Questions To Ask About New Rental Home

Knowing what to look for before signing a lease is essential whether you’re a first-time renter or moving into a new rental home. Before signing a rental agreement, you must consider many factors, from the property’s condition to the lease terms.

To help make your rental search a little easier, we’ve compiled a checklist of considerations of everything before signing a lease.

The Property

1) Is the property in good condition?

Check for visible damage to the walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows.

2) Are the appliances in working order?

Test the oven, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances included in the rental to ensure they are operational.

3) Does the property have enough storage space?

Be sure to peek inside closets and cabinets to ensure enough space to keep your belongings. Depending on the property, additional storage for bikes could be available on-premise.

4) Is the property conveniently located?

Of course, the beholder judges convenience. However, proximity to excellent school systems, shopping, dining, public transportation, entertainment venues, and other amenities is essential for most people.

5) Does the property have features and amenities?

If you’re looking for a rental property with particular features or amenities, check for them before signing a lease. Among the most popular include:

• In-suite laundry
• Patio or balcony
• On-site fitness center
• Swimming pool
• Package lockers or secure drop-off
• Co-working space
• USB power outlets
• Other special features

The Lease

1) Is the lease term suitable for your situation?

Most leases are on an annual basis. However, some landlords offer shorter or longer durations. A shorter lease term may be ideal for people working temporary jobs or otherwise unsure about their long-term plans.

2) Are there any “deal-breaking” restrictions in the lease agreement?

Be sure to read through the lease agreement carefully to see if any conditions, such as rules regarding pets, could impact your decision to sign the lease. If there are any “deal breakers,” this won’t be the right property for you.

3) What does the rental price include?

In addition to rent, some landlords or management companies include utilities, cable/internet, and parking in the monthly rental price. You’ll also want to confirm the rental due date to avoid potential confusion or late fees down the road.

4) Are there extra fees associated with renting?

In addition to rent, some landlords and property management companies charge application fees, late fees, security deposits, and pet deposits/fees. Inquire about all potential costs before signing a lease to avoid surprise charges later.

Final Thoughts

Using this checklist, you can be sure that you’re finding a rental home that meets all your needs and expectations. While finding a home that ticks all of these boxes is a bonus, it’s also essential to ensure that you’re comfortable with your landlord and can communicate openly about any concerns you may have.

By researching all the available rental home options, you ensure all your bases are covered. Knowing this, you can be more confident in your decision, no matter what apartment home you decide is the one that’s right for you and your family. If you’re looking for a new rental home, browse our available properties!