Questions to Ask When Viewing a Rental Property
Finding a home to rent can be a big challenge. There are many factors to consider to ensure your decision is the best. After all, you will live there for the minimum period specified in your contract once you sign the contract. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask many questions when viewing a rental property you like. But where to begin? What are the essential questions to ask, and who should you ask? Well, we can help you out with that. We have put together a list of questions to ask when viewing a rental property that can get you the rental of your dreams. Keep reading to learn some rental tips that can change your life as a tenant.
What do you need for your rental application?
One of the first questions to ask when viewing a rental property is about how the application process works. Therefore, ask the landlord how they filter tenants during the application process before visiting the property. That way, you will be prepared for the showing if you know the application procedure beforehand. However, note that each rental property will have a different application procedure. While some landlords accept an application and the security deposit, others will also want to see a credit report and references.
Always check if the credit inquiry is demanding, which can impact your credit score, or if it is more manageable. If the landlord doesn’t know to answer, be careful. In addition, ensure the screening procedure is the proper one for you, and never give out personal information to strangers.
How much will it cost you?
There could be additional expenses to your rent, even though you should know the exact amount in advance. If you don’t, ask why. Also, you must know precisely how much the deposit will be and how much rent you need to pay in advance. Also, you need a list of costs that the rent will cover. After that, you can determine whether the property is worth those costs. Of course, not before you look into your financial status.
At the same time, asking about rent negotiations with the landlord never hurts. If the home has been on the market for some time, they could accept a lower offer.
Who is responsible for what?
One of the essentials of renting is knowing who is responsible for what. For instance, must you maintain common spaces like a shared garden? Or will the landlord handle that? You must understand the landlord’s obligations and your responsibilities, especially if something goes wrong with the rental. You should also be aware of whatever expenses, if any, are covered by the rent. In addition, ask if you can transfer gas, electric, or water providers if your rent does not include utilities. It would be wise to be aware of this since changing providers can result in lower bills.
How are your neighbors?
Good neighbors can make your life as a tenant more enjoyable, while terrible neighbors can make it challenging. Additionally, it’s possible that your neighbors’ lifestyles don’t mesh with your own. For instance, living near nosy people can be problematic if you work evenings or shifts. Or perhaps you don’t enjoy living near rowdy partying students if you have a young family. Remember that you won’t be able to experience what it’s like to live there when viewing the property, so if you can, ask the present renters about this. Or, to get a better sense of the neighborhood and noise levels throughout the day and at night, try to visit at various times.
How is the transport in the area?
Discover your transportation alternatives whether you commute to work or sometimes go into town. How frequently do the buses run? What time does the neighborhood station close at night, and how far away is it? Ask about parking if you plan to drive. You might need to purchase a permit, or there might be a designated place. Ask how many parking spaces you will receive if more than one person is moving in. Is the driveway, if there is one, shared?
Furthermore, answering these questions to ask when viewing a rental property can help you on moving day also. If you hire professional movers to have all tasks handled with ease, they will need easy access to your new home.
Are you required to have tenant insurance?
In the event of theft or damage in your rented home, tenant insurance aids in covering the cost of your possessions. For instance, some landlords require it before approving a tenant’s application. The leasing agreement will contain it if necessary. So check the lease to see if there are any requirements for the policy’s deductible or insurance provider. However, whether necessary or not, it is advisable to have tenant insurance to safeguard your priceless possessions in the event of an emergency.
Can you make changes to the place?
Many lease agreements restrict you from changing the décor, installing shelving, hanging photos, or painting the walls. Therefore, it’s always worth asking to have this clause removed from your contract if it annoys you. Ask your landlord if they can hang some picture hooks for you if they don’t let you decorate. Or use alternatives that let you hang photos without harming the wall. It’s worthwhile to look into what’s available in your neighborhood hardware shop.
Furthermore, if your landlord is against the concept of you renovating, using wallpaper is a fantastic alternative. Add your personal touch with your preferred wallpaper without endangering a portion of your deposit.
Wrap up on questions to ask when viewing a rental property
There are many more questions to ask when viewing a rental property. But most of them depend on your personal preferences. The ones we listed, however, are a must. Therefore, ensure you ask them as soon as possible. That way, you will know if and when you have found the perfect property to rent.