Questions to Ask a Landlord
You’ve found an apartment that you like. But before you sign a lease, make sure you ask the landlord a few questions that you may not think about when looking at the actual unit.
1. Is there a possibility of a month-to-month lease after the initial lease period of six or twelve months expires?
Apartment managers don’t like vacant apartments, so they typically want you to renew your lease. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible due to life circumstances. If your employment status, significant other situation, or work location changes, a month-to-month lease would provide you with much more flexibility than a long-term lease. Generally, a lease converts to a monthly lease after the original lease expires, but make sure you ask about this before signing on with a landlord. If the landlord agrees to allow you to stay on a month-to-month basis after the initial rental period is over, ask that this be written into the lease. Note that month-to-month leases sometimes have higher rates.
2. Which utilities does the renter pay, and what are the rates?
In addition to the rent payment, you’ll need to budget for several bills, including heat, electricity, garbage, water, cable, internet, and a landline telephone. Landlords sometimes pay for bills like heat and water, but this isn’t always the case. Understanding which bills you’ll be accountable for is just as important as inquiring about average rates for each utility. Heat or gas bills in older apartments can be as high as several hundred dollars a month, which could break the bank if you’re caught off guard.
3. Is there a separate storage unit that’s included in the rent?
Most apartments have separate storage bins for use by the lessee which can save you the expense of renting a separate storage locker. If you do use a storage unit in an apartment building, don't place items of value in these compartments, particularly if they can be seen. These storage units are often not secure and can easily be broken into.
4. How well do the community washing machines and dryers work?
Lugging laundry to the Laundromat is brutal, especially in the winter, so it's great if you have an on-site laundry room. Ask the landlord if you'll always have access to this laundry room, and if so, how much do the machines cost to operate? Also ask the landlord how old the machines are, how well they work, and what the turnaround time is if the machines are broken. Believe it or not, some landlords neglect facility repairs, and they definitely don't like to buy new appliances if they can help it.
5. What is considered normal wear and tear?
Many landlords feel that a security deposit is theirs to keep when the renter "causes" some damage that will have to be repaired. Normal wear and tear can be defined to the landlord's advantage unless you determine in writing what’s considered normal wear and tear versus damages beyond that. Most common issues that cause a landlord to retain part or all of a security deposit involve carpeting, nail holes in walls, debris left behind, dirty blinds, or appliances that need cleaning . Make sure the landlord fairly describes normal wear and tear in the lease, and then remember to leave the unit in good shape when you move out.
