Here are some questions you should ask when looking for an apartment:
- What are the pros and cons of renting this property?
- Who owns the property and where does the landlord live?
- Is the property furnished?
- What utilities are included?
- How is the neighborhood?
- Is parking available?
- Are there security lights?
- Is the house safe and secure?
- Is the house insulated?
- Are there storm and screen windows on the house?
- Is there any place for storage?
- Is there a yard or a place to have a cookout?
- Is the property plowed in the wintertime when it snows?
- Are doorsteps and walkways shoveled in the wintertime?
- Who takes care of repairs and are they done promptly?
- How much is the security deposit?
- Is there an application fee?
- How is the rent paid?
- Is summer housing available?
- Does the house have a certificate of occupancy?
- What kind of locks does the property have?
- Are the locks rekeyed or changed every year?
- Do I sign an individual lease or do we have to sign as a group?
- Are pets allowed on the property?
- Do I need a co-signor to sign the lease?
- How old is the hot water tank?
- How old is the furnace?
- Is the furnace cleaned and serviced every year?
- Is the house cable ready?
- Is every room cable ready?
- What company offers cable and internet?
- When I come back to check at the beginning of the year will service (electric, gas) be on?
- How does trash service work?
- Is there a tote or dumpster to dispose of trash?
- Do I have to bring it to the curb or does a truck pick it up at the house?
- How do you screen tenants?
- Is there an attic?
- Is there a basement?
- Would it be ok to take pictures while inspecting the property?
- Can I paint the walls?
- Can I put holes into the walls to hang pictures?
- If we rent from you and we would like to keep the house do we get the first preference?
- How long does the lease last?
- When school is not in session can I still stay in the house?
- Does the house have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors?
- How often are they inspected and changed?
- How long have you been in the rental business?
- Do you have any references you can show me?