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.