I need help? Can someone please answer this?

Question

This is the first time that i am renting a house and i guess that idont know what kind of questions to ask. So here is the story. I am getting a 3 bedroom house in the country and it has 2 bathrooms so i guess my question is, is what are the important things that i should ask about renting this house.I

Answer 1

This is a pretty vague question but I will give you some starters. First find out what utility companies are for your house, call them and find out what the average utility bills are for that house. This way you know if it is economically feasible for you or not. A lot of times people make the mistake and think because they can afford the rent it's going to work with their budget only to realize the place has super high utilities. Secondly, find out what type of a lease you will be signing. If you would like I would be more than happy to go over it with you and explain the clauses. Most reputable landlords will give you a blank copy to study before signing if you ask. Make sure you have a seperate security deposit agreement. This stipulates what the security deposit is and what is necessary to go get it back. Also make sure that you do an itemized damage walk through before moving in so you don't get charged for what the last tenant did. Make sure to mark the smallest stains on carpets and dings in the door, etc, because unfortunately most landlords don't like to give back deposits so these charges make it from tenant to tenant. Make sure that the house is weatherized so you aren't freezing to death this winter. Make sure that all screens, storm windows, etc, are in place. It's a lot easier to get landlords to do that stuff before you move in than after. Find out what your responsibilities as a tenant are. Do you handle your own lawn care, etc? Make sure you have at least two contact numbers for the landlord. Then also make sure that you have an emergency contact if they can't be reached. There's a lot more but it just depends on what area you are really concerned. Let me know if you need more.

Answer 2

If the plumbing is good, water pressure, etc. Also be sure to ask what utilities the rent includes. You don't want to be told one price, only to find out you then have to pay separately for water, sewage, garbage removal, etc.

You should also find out what the turnaround time is when you need the landlord/janitor to fix something in your house that has gone wrong. Find out what repairs you are responsible for, and what repairs your landlord is responsible for.

If you're big on art work, or you have children or a big family, it doesn't hurt to ask if you can hang pictures on the walls. Some landlords don't like that.

Oh! If you have pets, that's a biggie, too! Find out if you can have one, and if there's a security deposit and how much.

If I think of anything else, I'll edit my answer and add more. Good luck!

Answer 3

Find out what you are responsible for and what the landlord will do. If there is a plumbing leak will the landlord fix it or do you have to?

Is there a lease, and how long are you committed to it? If you pay a deposit what are the conditions that will apply to getting it back?

Also, find out about police and fire protection. What agencies have jurisdiction?

You should also consider renter's insurance. Most insurance agencies can help you get answers on this.

Answer 4

you should definitely ask how much the average monthly utility bills are, also find out about the crime rate in the area. don't forget to ask about the lease terms and what happens when the lease is over, do you then go month by month or renew. also are you going to be taking care of the lawn or is the landlord, is he close by if anything need immediate repair and if you have to have something fixed how are you going to be reimbursed. good luck


and also find out what day the garbage is picked up, hate for you to miss that ;)

Answer 5

This is a very open ended question, so you may want to tailor it more or specify the question/area. In the meantime, below is a link to a basic guide to tenatn rights in New York. Go to google and search tenant+rights+[your state]. Good luck!

Answer 6

How's the plumbing?
How's the neighborhood?
If applicable, are the schools rated high?
Where are the nearest grocery stores & shops?
Who do I contact about lights, water, phone, cable?
What's the average monthly water bill? Electricity Bill? Heating Bill?
Who do I call if something does not work?

Hope those help.

Answer 7

Ask if there is a maintenance problem do they do the repair or do you call for service and then deduct it from your rent,and give them the receipt .

Answer 8

ask the questions during your walk thru of the house. any bug problems? any appliance problems? any plumbing problems? noisy neighbors? any roof problems? any "yes" answers, ask when they will be fixed, get a completion date in writing. don't be afraid to ask if something don't look right, its your money.

Answer 9

Read the rental contract thourouly and make sure you understand everything.