Regardless of how many times you’ve done it, renting an apartment can be grueling and overwhelming. You need to choose a home and a landlord that are perfect for you. The best way to do that is to ask your landlord a set of prepared questions that can help you gauge whether they are the right fit for you or if you should look elsewhere. If you are open about your concerns and ask pertinent questions, you can start your tenant-landlord relationship on the right foot.
Here are six questions to ask your landlord before signing a lease:
1. What Is Your Application Process?
Many property owners requirea tenant to earn trice as much as their monthly rent. Plus, many landlords conduct a thorough credit and background check before renting out their property. It’s why you need to understand the screening process and application fees of your landlord before signing the deposit.
2. Are Any Utilities Included in the Rent?
Some rental properties include the water facility and garbage disposal in the rent, while most others leave them all up to the tenant to pay.You need to know which utilities are your responsibility so that you can budget your income accordingly. If none of the utilities are included in the rent, find out the utility costs for the property. It will help you make an informed final decision.
3. When Will the Unit Be Available?
This one’s a bit of a no-brainer, but you will have to find out when the unit you’re interested in will become available. It will help you avoid any confusion, especially if the unit isn’t available before you have to move out of your old place. It will also help you save your time in case the property isn’t available ona date that works for you.
4. What Is the Rent Payment Method?
This is another question to ask your landlord before signing a lease. You need to know how you will make the payments each month.The safest way to pay rent is to pay online.It allows you to automate the payments, which saves your time. It also provides you and the landlord with the protection and security you need. Plus, having a record of your payments will help you boost your credit score.
5. Do You Allow Lease Renewal or Early Lease Termination?
If you particularly like the rental, ask the landlord if you can continue or renew the lease after the designated lease period. Additionally, you also need to protect your future by asking them what will happen if you have to move out of the rented property unexpectedly. You need to know if you will be able to terminate the lease agreement earlier than the agreed-upon date and if you will have to pay any fees for it or serve a notice period before moving out.
6. Who Handles the Maintenance and Repairs?
Find out how and to whom you will have to submit your maintenance and repair requests. Some rentals have an online portal where you can submit the request, while some landlords prefer to be called directly with the requests. You need to be aware of the correct method so that you are prepared in case of an emergency.
Now that you know all the importantquestions to ask your landlord before signing a lease, you must discuss them all with your landlord. Don’t shy away from asking as many questions asyou want. Afterall, you will spend a considerable chunk of your day in the rented property, so you need to make the right decision. You can get in touch with Sensible Home Management to find the perfect rental property that you can call your home!
