Important things to ask when viewing a rental property!

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Important things to ask when viewing a rental property!

Published Date: Nov, 3 2023

Finding the right rental property through the Internet has probably taken days, weeks, or even months of your time. It's important to lock down the market because it moves quickly. Yet before renting the property, you should take some time to consider your options and do some research.

You should not presume that the rental broker will be forthcoming with all the information you need. To make the right choice, it's best to have done some research and have a checklist in mind. We've compiled a list of things to look for when viewing a house because it can be difficult, especially for first-time tenants, to know what questions to ask.

How much do the bills cost and do I have to pay them?
If a landlord plans to include bills in your rental payment, that's important to know because it could have a big impact on your monthly expenses. In order to decide whether this fits into your overall budget, it's worth asking the landlord for an estimate of how much each bill might cost if the tenants are required to pay the bills themselves. If you plan to live with other tenants, you'll also need to consider how monthly payments are divided and organized as well as who is responsible for paying the bills.

What are the purposes of any deposits or non-refundable fees?
A non-refundable deposit may be required by some landlords in the lease.
To ensure you know what to anticipate before signing a lease, find out everything you can.

What amenities are nearby in the area?
Even if you have found a suitable rental home, it won't help you if the neighborhood amenities aren't up to par. Inquire about the surroundings and what to expect. Make sure to find out about nearby stores and transportation options, as well as any other amenities you might need, like parks, gyms, or schools. In addition to what the agent, landlord, or current tenant tells you about the amenities, it's a good idea to do some digging on your own to verify and validate what you've already been told.

Who is going to handle the property management?
Tenant agents ought to provide you with information about who to contact in case of issues, and if it's the landlord, they ought to be able to facilitate communication.

How is the parking situation?
Does parking require a fee? You get how many spaces? Are there parking spots available for visitors? Do you have a driveway, or is parking on the street here? Depending on your budget and level of safety concerns, knowing your parking conditions may influence whether or not this is a good option for you. If parking is not free, your lease agreement should include a parking clause.

What is your policy regarding guests?
At times when guests visit the house some landlords lose it and threaten to have them evicted. It's a good idea to go over expectations up front and request that the landlord include them in the lease. Find out exactly how they identify a long-term visitor.

In the landlord-tenant relationship, communication is one of the most crucial aspects. Before you sign a lease, make careful inquiries that will not only provide additional information about the property but also give the landlord an opportunity to reveal their true nature. Pay attention to how they react, whether you sense any dishonesty, or whether they avoid answering your questions. How they answer these inquiries will give you a good idea of how you will be handled as a tenant.  

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