in order to keep a pet in the property.
Some contracts place restrictions on what kind of decorating you can do. You may not be allowed to paint or, because walls here are generally concrete, be allowed to drill holes in the wall to hang things. If decor is important to you, make be sure to know what’s allowed.
What are the procedures for handing repairs and maintenance issues? What is your responsibility for damages? Are you responsible for preventive maintenance?
Besides rent, are there any other monthly fees? Some buildings may require the tenant pay surcharge for, example, maintenance of the back up generator. Make sure you’re clear on what utilities you’re responsible for paying.
