Renter's checklist
What to ask before you sign a lease
Finding the right rental is a big decision. It will affect everything from your commuting time to where you eat and sleep to where you shop for groceries and whether you can easily host guests.
Before you fall in love with a space, make sure you're asked the right questions, because once you sign a lease, it might be very difficult to break it.
Consider your budget and the rental price, as well as the rental's policies, amenities and comfort so that you select the space that will work best for you. Here is a set of questions you should ask when viewing a rental:
1. Budget
How expensive is the rent? How often does rent increase? Does rent include any utilities?
Tip: Sometimes the landlord may pay for water, sewer, garbage, heat and hot water and even cable. These monthly bills can add up fast and could be used in negotiating costs up front or down the road.
If utilities are not included, what do they typically cost for this apartment or house?
Tip: Depending on the size or age of a rental, heat can cost a fortune. Ask to view the bill over a variety of months to see air conditioning and heating costs.
How much security deposit is required? When is it due? When will you get it back? What happens if you need to move out before your lease is complete?
Tip: Some states have a limit to what a landlord can charge for security deposit. (See Nolo's state-by-state security deposit chart ). Also, some states require landlords to pay interest accrued on the security deposit.
If pets are accepted, what is the pet deposit? Is it refundable?
Tip: Ask whether it's one flat fee, or whether there is an additional month-to-month charge.
Do you have to pay for the carpet, blinds or oven to be professionally cleaned when you move out?
Tip: Make sure you read the fine print when signing your lease so there are no surprises when deductions are made from your security deposit when you move out.2 Policies
What day is the rent due? Does the landlord allow a grace period if you pay a day or two late? Are there late charges?
Tip: Ask how the landlord expects to be paid: by check, by mail, by direct deposit, etc. And, if your rent falls on a holiday, remember that direct deposit can sometimes be delayed, which could incur late charges by your landlord.
If you decide to keep renting after your lease is up, will you have to commit to another term of six months or a year, or can you rent month to month?
Tip: Asking this not only helps you plan, but gives you a sense of whether a landlord or building manager is highly structured or more flexible.
Does the landlord require you to buy renter's insurance?
Tip: Renter's insurance is not that expensive and it's probably a good idea anyway, but again, this gives you a window into the landlord's sensibilities and style.
If you're renting a single-family house, who is responsible for mowing the grass, weeding, trimming and removing snow and ice?
Tip: If you are willing to provide this service, great. But, use it as an opportunity to negotiate a lower rent cost in exchange for yard care. If you don't handle the care, find out the time of day this will occur so that it doesn't disturb your privacy.
How quickly will the landlord or manager respond if something breaks? What things will you be responsible for fixing?
Tip: Know your rights for what a "reasonable" amount of time means for repairs. If it's a light bulb that needs to be replaced, this could be up to 30 days and perhaps you can do it yourself. If it's heat or air conditioning in extreme weather, this could be grounds for constructive eviction, which Nolo Law for All defines as:
"... housing that is so substandard that a landlord has legally evicted the tenant without following state eviction rules and procedures. For example, if the landlord refuses to provide heat or water or refuses to clean up an environmental health hazard, the tenant has the right to move out and stop paying rent, without incurring legal liability for breaking the lease."
Is smoking allowed?
Tip: If you are a smoker, make sure you have the right to smoke inside the unit and it's written in the lease. Or, find out where smoking is allowed on the property. Conversely, if you are not a smoker and there are certain units that allow smoke, make sure you understand you could be affected by their smoke.
On what grounds does your landlord have the right of entry? How many hours written notice are they required to provide?
Tip: Ask existing tenants or the outgoing tenant how often the landlord accessed the property. Was the landlord respectful of their privacy?
3. Amenities
Will you have a parking space in the building, in a garage or on the street? Is there a monthly or annual parking fee? If a parking permit is needed, how do you obtain one?
Tip: Ask to see your exact parking spot to make sure you can access it easily. Sometimes "new" tenants get the least desired parking space.
What appliances are included?
Tip: In some areas of the country, houses for rent don't always include a refrigerator. Or, if you want to add a washer and dryer within a property, make sure it's allowed by the landlord.
Where do tenants wash laundry? Is there an on-site option? Are washers and dryers free to use? Are they available anytime of the day?
Tip: If there is an onsite laundry room for general use, ask other tenants how well the appliances are maintained or whether they are occasionally out of service.
Is there storage space available?
Tip: Make sure storage space is secure and clean and dry. If not, perhaps the only things that can be stored are items such as bicycles and outdoor furniture.
Is the rental on a bus, train or subway line?
Tip: Location is important. Quick access to public transportation may save you money and time.
Where is the nearest grocery store?
Tip: If you don't have a car, transporting groceries more than a few blocks can be a challenge - especially in bad weather.
Are additional cable outlets allowed? Can a satellite dish be installed?
Tip: Ask the manager whether cable is already installed and if additional cable outlets can be added, is so desired. Or, ask if satellite dishes are allowed.
If you're drawn in by amenities, like a pool or a garage, ask yourself which perks you'll use regularly.
Tip: If you don't want a pool or a parking space, you will be indirectly paying a higher I rent for something you might not use.
4. Comfort
Do you feel most comfortable renting a single-family home, a townhouse, condo, or an apartment in a high rise with lots of other tenants?
Tip: This is a personal decision. Only you can know what kind of living arrangements you prefer. With a single-family home, you can be assured of privacy and perhaps more square footage. Townhomes are normally vertical in layout, so be prepared for steps. With a condo, you will likely see and hear your neighbors much more than other living situations.
Would you feel safe getting from the bus or your car into your rental? If you're seeing the rental in daylight, try to visit the area at night.
Tip: Also try to do a test run for your commute to see how traffic levels vary throughout the day.
Will you have considerate neighbors? If you visit the place at night, pay attention to whether tenants are up at all hours.
Tip: Better yet, strike up a conversation with anyone you see on the property to gauge who quiet or loud the unit/complex is.
Can you hang things on the wall? Are you allowed to paint the walls?
Tip: Probably. But does the landlord have a requirement about how you hang things or whether you patch wall holes and paint it back to the original color before you leave?
Will your belongings fit well in the rental? Will you need to store, sell or buy furniture to accommodate the space? Add any new costs to your budget.
Tip: Whenever visiting your potential rental, bring along a tape measure and a pad and paper to recorder dimensions.