Finding a new place to rent is exciting. But if you don’t ask the right questions, you could run into big problems. There can be hidden fees, strict rules, or bad maintenance that can make your new place quite “unpleasant”.
Many tenants don’t realize these issues until it’s too late. But, you can avoid any surprises by asking these 40 key questions to ask before you sign a lease.
Let’s jump in.
Are utilities included in the rent?
Some rentals include utilities like water, gas, or electricity in the rent, while others require you to pay separately. Knowing this helps you budget better.
Do I have to pay extra for parking or storage?
If you have a car, ask if parking is free or if there’s a monthly fee. Also, check if storage space is available and if it costs extra.
How do I pay rent, and when is it due?
Ask if rent is paid online, by check, or through an app. Also, find out the due date and if there’s a grace period before late fees apply.
What happens if I pay rent late?
Some landlords charge a late fee if your rent isn’t paid on time. Ask how much the fee is and when it gets applied.
How long is the lease?
Most leases are for 12 months, but some offer shorter or longer terms. Make sure the length works for you.
Can I renew my lease when it ends?
If you like the place, can you stay? Some landlords automatically renew, while others require you to sign a new lease. Ask what the process is.
How much notice do I need to give if I want to move?
If you plan to leave when your lease is up, your landlord may require 30 to 60 days’ notice. Find out so you don’t get stuck paying extra rent.
Is there a penalty for breaking my lease early?
Life happens—you might need to move before your lease is up. Some landlords charge a fee, while others require you to pay rent until they find a new tenant. Knowing this in advance can save you money and stress.
How much is the security deposit?
Most landlords require a security deposit before you move in. This is usually equal to one month’s rent, but it can be higher depending on the property and your credit history. Make sure you know the exact amount so you can plan your budget.
Is the security deposit refundable?
In most cases, yes—but only if you leave the place in good condition. Landlords typically use security deposits to cover damages or unpaid rent. Ask what the rules are for getting your full deposit back and if there are any deductions you should be aware of.
Is there an application fee, and what does it cover?
Many landlords charge an application fee when you apply for a rental. This usually covers background checks, credit checks, and administrative costs. Some fees are non-refundable, even if you don’t get approved. It’s always good to ask so you know what you’re paying for.
Are there additional move-in fees?
Besides the security deposit and application fee, some landlords charge extra move-in costs. This could include administrative fees, pet deposits, or even a first and last month’s rent requirement. Ask upfront so you’re not surprised by unexpected expenses when it’s time to move in.
Are there restrictions on overnight guests?
Some landlords have rules about guests staying overnight. While occasional visitors are usually fine, some leases set limits on how often guests can stay or require you to notify the landlord. It’s best to check so you don’t run into any issues.
Is there a limit on how long guests can stay?
Many leases have a rule about how long a guest can stay before they’re considered an additional tenant. This could be a few days or a couple of weeks. If you plan to have someone stay for an extended period, make sure you understand the policy.
Are there any additional charges for guests staying long-term?
If a guest stays past the allowed time, your landlord may charge extra rent or require them to be added to the lease. This is especially true for long-term visitors like partners or family members. Ask ahead of time so you’re not hit with unexpected fees.
Is a pet allowed in this rental unit?
If you have a pet or are thinking about getting one, check if the property allows pets. Some rentals have strict no-pet policies, while others welcome them with certain conditions. Always confirm before signing the lease.
Is there a pet deposit or a monthly pet fee?
Many landlords require a pet deposit or a monthly pet fee to cover potential damages. Some deposits are refundable if there’s no damage when you move out, while monthly fees are usually non-refundable. Ask about the costs so you can budget accordingly.
Are there breed or size restrictions?
Even if pets are allowed, there may be restrictions on certain breeds or sizes, especially for dogs. Some landlords limit large breeds or those considered aggressive. Check the rules to make sure your pet is approved.
How do I submit a maintenance request?
Things break, and when they do, you need to know how to get them fixed. Some landlords use an online portal, while others prefer phone calls or emails. Find out the process so you can report issues easily.
How quickly are maintenance issues resolved?
