I am working on getting my very first apartment! I'm very excited but I don't really know the basics of what I should be asking. I have heard horror stories about hidden charges, fine print, etc..
What I'd like to know is what kind of questions should I be asking when I look at an apartment and what should I be looking for (like what are warning signs or what should be there that might not be)? I'd really appreciate any help you can give me!
2007-12-13 20:40:52 · 9 answers · asked by AshaLynn 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
First, when looking at a place, ask, "Is it a legal rental, and is there a lease?" Don't be bullied into something you're not comfortable with, and don't let a broker put your questions off. They're getting a commision to work for YOU. If it's an illegal rental or there is no lease, you can be put out or the rent can be raised at anytime. And if you have a standard lease, there should be no fine print or hidden charges. If you want privacy, look for an apartment in a building, not a private home. Ask what the deposit is. Some want first and last month's rent, some want an additional month. Be prepared to pay up to three month's rent to move in. If you drive, ask if there are assigned parking spaces, if not, ask about public transportation. Find out if utilities are included. If not, ask what the average bill is, and figure that into your rent. And most cities now keep a database of 'bad landlords', ones that have housing violations or tenant complaints filed against them. Google your city's housing department's website to find out. Landlords do checks on possible tenants, you have the right to check up on potential landlords.
Walk around the neighborhood, locate stores, laundry, etc, and get a 'feel' for the people. In the apartment, check for water stains on the walls for any leaks, check the windows to make sure they are secure and lock from the inside. Look in kitchen cabinets and behind the toilet for any evidence of roaches. Their poop looks like little dots of black sand. And don't hesitate to talk to other tenants in building, if you see them, to find out about the building.
Most important, be ready to react immediately if you find a place that's to your liking and you've done the footwork on the place. That means having all your paperwork in order......financial statements (pay stubs), recent credit report,etc, and being it's your first place , be prepared to have a co-signer for the lease. You don't want to delay getting things in order, and have someone else snatch up the place.
VERY IMPORTANT..... any documents you give to a broker or potential landlord in order to be considered as a tenant MUST all be returned to you once 'the deal is sealed', or even if it isn't. They have all your personal financial info, and I've known of where people who have access to that info have used it for identity theft. Even better, do not fill out any applications that require a SS# or financial info unless you like the place and are seriously considering renting it.
It's rare that the renting and moving process goes on without a hitch, but the headaches are worth it once you're moved in and you can call it home. Happy hunting.
P.S. An apartment that faces south is always best, it has the sunniest light!!!
2007-12-13 21:13:58 · answer #1 · answered by Roger 1 · 8⤊ 0⤋
2
2016-07-18 18:58:35 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you go to see a place make sure to look in closets and cupboards to make sure everything's OK. Ask how much the monthly rent is, what the security deposit is and whether you'll get that back should you decide to move in the future. Ask if you have to pay first and last month's rent up front. Ask what utilities (gas, electricity, water) are paid by the landlord and which are to be paid by you. Ask if you have to pay for garbage collection.
When you sign a lease or a rental agreement always make sure to read it carefully and to ask about anything that's not clear. The lease/rental agreement should contain all the terms of such a contract. Make sure you get a copy for your records and that you keep it in a safe place.
2007-12-13 20:52:22 · answer #3 · answered by Richard B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure everything in the apartment is in working order. If you are going to be responsible for utilities ask what the average cost is. You can avoid horror stories and hidden charges by carefully reading and understanding the lease you'll be asked to sign. Do not sign until you understand all of it.
2007-12-13 23:59:24 · answer #4 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good for you!
Now comes one of the most important parts, how much can you afford? Are the utilities included, Electricity, Water and Sewer. Can you have pets / roommates. How long is the lease? 6 months or a year? Who's responsible for trash? What kind of parking, on the street or in the lot? Look for any damages from the last tenants, broken doors, appliances or cracked walls. Ask when was the last time they sprayed for insects. If it's been over a year you might want to walk away. When was the last time the carpets were cleaned? What kind of odors are there? Don't be afraid to open closet doors and peek inside! IF it seems like the manager is a bit too pushy, they may be wanting to get you in to cover someone else's mess and blame it on you! Tenants have rights too!
2007-12-13 20:52:53 · answer #5 · answered by Steven D 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
An open house is a fashion for the agent to get leads on each form of shoppers, no longer basically your place. you opt for whether it extremely is handy for you, however the agent will consistently would desire to be waiting to instruct the residing house on genuine looking observe. they do no longer mean vacate your personnal property or flow out. No residing house could ever be offered in the event that they had to try this. yet you are able to desire to maintain the residing house "showable" in this era. certainly lock up any rings or different valuables. it extremely is in simple terms problem-loose experience and due diligence. One effective ingredient approximately an open residing house, you get it waiting on Friday, placed your rings and valuables on your secure deposit field, then spend the weekend in Vegas or something. i assume I neglected the area approximately you renting earlier. you nonetheless would desire to be genuine attempting to the owner, they are attempting to sell.
2016-10-11 06:32:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rent-To-Own Homes - http://RentToOwnHome.uzaev.com/?DEUv
2016-07-13 04:35:48 · answer #7 · answered by Houston 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cant really help with the questions, but just talk to people you know that rent also for some answers. sorry, hope this helps a little..
2007-12-13 20:45:35 · answer #8 · answered by **AqUaRiUs cHiCk** 2 · 2⤊ 7⤋
stay at home is the best thing to do
2007-12-13 20:44:20 · answer #9 · answered by mikail brown 5 · 0⤊ 9⤋