When it comes to adulting many things come to mind. Like buying a new car, getting that dream job you just slaved away four years of your life for, getting married, and yes, getting your first big girl/boy place. Ahhh, what an adventure it is to spend weeks and weeks looking for the absolute best place for you. However, there's more that should go into this search than what you actually think. Although yes finding the perfect apartment with the granite top counters is exactly the kind of elegance you're looking for, there's a bit more than you love the pictures on the rental properties website.
1.
If you're anything like me and have an overwhelming love for dogs, make sure the place you're looking at is pet-friendly. Nothing is worse than wanting a loving little companion but knowing pets are banned from the premises. At least if they allow them, you have the option.
2.
The obvious main question is options for paying rent, but if they have a rental office on site, they may request you bring your rent to them, or in a drop box. One to piggyback right of that is how are late fees asset? And is there a grace period? Make sure there is a complete understanding as to what the landlord considers "late".
3.
POOL. A big bonus to most apartment complexes is the pool and hot tub. I know I know, it's not a necessity, but hey, it's nice to have just in case you were to happen to go for a midnight swim one night. With that being said, knowing the pool hours is always a huge plus.
4.
When it comes to rent, what all is included in the rent? Finding out what utilities your rent does cover is a huge question. Over my time of living on my own, most places don't cover air conditioning. Some places cover most but have you pay a small additional fee. Some don't cover anything. Some cover all. What is and is not covered should be outlined very well in your lease. But for those items that are not covered, find out how they go about paying for them. Must you get wifi through the actual service provider or will the complex arrange it and have you pay them? Is your electric directly through the management or through the electric company? Big questions here people.
5.
Finding out if the premises has a gym is a nice little bonus. Why pay hundreds in gym fees when you have one right down the hall from you, for free? It's a huge perk. Usually, these places don't have certain hours it's open. So for you night owls or early birds, they naturally are able to fit into your schedule.
6.
One thing I've begun to ask anywhere I may see to find myself is construction. Do they see themselves doing any restorations? Adding on? Always a huge one. If they are planning on it, and if you think the noise would be too much for you, maybe consider other options. Unless the site of construction workers all day makes you think it will be more bearable, then hey, you do you.
7.
Under what circumstances may they enter your place? Landlords are typically good at giving a 24-hour notice. However, although it is their property, they should not be entering in your home whenever for whatever reason.
8.
Resigning a lease? Naturally, management properties allow you to resign on for leases. A wonderful option to have for those of us who absolutely hate moving. But ask what they're policies are, do they require a second security deposit? higher rent the second time around? change of rooms?
9.
Speaking of those pesky security deposits, ask on what terms you would not receive that back. Under most circumstances as long as you clean on a regular basis and don't break any walls or doors, you should be in the clear for a good majority of your deposit back.
10.
Guests? Although it may seem like something so common, it's always a plus to know the policy on having guests. Where they park, how they enter, how people may buzz into the apartment. Although it should be outlined in your lease the landlords may request a notice if you have a guest stay for a certain time period. Make sure everyone's on the same page.
11.
Although you never know what may happen, it's always nice to know how much of a notice you need to give them before you move out. If you have a lease that just continues to renew itself or have to sign a new one, it's always nice to know how big of a notice you need to give. As well as knowing the fees for breaking your lease early.
12.
If you plan to be staying at your location for a while, it may be nice to ask if you're allowed to add your own personal touches. Although yes, you are allowed to make the place your own, there are some little things you may want to touch base on before you go and paint all the walls.
13.
How are emergency repairs handled? Do they have someone on site who is available night and day to fix the leaking sink? Are they closed weekends? How about bank holidays? What are the hours of maintenance and the leasing office? Is there a separate number for the maintenance or do you just call the leasing office and they make the outbound call?
Although these are only a few of my own personal questions I think are important to ask, ask all the questions you seem fit! Finding the perfect place for you can be hard and extremely stressful, but once you know what you want and find the best fit for you, it's all worth it.
Happy hunting!
If there are questions you like to ask that you don't see listed, please comment them!
