When the process of finding that ideal home for rent becomes exhausting, renters get tempted to sign the lease without asking the landlord some basic questions around rent, deposit, utilities, lease duration, the application process, the maintenance, and more.
It’s only later that the renters find out that they need to pay separately for the utilities or that the apartment needs some serious maintenance. To avoid unpleasant surprises, renters should get all the details regarding their rental home.
Here's the list of 22 questions that renters must ask their potential landlord before renting:
1. How much do we need to pay for rent and utilities?
Ask your landlord, in person, about the rent and other terms or conditions surrounding the rent in particular. Many times, the rent quoted on online rental sites do not match with what the landlord have mentioned while listing the rental property. If the figures don’t match, let them know what was featured in their online rental listing and confirm the rent that you need to pay.
Major monthly utilities include light, gas, water, trash, tv and internet. Make it clear upfront with your landlord what you are responsible for. You need to account the payment towards utilities and add that to your monthly rent and then evaluate if you can still afford that house for rent.
2. Do you include any refundable or non-refundable deposits besides the rent?
The laws in some states don’t allow non-refundable deposits. Nonetheless, many landlords do include such deposits in their tenant leases. If you meet the same fate, you need to make sure that your state laws permit it. If the law approves such deposits, you’ll know the amount you need to fork over before signing the lease
In the case of refundable deposit, what is more important is to understand directly from your landlord, all the possible scenarios, in which the deposit would NOT be returned in full.
3. How do you screen applicants and what criteria do you follow?
Even if you’re familiar with the screening process, have the landlord share the details. You’ll know what to expect if you think about applying. As part of the rental application process, many landlords charge an application fee from the tenant. This is pretty normal.
The screening process involves a background check and a credit check. Credit checks are usually a soft enquiry which doesn't hurt your credit score. But make sure that you don’t end up with multiple credit checks from multiple landlords in a very short period, because that might start affecting your credit score.
4. What would be the move in date?
If their rental property is vacant, they would want you to move in right away but that might not work for you. Vice versa if their property is occupied by an existing tenant, it might not be available for weeks or even months.
So clarify and confirm a move in date that works for the both of you.
5. How long is the lease valid?
There might be a disconnect between the period you’re willing to stay at the unit and the length of time your landlord wants you to stay. In that case, have a candid conversation with the landlord.
If you’re lucky, the landlord might make an exception in your case. You might end up getting the lease duration changed in your favor.
6. How can we pay for rent?
Landlords have the authority to decide the payment methods their tenants will use to pay the rent. Most landlords accept online payments, making it easier for tenants to make monthly payments.
But if they show interest in receiving cash payments, don’t encourage them. Do yourself a favor by staying away from them.
7. Have people shown interest in this property?
If you find that many potential tenants are interested in the property, it might not be feasible for you to negotiate the lease terms. But if the interest in the rental is pretty low, this is your window of opportunity to work out the lease terms to your benefit.
If the landlord’s responses don’t add up and your instincts tell you to leave, do so.
8. How do you deal with late fees?
States allow late fees as long as they’re impartial and comply with local laws and regulations. Observe your landlord’s attitude while they answer this question.
If they’re particular about collecting rents on time, that’s great, but if they’re laid-back about the rent due date, they shouldn’t be entertained.
After all, it’s a given that both the landlord and the tenant must follow the lease terms to the T.
9. Can you share details of your subletting policy?
Check with the landlord about his terms and conditions on subletting and what goes into the lease. If no clause prohibits subletting, you can sublet once you keep your landlord updated or if they’re okay with it.
Generally, a successful landlord will allow a tenant to sublet whenever the situation demands it. However, while the landlord may not have a problem with subletting, they’ll want to follow the screening process and reject applicants if they don’t meet the criteria.
10. Are tenants allowed to break the lease early? What are the charges in case they do?
Tenants have to deal with problems just like the rest of us, and in some instances, break the lease before it’s due to end. How does a landlord deal with the situation? Some landlords foresee such problems and add a clause to terminate the lease early.
But others refuse to allow tenants to break the lease earlier than usual, so don’t approach them. For the lease termination clause to work, tenants need to pay rent for two or three months, and sometimes even longer till the landlord finds someone in their place. Also, some landlords might not return back your security deposit for breaking the lease early.
According to most state laws, landlords must look for another renter to minimize the damage caused to the tenant in such cases.
11. What’s your idea of a perfect tenant?
Some landlords tend to discriminate against tenants based on color, race, and sex, and that’s against the law.
For all you know, you might end up being at the receiving end of such behavior once you move in. Listen to their answers carefully.
