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In hot renters' markets throughout the country, people often feel pressured to sign quickly for fear they'll lose out on the apartment they want. For that reason, we sometimes fail to ask the questions that could determine whether your residency will be pleasant or a series of stressful contentions over the terms of your lease. Unfortunately, once you've signed that lease, it's binding. So avoid giving in to pressure tactics when you're considering an apartment. While the leasing agent or landlord is busy asking you questions, you have the right to ask him or her a few questions of your own. And keep in mind that the landlord/leasing agent's verbal responses to these questions mean nothing unless those terms are specifically written into your lease -- or added and intialed both by you and the landlord/leasing agent.
Is the apartment currently occupied? When will the tenant be vacating the unit?
What kind of enhancements, if any, do you plan for the unit once the current tenant vacates, and will my rent reflect those enhancements?
How soon may I move into the apartment?
What is my monthly rent? Does this include utilities, and if so, which ones?
If my rent is late for any reason, what is the penalty?
Is the apartment rent-controlled? If so, what is the rent ceiling?
How long is my lease, and what are your terms for lease renewal?
If I need to break my lease for any reason, what is your penalty for doing so?
What is the security deposit, and how much will I get back when I vacate my unit? (Be sure to find out what the legally established security deposit maximum is in your jurisdiction; under some housing codes, landlords are not allowed to ask for more than one month's rent for a security deposit.)
Can I rent my unit month to month if the need arises? What is the rental rate for this type of occupancy?
Am I allowed to have roommates? How many?
May I sublet my unit?
Am I allowed to have overnight visitors for an extended period? Do you have restrictions on the time period during which visitors may stay at my apartment?
Am I allowed to have pets? What kind, and how large? What is the pet deposit amount, and how much will I receive back from you when I vacate my apartment?
What kind of security measures does the building/complex have in place? If the building/complex has a security gate with an access code, to whom is this code given?
What kind of maintenance do you offer? Will I have 24-hour access to maintenance personnel? Are there any repairs to my unit for which I will be financially responsible?
Where may I park? Do I have an assigned space? What recourse do I have if someone parks in my space? Will my visitors have a place to park?
What kind of enhancements may I make to my unit? When I vacate the unit, am I required to change anything back to the way I found it when I moved in?
How much notice am I required to give when I decide not to renew my lease?
Does the landlord/complex enforce policies with respect to noise?
When you're shopping for an apartment, consider dropping by the property or making an appointment with the landlord during off-hours -- during a workday, for example. The landlord/leasing agent will be less rushed and will be able to spend more time answering your questions. Again, if and only if these questions are answered to your satisfaction and are verified in the lease should you sign on the dotted line. If you have any doubts, take the lease home and review it.
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