Basics of Property Management: Screening Potential Tenants

4 Questions To Ask Before Signing The Lease On Your First Apartment

21 September 2015

Jesse Obrien

When you are about to rent an apartment for the first time, you may not know what questions to ask in order to make smart decisions. Here are some questions to ask before you sign a lease on any property.

Will my Things Fit in Here?

If this is your first apartment, you may not have that much furniture, but you may have key pieces that need to be moved in, such as your bed. That's why it's a good idea to bring a tape measure to every apartment you look at. It is important to make sure that your things will fit before you move, so you can make other arrangements if necessary. For instance, measure the bedroom so you know whether you can bring your bed or whether you need to bring a futon instead.

Will the Landlord Put Promises in Writing?

As you look around apartments, be aware of any damage or repairs that need to be done. Don't rely on the landlord's word that things will be fixed before you move in; ask to get that in writing. For examaple, if the landlord promises to fix a leak in the kitchen or replace missing tiles in the bathroom, avoid signing the lease until you have written proof that the landlord will make those repairs.

Can You Customize?

When you look at apartments, you may be excited to paint the walls and install your own lighting fixtures. However, if you do these things without permission, you may lose your security deposit. In rare cases, customization may even lead to lease termination.

Therefore, before you even move in, you need to ask what you can and can not do to improve an apartment while you live there.

Are Other Tenants Happy?

If you're considering taking a place in an apartment building, other tenants might be the best indication of whether the building is a good one to live in. Strike up conversations about whether they like the building and whether they plan to renew their own leases. It's a good idea to talk about whether the landlord is responsive to problems and how long it takes for repairs to be done.

Now that you know some of the things you should be asking before you sign a lease on your first apartment, use the information in this article to help you choose a suitable place. Work closely with a real estate agent who specializes in renting apartments or property management company like MGR Property Management Inc; they can help you navigate the process successfully.

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