Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment

Whether you’re an experienced renter or picking out your very first place, you need to know what questions to ask before renting an apartment. Doing so will help you understand rental lease terms and avoid being blindsided by hidden fees or substandard property conditions.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of 45 essential questions to ask when renting an apartment, grouped by category, so you can find an apartment that fits your unique lifestyle and budget.

The Basics

What is included in the rent (utilities, amenities, parking)?

Though you may have a good idea of your budget before you begin your apartment hunt, certain rental units offer more bang for your buck. So, ask the property owner whether the rent covers anything beyond four walls and the roof over your head.

Are any utilities not included? Which ones will I need to set up?

Similar to the question above, you’ll need to find out whether you’ll be responsible for paying for other utilities such as electricity, gas, cable, and wifi. Asking this smart apartment question will give you a better idea of your overall expenses during your tenancy.

Which utility companies service the unit?

As part of your rental search, find out which companies will be responsible for an apartment’s utilities. Doing so will save you time further down the road; if you do decide to rent the unit, you’ll know who to call to set up your accounts.

Are there any move-in specials, discounts, or incentives?

To fill a vacant unit quickly, landlords may offer certain incentives such as a free month of rent or other rent concessions. Some landlords will advertise these bonuses, but in other cases, it’s a worthwhile question to ask about an apartment.

What is the total move-in cost (security deposit, application fee, other charges)?

When moving into an apartment, you’ll often need to pay an application fee and put down a security deposit, which your landlord can use to cover the costs of damages to the unit and/or unpaid rent. However, other charges may also exist depending on the landlord or property manager.

Application & Approval Process

What’s the full application process and timeline?

As part of your apartment questions to ask before renting, you should find out how long it will take the landlord to run a background and/or credit check and approve you to rent the dwelling unit. Doing so will give you a better idea of your potential move-in date.

What documents or information will I need to provide?

Besides the application itself, many landlords require tenants to provide documents such as bank statements or credit reports. Save yourself time by asking what information the landlord will need during the application process so you can gather these items in advance.

Are there minimum income, credit score, or employment requirements?

To ensure reliable rent payments, landlords may require tenants to make a minimum income or have a minimum credit score. As a tenant, you should ask whether any of these requirements exist and determine whether you’ll be able to meet them before applying.

Do you accept co-signers or guarantors?

Especially if you have subpar credit or rental history, some landlords will allow you to co-sign a lease with another party, like a family member, who can help verify your ability to pay rent. If this circumstance applies to you, ask the landlord if having a co-signer or guarantor would be a possibility.

What is the application fee, and is it refundable?

Many landlords charge application fees, typically ranging from $30 to $50, to cover the costs of conducting a background check. You should find out how much you’ll have to pay as an application fee and whether you’ll get that money back later if they deny your application.

How soon can I move in after approval?

Once the landlord approves your application, you’ll likely want to move into your new place ASAP. Asking this apartment question will give you a better idea of when you can get into the apartment and how much pro-rated rent you’ll have to pay for your first month.

Lease Terms & Conditions

What lease lengths are available (12-month, 6-month, month-to-month, etc.)?

This is one of the most important questions to ask when renting an apartment. Most apartments have stable, fixed-term leases that last 12 months or more. However, renters seeking more flexibility may opt for a six-month or month-to-month lease.

Can I renew or extend the lease at the end of the term?

If you want to live in a particular area for an extended period of time, ask about your lease renewal options early on. Obtaining a lease renewal or extension can save you time and money, particularly in terms of moving costs.

Is the rent subject to increase during or after the lease?

While rent increases at the end of a lease term are fairly common, landlords typically cannot increase rent during a lease unless permitted by local laws. Requesting details on rent increases may help prevent unpleasant financial surprises in the future.

Is renters insurance required, and what coverage is expected?

Renters insurance typically covers the costs of replacing a tenant’s possessions if they’re damaged or lost due to vandalism, burglary, or natural disasters. Tenants should determine whether renters insurance is required and what level of coverage is expected, as costs can vary significantly.

