Questions to Ask your Potential Landlord

Close up of two people looking over lease paperwork

  • When applying, ask about non-refundable fees or deposits. What are the criteria and screening process?
  • What is included in the rent? Are there utilities I am expected to pay to the property outside of the rent?
  • Are there washers and dryers in the apartment? And is there an additional cost for this?
  • When will the apartment be ready to move in and what move-in costs are due at that time?
  • When is rent due and what form of payment is accepted?
  • What is the penalty for late payments?
  • How do I put in a maintenance request and what is the typical turnaround time?
  • How are emergency maintenance repairs handled?
  • How much notice will you give before needing to enter my unit?
  • What is the parking situation and are the fees associated with that?
  • Am I allowed to hang pictures, what alterations are acceptable to make?
  • What are my options for lease renewal?  How much notice do you need if I am not renewing the lease?
  • Do you have a sublet policy, or what is the penalty for breaking a lease?
  • If you have a pet, you will want to ask about the pet policy and fees associated with that. 
  • For general questions, what is the best way to connect with you?

See this list for more suggested questions for your potential landlord.