Questions to Ask When Renting a Home or Apartment

Renting a home is a major step and there are many things to be considered before making a final decision about where to live. The top ten questions you should ask when renting a home or apartment include:

1. 1. Is this the right location and how will it affect my commute?

1. 1. Which schools will my children attend?

1. 1. Is the living space appropriate?

1. 1. Is there sufficient parking?

1. 1. Does the rental amount fit my budget?

1. 1. Which utilities must I pay and which are included in my lease?

1. 1. What are the house rules and can I aide them?

1. 1. Are pets allowed? is there a charge for monthly pet rent?

1. 1. What is the term of the lease agreement?

1. Will my landlord be responsive to my needs?

Increased demand for rental property has made affordable housing much more difficult to find and depending on where you live, your choices may be limited. In areas like Tooele, Utah soaring property values have driven up the price of rent.

Searching Homes Online

Most renters begin their search online. They can choose from apartment communities, condos, small multi-family complexes, or single family dwellings.  Most rentals are handled by professional property management companies but some single-family homes are managed by do-it-yourself (DIY) landlords.  DIY landlords can be difficult to work with because they are not subject to Federal or State Fair Housing Regulations and they can be personally attached to their homes. On the other hand, professional companies, like Keyrenter Tooele Property Management,  follow Fair Housing guidelines and renter applicants are screened on a first-come, first-serve basis. Keyrenter Property Management posts video tours online. Detailed descriptions of the property are available with a breakdown of amenities and other features. If you like what you see, you can even submit your application online, and schedule an onsite showing. When choosing your new home, make sure you choose wisely. Remember that you are entering a long-term relationship with your landlord. It’s important you have one who will be responsive to your needs when maintenance is required.

Budgetary Considerations

The U.S. Census statistics show that American households spend between 31-50% of their family income on housing costs.  One of the most important questions to ask about when renting a home is cost.

• What will the total monthly payment be?
• Which utilities are included in the rental agreement?
• Will the utilities vary from month to month?
• How much is the security deposit?
• My I sublease my apartment if I need to move?

These costs will include monthly rent. However, they may also include a reserve fund that the owner of the property holds until the completion of the lease. Any renter should know exactly how money is required in order to rent. For most places, this is a month’s rental deposit in addition to the rental fee. Another budgetary consideration is any additional fees that may be required. For example, a renter who has a pet may be charged more than someone who does not. The same is true of other fees. A complex of several apartments may require the payment of fees each month in order to help maintain the property. This is not always included in the price of the rental. The renter may also be asked to pay other fees as well. A rental complex with a designated parking space may not include the price of the parking space in the monthly rental fees. It is important to know exactly what is included in the rental fees before signing a monthly rental agreement.

The Location of the Apartment

Another issue is the location of the home or apartment. One of the most useful questions to ask when getting an apartment is the exact location of the apartment. It’s best to investigate the specifics of the area. Come to the area early in the morning to see how noisy it is. Even a relatively quiet location may have some commuting noise. Look closely at the area. If commuting, check out how far it is to public transport. When commuting by car, it’s a good idea to see how long it takes to get to the nearest highway. All apartments should also be checked for an exact location in the complex. One person may prefer a location near the pool for hot summer nights. Another person may prefer to look for a location that is upstairs so they can enjoy a view. It’s best to make sure that any renter knows exactly where the apartment is located. In many cases, the renter can have a choice of apartment locations. Walk the complex before doing anything else. Be aware that some apartments may have slightly higher rental costs that depend on their location on the complex.

Important Amenities

Not all apartments are alike. Some apartments have amenities that help make them more desirable. For example, an apartment complex may have a health club, pool and walking paths as well as other outdoor amenities such as tennis courts. Any renter should include questions to ask when getting an apartment that is about the amenities there. A specific location may restrict access to the pool to residents or allow them to bring in guests either as part of their residency or for an additional daily fee. Common areas may be shared. It’s important to understand the rules governing common areas in advance. Some residences allow occupants to do things like holding a barbeque at any time while others require them to ask for written permission first before doing anything else. An apartment complex may have a dog run dedicated specifically for those who have dogs. It’s also a good idea to understand in advance what kind of rules govern the use of the run. Any potential renter should think about the kind of amenities they personally want before renting. Knowing what type of amenities can help them decide that a specific apartment is right for their needs.

The Terms of the Lease

All renters will be required to sign a lease before moving in. Make sure you understand the terms of the lease agreement in advance before signing. A renter should ask specific questions such as the length of the lease. It’s a good idea to understand what fees will be charged when in residence and when they decide to break the lease.