Are there penalties for breaking the lease early?

Since housing circumstances can change, tenants should ask landlords whether or not there will be penalties for breaking the lease. Typically, tenants must pay rent for the duration of the original lease term or until a new tenant moves in.

Am I allowed to sublet or list the apartment on Airbnb?

Believe it or not, your landlord may allow you to rent your apartment out to other tenants if you have to move out early or want to make some extra income while traveling. Doing so can be a lucrative opportunity for renters to earn extra cash.

What happens if I need to relocate for work or family reasons?

Although many landlords view unexpected relocations as a breach of the lease and impose penalties accordingly, some property owners may be more sympathetic. In case you need that extra flexibility down the road, this is a valuable question to ask about apartments.

How much notice must I give before moving out?

While some states require tenants to provide a certain amount of notice before moving out of an apartment, your landlord may have additional requirements for tenants to terminate the rental agreement. Knowing these details early on will help both you and the landlord in the long run.

How much notice will you give if you’re not renewing my lease?

Nobody wants to live with housing uncertainty. Ask your landlord what the process and timeline look like if they choose not to renew your lease. Knowing this upfront helps you avoid last-minute surprises and plan your next move with confidence.

Apartment Condition & Features

What condition will the apartment be in when I move in?

Some landlords may rent out a unit that is fully furnished or in mint condition, while others may rent unfurnished apartments or those with cosmetic damage. Besides asking about the apartment’s condition ahead of time, tenants should always use a move-in checklist when the tenancy begins to avoid disputes.

Are there any planned renovations or upcoming construction?

Future renovations or updates can certainly increase property value, so tenants should always ask this question when renting an apartment. However, some construction may require you to relocate temporarily, so if that poses an issue for you, you’ll have to choose your apartment accordingly.

Are appliances modern and in good working condition?

Having outdated or non-functioning appliances can result in additional expenses for tenants in the long run. Think about using an older, less energy-efficient refrigerator or leaky washing machine, not to mention the headaches caused by having to constantly repair appliances that don’t work as well as they should.

Is there in-unit laundry, shared laundry, or neither?

Speaking of laundry, tenants will need to determine how they’ll wash and dry their clothes and sheets. Some apartments offer laundry machines right in the dwelling unit, shared laundry machines elsewhere on the property, or neither, meaning you’ll have to take your laundry to a nearby laundromat. This often calls for a trade-off between rent cost and convenience.

What’s the water pressure like in the kitchen and bathroom?

Similar to the apartment question about appliances, having subpar water pressure can lead to a higher water bill, as your plumbing fixtures won’t operate at maximum efficiency. Bad pressure could also mean more repairs and maintenance (beyond the day-to-day inconvenience of using plumbing with bad water pressure, of course).

Are the walls and floors soundproof or well-insulated?

Both for your comfort and those of your neighbors, one of the questions to ask when renting an apartment is whether or not the walls and floors of the apartment are well-insulated.

Particularly if you’re sensitive to certain sounds or you’re a light sleeper, this may be a determining factor in your apartment hunt.

Does the apartment get good natural light and ventilation?

Having good natural light and ventilation is more than just a matter of aesthetic or personal preference; it is also a crucial aspect of overall well-being. Poor lighting and ventilation can result in higher electricity bills if you want to keep the lights on or run fans to maintain a comfortable apartment temperature.

Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed and functional?

In many states, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are mandatory to ensure that a property is safe and habitable. If the property doesn’t already have these safety measures installed and functioning, you may have to install them at either the landlord’s expense or your own.

Is the unit cable and/or internet ready?

Some older properties may not be fully equipped with the necessary hardware to install modern amenities, such as cable or Wi-Fi. If having internet and cable capabilities is important to you, one of the questions to ask about an apartment is whether it already has these features installed or if it would be possible to install them.

