The 25 Best Questions To Ask When You Tour an Apartment

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Ask these questions to make sure you're getting a fair deal (and no surprises later on)
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You're touring a new apartment and are excitedly envisioning how you’ll arrange the living room and where you’ll display your favorite photos and knick knacks. Before you ask to sign the lease right then and there, there are some questions you should ask on your tour to determine if the place fits your budget, needs, and vibe. To help you find your dream place, we’ve compiled a list of the best questions to ask when you’re touring an apartment. These questions will give you clarification about your lease, identify any dealbreakers, and make sure your apartment is the right place for you.

Things You Should Know

  • Ask how long your lease is for and if you have to pay a security deposit when you sign it.
  • Ask if utilities are covered in your rent and how laundry and parking are handled.
  • Ask if you can bring your pet, have guests over, or make changes to the apartment.
1

“How long is the lease?”

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    A typical lease is 12 months long, meaning that when you sign the lease, you commit to living there and paying rent for that period of time. If you are looking for a short term stay or want the flexibility to move around, look for leases that are month-to-month or ask your landlord if that’s an option. [1]
    • This question will also tell you the date you can move into the apartment and when you have to leave.
    • Always ask for a copy of the lease to protect yourself as a tenant .
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2

“Are utilities included in the rent?”

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    Some apartment complexes charge a flat rate for utilities that’s bundled into your rent, while at others you pay for your own each month. Neither is particularly better than the other, but you want to know how you’re paying for them. If utilities aren’t included with rent, be sure to ask: [2]
    • “How much do utilities typically cost?”
    • “Do I have to set up utilities myself ?”
    • “Is there a charge for setting up utilities or installing internet?”
3

“Do you require a security deposit?”

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    This question is important to ask to make sure you stay within your budget. Landlords typically require that you pay a fee, usually one month’s rent, when you sign your lease. [3]
    • The security deposit ensures that your landlord has money to cover any damages to the apartment.
    • Take good care of your apartment in order to get your security deposit back.
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4

“Do you have a pet policy?”

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    If you have a furry friend, you want to move them in with you, so make sure that’s allowed! Complexes that allow pets usually require a monthly or yearly fee. [4]
    • Be sure to also ask if the complex only allows certain breeds on their premises.
5

“Does the apartment have a laundry facility?”

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    Apartments handle laundry services in many ways, with some providing units in the apartment, placing units on every floor, or housing units in a central area. If laundry isn’t provided in the apartment, you’ll want to also ask: [5]
    • “How many washers and dryers are available?”
    • “Do I have to pay to use the laundry facilities?”
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6

“What are your parking policies?”

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    This question is important because parking might be another cost to consider, or be a hassle you don’t want to deal with. Depending where you’re looking at, you might have to park on the street or buy a monthly pass. [6]
7

“What is your policy on subletting?”

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    If you need to leave your apartment early but can’t break your lease, you can sublet, or get someone to take over your lease. Ask your touring agent if the apartment allows subletting or if there are any specifications. [7]
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8

“Do you require renters insurance?”

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    This is another great question to ask to see if there are any other costs associated with renting the apartment. Your complex might have an insurance company they prefer to use and coverage specifications. [8]
    • Even if they don’t require it, it’s a good idea to get renters insurance to protect your belongings.
9

“Can I add a roommate?”

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    You might be touring an apartment and know that a friend or partner will be moving in with you after a few months. If your landlord allows this, you will probably have to sign a new lease when your roommate moves in. [9]
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10

“Do you have a guest policy?”

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    You will want to host a housewarming party when you move in, so make sure your guests can come. Some apartment complexes have a maximum number of days a guest can stay in your apartment or rules on where guests can park. [10]
11

“Is there a penalty for breaking the lease?”

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    It’s important to ask what happens if you have to move out of your apartment before your lease is up. Your landlord will specify under what conditions you can break your lease, such as moving for a job, and if you have to pay a fee. [11]
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12

“Do you have a pest control policy?”

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    This is a subtle question that can tell you about the quality of the apartment. You want to make sure your apartment regularly controls for bugs, as well as how to report any issues you might have with bedbugs or other infestations. [12]
13

“Can I test out the lights and water pressure?”

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    This will help you make sure everything works properly before you sign the lease. Ask if you can open up the refrigerator, test the stove burners, flick on the lights, run the facets and shower, and flush the toilet. [13]
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14

“Can I make changes to the apartment?”

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    You will probably want to hang up your favorite pictures or even paint a wall to make your apartment a home. Some properties allow this, but require that you patch up holes and repaint the walls to the original color before you leave. [14]
15

“Are there any amenities?”

