Questions to Ask Your Landlord

Finding a house or apartment to rent goes beyond just finding a place to stay. It is about having the best experience when dwelling there. That is why it is absolutely important to make sure that the house or apartment you intend to rent aligns with what you are looking for. That’s why there are some questions to ask your landlord you must get out of the way.

FAQ

Some landlords include some utilities and amenities in the rent amount. Asking this question lets you understand exactly what you are paying for. It also lets you know about any additional fees that you will be required to pay that are not covered in the rent.

Generally, you will be required to pay a security deposit when renting a property. You need to understand whether the amount is refundable upon vacating the premises. Understand the circumstances that might lead to the landlord retaining part or all of the security deposit.

The duration of the lease agreement varies from property to property. Among the questions to ask your landlord, make sure to clarify how long the lease contract is to last. While at it, enquire about terminating the contract earlier. Are there any penalties involved? How much notice should you give if you intend to leave earlier?

Sometimes, the landlord may need to enter the property for maintenance or inspection. Even so, the landlord needs to notify you when there is a need to enter the property. Make sure that the landlord observes the state and local laws regarding entering your apartment.

It’s inevitable that you will have visitors over, people who have to stay the night or for extended periods of time. In such times, you want to comply with the property’s guest policy. Ask the landlord to clarify the guidelines to follow regarding your guests.

If you love pets, it is important to make sure that they are allowed on the property. Enquire about the type of pets that the landlord allows. In some cases, pet parents are required to pay a pet fee. Ask if there are any payments involved in having a pet while living there.

Ask the landlord about the maintenance tasks that fall on him and the ones that are your responsibility. For maintenance concerns that the landlord handles, seek clarification on how to file maintenance services requests. You also want to know the duration it takes to respond to such requests. These are important questions to ask your landlord.

Ask about any safety concerns in the property and the entire area. Ask the landlord to provide a history of any break-ins and how they were handled. It would also be prudent to know how the property is safety-proofed, such as barred windows, deadbolt locks, and so.

Living in a property that offers parking within the building is a plus for your car’s security. Make sure to confirm how many parking slots are allocated for your apartment. You also want to clarify if you will be required to pay a parking fee.

It is common for tenants to sublet a property to ease the burden of rent. Ask whether this is an option available for you when living there. If it is allowed, you need to know the procedure to follow to ensure that you are doing so within the apartment’s guidelines.

Got More Questions to Ask Your Landlord?

Talking to your landlord before entering into a lease agreement can unlock insights into red flags that might impede your experience as a tenant. At Properties in Austin, we have the expertise and experience to ask the right questions to ensure that you find the property of your dreams. Schedule a consultation today, and let’s discuss more!