Questions to Ask on an Apartment Tour

As exciting as touring a new apartment community can be, it’s also a very important time to gather crucial information about your potential new home-sweet-home — and we’re not just talking about the size of the closet or height of the ceilings. After all, you’re signing a contract for an extended period of time, so you want to ensure there are no surprises down the road.

Whether you’re touring a studio in the city or three-bedroom apartment for rent in the suburbs, it’s important that you ask these questions, and get the answers:

Lease Logistics:

• How long is the lease?
• Will I need someone to co-sign my lease?
• When is rent due?
• What options are available to pay my rent?
• What are the consequences if I have to terminate the lease?
• How much notice am I required to give the property if I do not intend on renewing my lease? 
• What is the guest policy?
• Am I allowed to sub-lease and/or short-term rent (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) to a third party? If so, what are the requirements?

Fees:

• How much is rent?
• What is included in the rent? What is not included, but required? (Utilities, electricity and trash are often separate fees depending on the property.)
• Is a security deposit required? If so, how much?
• Will I need general liability coverage and/or renter’s insurance? If so, is there a minimum coverage required?

Pets:

• What pets, if any, are allowed?
• Is there an age or weight restriction?
• Are there any specific breeds not allowed?
• Is there a monthly pet fee?
• How much is the pet deposit?
• Are there restrictions on where pets are allowed on community grounds?
• Where is the nearest relief area for my pet?

Estancia at City Center in Lenexa, KS

Community Amenities:

• What community amenities will I have access to?
• Are there restrictions on the use of community amenities?
• Are there restrictions on hours or days the community amenities are open?
• Are my guests allowed to use the community amenities?
• If I want to host a private party outside of my apartment, are there any community spaces available for rent? If so, is there a rental fee?
• Is there free Wi-Fi on the property?
• Are there additional storage rooms available for rent?

Elan City Lights in Dallas, TX

Interior Apartment Amenities:

• How is the kitchen equipped? Gas or electric?
• Is a microwave included in the kitchen?
• Which internet/cable suppliers provide service to the community?
• Which electric company provides service to the community? 
• What items are not allowed in my apartment? (i.e. a real Christmas tree, a grill on the balcony, etc.)
• Am I allowed to paint the walls?
• Is the community eco-friendly or LEED-certified?

1 Kennedy Flats in Danbury, CT

Building Access and Maintenance:

• How do you gain access to the community?
• How do I submit maintenance requests?
• Does the community perform after-hours lock out service?
• After normal office hours, what services are considered emergency services?
• Is there a number I can call if I need assistance after office hours?
• How many vehicles are allowed per apartment?
• Is covered and/or garage parking available? If so, does it cost extra?
• Where is the closest guest parking?
• How is parking enforced?
• Is the building in a flood zone?
• In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, what protocols are in place?  

Local Area:

• Where is the nearest grocery store?
• Where is the nearest hospital?
• Where is the nearest police station?
• What schools or school zone(s) provide services to the community?
• Is there public transportation in the area?
• Are there any surrounding attractions or construction going on or planned for the area that would be an additional benefit or a disruption to my everyday life?

Extra Credit:

• Are there any incentives if I refer a friend? 

Don’t be afraid to bring this list with you when “interviewing” your next potential residence. Having these questions filled out for every community you visit could also help you make a decision when it comes down to two properties you’re waffling on.