Not all repairs are handled immediately. Ask how long it usually takes to fix things like a broken heater or leaky faucet. Emergency repairs, like a burst pipe, should be addressed right away, so it’s good to know the response time.
Who is responsible for repairs and upkeep?
Landlords typically handle major repairs, but some leases require tenants to take care of minor maintenance, like replacing light bulbs or unclogging drains. Ask what you’re responsible for so there are no surprises later.
What happens if the landlord decides to sell the property?
If your landlord sells the property while you’re renting, your lease is still valid. The new owner usually has to honor the terms of your lease until it ends. However, it’s a good idea to ask about this in advance so you know what to expect.
Will I need to move out immediately?
In most cases, no. As long as you have a signed lease, you can stay until it expires. But if you’re on a month-to-month lease, the new owner may be able to give you notice to move out. Make sure you understand your rights before signing.
Can I stay until the end of my lease term?
Yes, in most situations, you can stay until your lease ends. The only exception is if your lease has a clause allowing the landlord to terminate it early due to a sale. Check your lease for any special conditions.
Am I allowed to sublet the apartment?
Some landlords allow subletting, while others don’t. If you think you might need to sublet at some point, ask about the policy before you sign the lease. If subletting is allowed, find out if there are any rules you need to follow.
Do I need the landlord’s approval to sublet?
Even if subletting is allowed, you may still need permission from your landlord. Some landlords require screening and approval of the new tenant before they can move in. Always check the lease to avoid any issues.
What happens if I need someone to take my place in the lease?
If you need to move out before your lease ends, you may be able to find someone to take over your lease. This is called a lease transfer or lease assignment. Some landlords allow it, while others may charge a fee or require approval. Ask about your options in case your plans change.
Is renters insurance required?
Some landlords require tenants to have renters insurance, while others leave it optional. Even if it’s not mandatory, having renters insurance is a smart way to protect your belongings in case of theft, fire, or other unexpected events.
How much coverage do I need?
The amount of coverage you need depends on the value of your belongings. A good rule of thumb is to calculate how much it would cost to replace your furniture, electronics, and other personal items. Some landlords specify a minimum coverage amount, so be sure to check.
Does renter’s insurance cover damage to the rental unit?
Renters insurance usually covers your personal belongings and liability if someone gets injured in your apartment. However, it typically does not cover damage to the building itself—that’s the landlord’s responsibility. If you accidentally cause damage, like a kitchen fire, your liability coverage may help pay for repairs.
Can I renew my lease?
Most landlords offer the option to renew your lease at the end of the term, but it’s not always guaranteed. Ask your landlord how the renewal process works and if the rent might increase.
How much notice do I need to give if I decide to move?
Leases usually require tenants to give 30 to 60 days notice before moving out. Check your lease agreement to see how much time you need to provide. If you don’t give enough notice, you might lose part of your security deposit.
What condition does the apartment need to be in to get my security deposit back?
To get your full security deposit back, you need to leave the apartment in good condition. This usually means cleaning thoroughly, repairing any damage you caused, and following any move-out instructions from your landlord. Taking pictures before you leave can help if there are any disputes.
Simple Way To Find Home In Clarksville, TN
At Connerth & Co. Property Management, we make an easy rental experience for tenants.
Our team will help you find high-quality homes that match your needs and budget. We will assist you with everything, from property tours, and lease agreements, and even for maintenance requests.
We make it easy to find the perfect home for you. Call Connerth & Co. today to get started!
Key Takeaways
- Know your costs: Ask about monthly rent, security deposits, and fees.
- Understand the lease: Check the lease agreement terms, renewal options, and subletting rules.
- Ask about policies: Guest policies, pet policies, and renters insurance requirements are important to know.
- Plan for maintenance: Understand how to submit a maintenance request and how quickly repairs are handled.
- Know your rights: Ask what happens if the property is sold or if you need to break the lease early.
Now you know what questions to ask before renting a new place. But what about maintenance? Find out which repairs are your responsibility as a tenant and which are the landlord’s in our blog: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for Repairs and Maintenance.
