Question's to ask a possible future landlord?

Question

I am going to a viewing of a privatly rented house this sunday. It's a 2 bedroom house with 2 reception rooms. I am wondering what are good questions to ask the landlord at this viewing?

Answer 1

As a landlord, I hear complaints from tenents sometimes about things that are in the lease. Here would be my checklist for you:

1) Read and understand your lease thoroughly. If you have a question about something, don't hesitate to ask.
2) Find out who is responsible for interior repairs. Some leases make them the responsibility of the tenent.
3) Know your late fees. Know how much notice you have to give in order to break your lease.
4) Ask what utilities are used by the property, what is covered by the landlord, and how much the ones you pay are on average.
5) For your own safety, be sure to check for deadbolts, window locks, and ask if there is any crime in the area.
6) If you do decide to get a place, take pictures and detailed notes before you move in to prove the condition of the property. This will help you get your deposit returned.

Know that ONLY what is in writing matters. No verbal agreements will hold up in court. We recently had a scuffle with some tenents. When they toured the property, we told them that the apartment would be getting a new refridgerator because it didn't have a working one. When they moved in, the unit had a fridge, but it was a used model. They wanted to break their lease because we had "lied" to them. New for us meant new to the apartment, new for them meant brand new.

Answer 2

Lots of the things will be included in the contract and all laid out for you there but you're best off getting any questions cleared up before you get to the stage of possibly signing the contract.

Here's a few things that could be useful:

How much is rent?
How often is rent to be paid?
How much is the deposit?
What does the deposit cover&when wouldn't he return it?
What is his policy on moving out/getting someone else in if necesary?
(Ive had lots of problems with this this year and it's not in our contract, this is quite important I think )
How long is the contract for?

Are there pets allowed in the house?
What other restrictions are there (Eg washing curtains)
What is the crimerate/breakins like for the area - it is worth you getting contents insurance?
How to use appliances?
Where to find gas,electricity meter?
(You should ask him to write down the details on the meters so you don't get charged for the previous tenants)

Except for that just general things that fit your life. Such as whether he'd be Ok with you putting up shelving.

Hope the place is great!
Good luck with the house hunting.

Answer 3

What are the acceptable conditions for breaking the lease?
(change in job location etc)

What utilities are included in the rent?

Is trash removal included?

Is renters insurance required?

What modifications to the structure will be allowed? (new window treatments, paint, wallpaper etc.)

Was there any major damage to the property in the past?

Answer 4

Ask about crime rates in the neighborhood and neighborhood noise.
The landlord must answer honestly! Take a "witness" along with you.