If it’s what you want to hear and doesn’t sound discriminatory, you can decide if you wish to be the perfect tenant for them or find another place.
12. Do you have a pet policy? If so, do we need to pay a pet fee or deposit?
Many landlords allow pets, although many rules and restrictions need to be followed, especially when it concerns specific breeds. Find out what they are and ask them to clarify what breeds aren’t allowed in the unit.
Depending on the breed, the pet deposits and monthly fees (if there are any) will differ, provided there’s a policy in place. If there are additional conditions, ask your landlord to share them with you.
13. Am I allowed to renew the lease? Is there an option to make this a monthly lease once it ends?
When your lease is almost up, you need to know your landlord’s plans so that you can look for other options accordingly. So, find out whether they want to renew the lease, move into their own property, or even sell it.
14. How do you handle parking for tenants?
This is important, especially if you own a car. If you don’t find a place to park it in your neighborhood or close to it, it might be a challenge getting to work or school every morning.
Also, be sure to follow governmental regulations, especially if you own multiple cars. For any license and permit requirements in populated areas, ask your landlord for more information.
If there are no parking facilities in your neighborhood, ask your landlord what public transportation options are available. Walk around the area to see if you can find them and whether they’re good enough to commute to work or school and help you reach on time.
15. Do you have a guest policy?
You may want to have your parents, relatives, or friends over for a day or two or even longer, but you don’t know whether your landlord’s okay with it. The best time to ask them is when you meet them in person.
Check whether they have a guest policy and discuss expectations. Once you both agree on specific terms, have them added to the lease to avoid future problems.
16. What’s the maintenance request submission procedure? Who handles repairs?
Before your meeting with your potential landlord, have a look at their property. The property’s state should give you an idea about its maintenance and the landlord’s intentions. If you’re not convinced or happy with their answer, you know what to do!
As a tenant, you’re entitled to live in a well-cared-for unit, where the landlord listens to your issues and resolves them without any delay. After all, you may be held responsible for anything that happens to the property while you live there, not to mention being charged for repairs.
17. What’s the notice period you follow before you enter the tenant premises?
Since the landlord owns the property, they have every right to inspect it any time they want. But it doesn’t mean they can invade your privacy by walking into your unit whenever they feel like it.
According to state laws, a minimum of 24 hours notice is essential. Know the state laws well so that you can raise an issue if they aren’t followed. Ideally, landlords are supposed to be familiar with them.
18. Does the property include any appliances and furniture?
During the showing, you may come across some appliances and furniture in the unit that belong to the landlord or the current tenant. It’s a good idea to check who owns what and whether some of them will remain or be removed.
That way, you’ll know for sure whether the unit is furnished because the rent amount will vary if it is and may not fit into your budget. Once you’re aware, you’ll know what you need to bring with you.
Some states make it necessary for tenants to get their own furniture and/or appliances, while it’s the landlord’s responsibility in others.
19. What sort of crimes happen in this neighborhood? Have you had any burglaries or assaults on the property?
While a rental might look perfect in every other way, it’s important to check the crime rates especially in the neighborhoods of big cities like San Francisco, NYC, Los Angeles before deciding to move in. When it comes to safety, you can never be too careful.
Ask your landlord to share details of any burglaries, break-ins, or assaults that may have occurred at the property. Listen to your gut and let it tell you whether the answers are honest.
If you have a hard time believing your landlord, look up police and police records for more accurate information.
20. What do you think about living here?
If your landlord’s satisfied with their property and tells you why the place is ideal, you have no reason to worry. It’s when their tone and body language suggest otherwise that you may have reason to believe that there are issues with the property that aren’t being disclosed. Probe to find out the underlying problems with the rental.
21. Are the locks changed frequently?
If you find out that the tenants who’ve lived on the property before didn’t stay too long, one of the reasons could be security. When you think of home security, you think of locks.
As a tenant, you should be worried about your safety and privacy when you start living in the unit. So, ensure that the locks are changed before you move in.
22. Is it necessary to get renters insurance?
The reason landlords ask for renters insurance is that it helps protect your possessions in case they’re stolen or damaged in an incident (covered by insurance) such as an explosion or vandalism.
Renters insurance also offers liability coverage that gives you financial protection if you cause harm to someone or destroy their property. To find out what coverages apply to you in a particular situation, have a word with your insurance agency.
Conclusion
While it may seem like you’re asking your potential landlord too many questions, these will eventually come up while you’re living in the unit. So, it’s crucial to be prepared beforehand with the knowledge of how landlords handle common rental issues and tasks. Finally, you’ll be able to save a lot of time when deciding whether the rental is right for you and signing the lease!