Building Amenities & Safety

What amenities are available (gym, lounge, pool, rooftop, etc.)?

Beyond finding out what amenities are available within the apartment, you should ask what other perks you’ll find on the premises. Some apartments provide tenants with services such as a gym, pool, or rec centers—having these features may lead to higher rent, but that trade-off could be worthwhile to some tenants.

Do any of these amenities cost extra to use?

With that said, just because an apartment complex or building has extra features doesn’t necessarily mean they’re free for tenants to use. Make sure to double-check with the landlord to avoid incurring any hidden fees after you’ve signed the lease and moved into the apartment.

Is storage space available?

Who doesn’t need extra storage space for their belongings? Sometimes, a few square feet of outdoor storage can make up for a lack of space within the apartment (or for higher rent payments).

How are packages delivered and stored securely?

In the age of online shopping, porch pirates are an unfortunate reality. If your landlord has a secure delivery and storage option for your packages, you can save untold money and stress since you won’t have to replace stolen purchases.

What kind of building security is in place (cameras, staff, key fob)?

Security isn’t just necessary for your packages, of course. Some apartment buildings will be more secure than others, offering features such as cameras, security staff, and/or locked gates. Having a sense of security is invaluable, regardless of how safe your neighborhood may be.

Are maintenance staff on-site or off-site?

Just about every tenant, no matter how careful they are, will need routine property maintenance performed at some point. Having maintenance staff on-site can be a big plus when you need help fixing a dripping faucet or broken window.

Is emergency maintenance available 24/7?

Apartment issues don’t always take place at reasonable hours. No matter what maintenance emergency you have on your hands, you’ll want to find out what your options are if a worst-case scenario happens in the middle of the night or on a weekend.

How do I submit maintenance requests?

You should know how to bring maintenance issues to your landlord’s attention before they occur. Some property management programs allow tenants to submit maintenance requests online; in other cases, landlords may require tenants to email or call maintenance staff.

What repairs are covered by management vs. the tenant?

To avoid future disputes, you should ask which repairs are covered by your landlord and which you’ll be on the hook for as the tenant. For example, tenants may have to pay for repairs resulting from damages that exceed normal wear and tear or damages caused by a pet.

Are pest control services regularly provided?

Pests like mice, mosquitoes, or cockroaches can be common in apartment buildings or complexes. Some landlords will include regular pest control services in rent or as part of ongoing property maintenance costs.

Pets, Guests & Parking

Are pets allowed, and are there restrictions on breed, size, or number?

Though this may go without saying, but if you have a pet, you’ll need to find an apartment that will allow you to live with your furry (or scaly) friends. Don’t assume whether or not pets are allowed, and ask landlords for plenty of clarification regarding types of pets, breeds, size of pets, and the amount of pets permitted.

Is there a pet deposit, pet rent, or one-time pet fee?

Landlords who run pet-friendly apartments often charge additional fees in the form of pet deposits, monthly pet rent payments, or one-time pet fees. These provide extra security for landlords in the event of damage to the apartment.

What’s your policy on guests and long-term visitors?

Chances are that at some point, you’ll want to have a friend or family member over to your apartment for a night or two. While this won’t be a problem for most landlords, it’s worthwhile to double-check, particularly if you expect your guests to stay longer than a couple of days.

Is there assigned parking, guest parking, or street parking available?

Finding out where you will park your car can make a bigger difference to your renting situation than you may think. Your car’s security will depend on the parking options available to tenants, and some locations may require you to pay additional parking fees on top of your rent.

Is there secure or indoor bike storage available?

Secure bike storage is essential for renters who cycle often, especially in bigger cities or neighborhoods with higher rates of bike theft. If bike storage is a priority for you as a tenant, make sure you have a safe place to park your bike.

The Final Word

Signing a lease and agreeing to move into a new place is a big commitment, so tenants must know what questions to ask when renting an apartment. Asking these questions will help you avoid potential disputes with your landlord and ensure a peaceful tenancy in an apartment.