When you guys have visited potential apartments, what kind of questions did you ask besides the basics like what rent and utilities include?
Here are questions I didn’t ask but should have: what does the basement look like?
What measures are taken to secure the building ?
Are the walls thin?
Brief info of who lives in the building. Are they college kids? People that work through the day? Elderly? Is it a mix?
Where does the garbage go?Can I pay rent bi-weekly?
What kind of fuses does the apartment use? (My fuse box is in the basement. If I blow a fuse I have to replace it myself. They screw until the box. All of which I didn’t know until it happend and I was sitting in the dark suddenly)Who do I call for repairs? (If it’s a private rental)
Am I allowed to paint the walls?
Is there any additional storage?
Do you do regular pest control?LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Definitely ask about security
Whether subletting is allowed (esp if you’re in college and might want to sublet for the summer)
If you have a car, whether there’s parking/how much it costs
What kind of heating/AC there is
Procedure/response time for any maintenance
How mail/packages are received/protected from theft (seriously people stealing your packages can be a huge problem)
What kind of verification of your salary will they want, and in what circumstances will they accept a guarantor instead?
Whether the apartment is furnishedAssuming you are in the middle of looking at/choosing between places:
When does the lease start? Are you going to give preference to people based on when they can move in?
Whether groups of a certain number of people get preference
Really anything about who they prioritize for applications, it can save you a lot of trouble in trying to apply to places you’ll never get intoTEST THE WATER PRESSURE IN THE SHOWER
I want to add:
Especially if you are renting a house from a single person, Know Your Area’s Building and Fire Codes.
Make sure the smoke detectors are up to date and working properly. Best case is for them to be hardwired, but it might not be required in your area.
Check for ventilation, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Lack of ventilation leads to mold.
Make sure all the outlets work. Ask how the furnace and hot water heater are powered (electric or gas). Ask how old they are and when they were last inspected. Ask for an estimation of heating and cooling costs and other utilities. Ask about lawn care.
Ask about pet policy. Some landlords will only allow certain kinds or breeds of pets. Some will charge a flat fee and others a monthly fee.
ALWAYS READ YOUR WHOLE LEASE.