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    Many apartment complexes have a pool, gym, and business center that is open for all residents to use. See what extras you get along with your rent, or if you have to pay for them. As a follow up, ask: [15]
    • “What are your amenity policies? Can I bring guests with me?”
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16

“What is the neighborhood like?”

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    It’s a great idea to get a sense for your neighborhood and make sure you feel comfortable in it. Ask if you can talk to any current residents to see how they like the area and what they like to do. [16]
17

“Do you have a smoking policy?"

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    This is a great question to ask if smoking is important to you, whether you smoke or are sensitive to its smell. Some apartments are smoke free or ask that residents smoke some distance away from the apartment. [17]
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18

“Are there any security features for the apartment or complex?”

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    This question can tell you more about the apartment’s safety without directly questioning it. You will want to know if the apartment’s locks are regularly changed, if the complex is gated, and if there is a security guard on the premises. [18]
19

“Are there plans to update the building?”

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    If your landlord has plans to renovate your apartment, this means you’ll be listening to a lot of construction, but you’ll likely have an updated pad in your future. Weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for you. [19]
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20

“How much is the rent?”

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    This is an obvious question, but don’t forget to double check how much rent is before you sign the lease. You want to make sure the apartment you fall in love with is in your budget! [20]
21

“When is rent due?”

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    This is a great question that will help you figure out when you need to budget money for rent. Most apartment complexes collect rent between the 1st and 5th of the month, but they might have a different schedule. As a follow up question, ask: [21]
    • “Is there a fee if I turn in my rent late?”
    • “Is there a grace period for late payments?”
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22

“How are rent payments made?”

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    This question can be a dealbreaker if you aren’t comfortable with the preferred payment method. The apartment complex might have their own portal where you pay your rent each month. Or, your landlord might prefer cash or check. [22]
23

“How often does rent go up?”

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    Landlords can increase rent at the end of your lease, so you’ll want to see if this is typical for your apartment when budgeting. Most states require landlords to give you at least 90 days notice of a rent increase, but check your state’s policies to stay informed. [23]
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24

“Is there an application fee?”

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    If you love the apartment you’re touring and are ready to sign the lease, this is a great question to make sure it’s still in your budget. The good news is most apartment complexes only charge a small fee, typically about $30, for the application. [24]
25

“Is there anything you need for the application process?”

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    Before you submit your application, your landlord might ask for references, pay stubs, and your credit history. Don’t stress too much if they do, this is a completely routine check just to make sure you’re reliable. [25]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://case.edu/housing/services/campus-housing/questions-ask-renting
      2. ↑ https://case.edu/housing/services/campus-housing/questions-ask-renting
      3. ↑ https://www.rent.com/blog/what-is-a-security-deposit/
      4. ↑ https://www.ufsa.ufl.edu/uploads/ocl/tour_questions-ocl.pdf
      5. ↑ https://case.edu/housing/services/campus-housing/questions-ask-renting
      6. ↑ https://www.doorsteps.com/articles/questions-you-should-ask-when-touring-new-apartments
      7. ↑ https://case.edu/housing/services/campus-housing/questions-ask-renting
      8. ↑ https://www.transparentcity.co/blog/10-questions-to-ask-before-renting-an-apartment-in-nyc
      9. ↑ https://www.uakron.edu/offcampus/docs/Apartment-tour-sheet.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.rent.com/blog/how-to-do-a-virtual-apartment-tour/
      2. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/08/24/1030659258/looking-for-a-new-apartment-heres-a-checklist-to-help-with-the-housing-hunt
      3. ↑ https://www.ufsa.ufl.edu/uploads/ocl/tour_questions-ocl.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.rent.com/blog/how-to-do-a-virtual-apartment-tour/
      5. ↑ https://case.edu/housing/services/campus-housing/questions-ask-renting
      6. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/08/24/1030659258/looking-for-a-new-apartment-heres-a-checklist-to-help-with-the-housing-hunt
      7. ↑ https://www.uakron.edu/offcampus/docs/Apartment-tour-sheet.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.apartments.com/blog/smoking-and-rental-properties-what-are-your-rights
      9. ↑ https://www.ufsa.ufl.edu/uploads/ocl/tour_questions-ocl.pdf
      10. ↑ https://www.transparentcity.co/blog/10-questions-to-ask-before-renting-an-apartment-in-nyc
      11. ↑ https://case.edu/housing/services/campus-housing/questions-ask-renting
      12. ↑ https://www.ufsa.ufl.edu/uploads/ocl/tour_questions-ocl.pdf
      13. ↑ https://www.doorsteps.com/articles/questions-you-should-ask-when-touring-new-apartments
      14. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tenant-rights
      15. ↑ https://www.apartments.com/rental-manager/resources/leases/what-know-about-rental-application-fees
      16. ↑ https://www.apartments.com/blog/what-will-be-reviewed-with-my-rental-application

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