Looking for a new home can be both exciting and daunting. There are so many things to think about and consider. But one of the most important things you need to do is find the right landlord. The relationship between landlord and tenant is crucial. After all, he’s the one who’s responsible for maintaining your home and making sure you have a safe and comfortable place to live.
To help you find the right landlord, we’ve compiled a list of some questions to ask before signing a lease.
55 Questions you can ask a landlord:
- Do you have experience as a landlord?
- Are you the owner of the property or the property management company?
- How long have you owned/managed this property?
- How often do you conduct repairs/maintenance on the property?
- What is your policy on repair requests?
- Have there been any significant problems with the property in the past?
- What is your policy on noise complaints?
- What is your pet policy?
- Are there any restrictions on visitors?
- How long does it typically take for maintenance requests to be completed?
- Do you have any special policies in place for smokers/non-smokers?
- Is there on-site parking available? If so, how much does it cost?
- What utilities are included in the rent?
- When is the rent due?
- What are the late payment fees?
- Are late fees charged if rent is not paid on time?
- What is your policy on subletting/early termination of leases?
- How long is the lease?
- How much is the rent?
- Are utilities included in the rent?
- Is there a security deposit? If so, how much is it?
- Who takes care of lawn maintenance and snow removal?
- What day of the week is trash day?
- Is there on-site laundry or storage available? If so, is there an additional charge for these amenities?
- What types of repairs or maintenance does the landlord take care of?
- Who do I contact in case of an emergency repair or maintenance issue?
- Can I sublet my apartment if I need to move before the lease is up?
- Is the unit furnished or unfurnished?
- How many people can live in the unit?
- Is there a limit on how many people can live in the unit?
- Can the lease be renewed?
- What is the length of the lease renewal period?
- What is the landlord’s policy on renewing the lease?
- Is there a grace period for paying rent?
- How often does the rent increase?
- Are there any restrictions on decorating or making changes to the unit?
- Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?
- Does the landlord require the renter’s insurance?
- Who do you contact in case of an emergency?
- Is the unit pet-friendly?
- If so, are there any breed or size restrictions for pets?
- What are the building amenities?
- Is there an elevator in the building?
- Are storage units available in the building?
- If so, is there an additional fee for storage units?
- When was the last time the rent was increased?
- Are rent increases common in this area?
- What is the landlord’s policy on guests?
- How often does rent need to be paid, and what methods are accepted?
- What is included in the lease agreement?
- What is not included in the lease agreement?
- How long does it take for new tenants to get moved in?
- How do you handle deposits?
- Is the building secure?
- How often are trash and recycling picked up?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a landlord look for in a tenant?
A landlord is looking for a tenant who’s responsible. He’s looking for someone who will pay their rent on time, not damage the property, and not cause any disturbances. A landlord wants to know that he can trust the person that is going to be living on their property.
What responsibilities will the landlord have to you as a tenant?
The landlord has a number of responsibilities to the tenant. He must ensure that the property is in a habitable condition, that the plumbing and electrical installations are working properly, and that the apartment is safe.
He must also ensure that the common areas are kept clean and in good condition and that any necessary repairs are made in a timely manner.
Who is called a landlord?
A landlord is someone who owns property or rents it to others. They are responsible for maintaining the property and collecting rent from their tenants. Landlords can be individuals or businesses, and they may own one or more properties.
Conclusion
Asking these questions before signing a lease will help set your expectations and ensure that both you and your landlord are on the same page from the start. Taking the time to ask these questions up front can save you a lot of headaches later!
