Ask the right questions when talking with a potential landlord

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

Whether you're a first-time renter or a seasoned pro, you may want to ask prospective landlords some key questions before you sign a lease to rent an apartment or house. Here are some questions to ask before signing a lease.

1. How long is the lease term?
A lease is usually 12 months, according to Consumer.gov. But some landlords and management companies may offer lease terms from 6 months up to 18 months, says Time. You may want to ask your prospective landlord whether the rental agreement's lease term is flexible. If you can sign a longer-term lease, a management company may be able to offer a monthly discount on the rent, states Time.

2. What's included in the rent?
Make sure to ask the landlord and management company what utilities are included in your rent, says Trulia. Get specific and ask exactly which utilities you're responsible for and what the landlord will cover. You may also want to consider asking about amenities like parking, lawn care, storage and pool access, says Trulia. Depending on the rental, you may have additional fees for these types of services and amenities.

3. When is rent due and how do I pay it?
Each landlord and management company is different, so make sure to confirm their specific rental payment process. Ask when and how you can submit rent and if there are any late fees if you miss a payment, says Apartment Guide.

Also, if you're looking to move in the middle of the month, consider asking the management company if they'll prorate the rent so you only pay the amount of rent for the time you're actually living in the unit, says Trulia. For example, if your rent is $1,200, but you move in the middle of the month, the prorated rent for that month may be closer to $600.

4. Is the security deposit refundable?
Generally, security deposits are refundable if you do not break the terms of your lease and there is no damage to the unit. If you do break your lease or leave damage in your rental, your landlord may keep all or part of your security deposit to help cover those expenses, says Consumer.gov.

5. Is renters insurance required?
Landlords and management companies may require tenants to have renters insurance. A renters insurance policy helps cover your belongings if they're stolen or damaged by a covered peril, such as a fire. Renters insurance can also provide liability coverage that helps protect you financially if you're found legally responsible for someone else's injuries or damage to their property. Consider speaking with your insurance company to find out what coverages fit your situation.

6. How much notice do I give before vacating?
Typically, the lease agreement specifies how much notice you need to give a landlord or management company before moving out of the property. It can vary from one to three months, so make sure to confirm this information before signing the lease, says Trulia.

7. What's the penalty for breaking my lease?
The penalty for breaking a lease can vary depending on state laws and the individual landlord or property manager. Some penalties may include forfeiting your security deposit, paying several months of rent or paying a percentage of the amount of rent left in your lease term, says Trulia. It's a good idea to read over your lease to understand what happens in case you need to move sooner than you anticipated.

8. Is there emergency maintenance?
Before signing a lease, ask what sort of emergency maintenance the landlord offers, says Apartment Guide. Find out how you can access the 24/7 maintenance crew in case something happens. Also, make sure you know the procedure for submitting general maintenance requests for your unit. Get confirmation on how long it normally takes for those requests to get resolved.

9. How much notice will they give before entering my rental space?
Check your lease to see if your management company or landlord lists a specific notice time for entering your rental for maintenance requests. Generally, landlords give tenants at least 24 hours' notice before entering your rental unit, says The Balance.

10. Is there any known construction planned for the building (or nearby)?
Depending on the rental and its location, you may want to ask if any construction is planned for the apartment complex or nearby area, says Trulia. This can help you decide if you want to live in an area with pending construction.

11. Are pets allowed?
Landlords and management companies can vary in their pet policies, says Apartment Guide. You might be looking at a rental that only allows cats, or maybe they only allow small dogs. No matter what the pet policy is, be sure to ask if there are any nonrefundable deposits or pet rent you may have to pay during your lease term.

12. What's the guest policy?
Similar to the pet policy, landlords have varying rules for overnight guests, visitors or even extended stays, says Apartment Guide. Be sure to read over your lease terms to know the specific guidelines you need to follow.

Asking your prospective landlord or management company these questions can help make your renting experience a little easier.

Provided by Allstate.com