I unpacked carefully, arranged my things and made the place feel like mine.
I adored that home.
I was over the moon.
Six weeks later, on the same date, my landlord phoned to say he was putting the house on the market and I had 30 days to vacate. (What?!)
Oh, and would I mind if prospective buyers started touring the property the very next day? (Yes!)
“Don’t worry,” he assured me. “I’ll give you a glowing reference.” (Thanks a lot!)
I felt devastated.
I thought I’d checked every box before signing the lease, but I never considered asking whether the owner intended to sell soon. Had I asked, it would have spared me a lot of hassle.
Luckily, I ended up finding an even nicer place. (Ha! Take that, former landlord!)
Still, the incident taught me a crucial takeaway: Ask plenty of questions before you put your signature on a rental contract.
15 Questions to Ask Your Prospective Landlord
This list isn’t exhaustive — every rental situation has its own quirks — but these 15 queries are a solid starting point.
1. When is the unit available for move-in?
Ask this early to ensure your timeline aligns with the landlord’s. If the availability doesn’t match, you’ll avoid wasting time or getting emotionally invested in a place you can’t occupy when you’re ready.
2. What are the monthly rent, application and move-in charges?
Also inquire about late payment penalties and whether certain payment methods carry processing fees. For example, you don’t want to be hit with a $10 surcharge every time you pay by check.
3. Are utilities included?
This is a vital question. A low rent may not seem like a bargain once you add electricity, water and trash fees.
Conversely, a rental that includes utilities can simplify budgeting for fixed monthly expenses.
4. What cosmetic alterations am I allowed to make inside?
Landlords typically expect tenants to hang pictures and put up curtains, but clarify what changes are permitted before you paint a vivid blue accent wall in the living room.
5. What types of outdoor decorations are allowed?
Your new residence might be in a deed-restricted community that limits the kinds or sizes of outdoor ornaments.
Many apartment complexes also enforce strict rules about what can be displayed on doors and windows facing public spaces.
6. What’s the pet policy?
There are several points to cover with pet rules, such as which species are allowed and whether certain breeds are restricted.
Ask about pet deposits and where pets are permitted to relieve themselves on the property.
7. Is renter’s insurance mandatory?
Renter’s insurance may feel like an unnecessary cost, but it’s a smart move whether required or not. For roughly $20 a month, you can protect your belongings from fire, theft or other damage — and the peace of mind is invaluable.
8. What happens if I need to break the lease?
You may plan to stay put, but life is unpredictable.
Find out the consequences of terminating a lease early and whether subletting is allowed so someone else can assume the contract until its end.
9. Who handles emergency repairs?
Landlords are generally responsible for maintenance, but what if the air conditioning fails over a holiday weekend?
Ask whether you’re permitted (or expected) to pay for urgent repairs yourself and then be reimbursed by the landlord.
10. What’s the parking situation?
Check whether your rental includes an assigned parking spot and if there’s an extra charge for it. Don’t forget to ask about guest parking before you host a get-together.
11. What are the laundry arrangements?
If you’ve ever lived without an in-unit washer and dryer, you know how inconvenient it can be, so this is likely near the top of your questions.
If the unit lacks laundry machines, ask where the nearest facilities are. Don’t assume they’re on-site only to discover you’ll have to drive across town to wash your clothes.
12. Is my security deposit refundable when I move out?
Security deposits are typically returned to tenants upon move-out, provided the property isn’t left looking like a post-concert disaster.
Get clear instructions on how to reclaim your deposit and be sure to document any preexisting damage before you sign the lease.
13. What’s the policy for maintenance or management entering my unit when I’m away?
There will be occasions when the landlord or a maintenance worker needs to access your apartment while you’re not present (monthly pest control, for example).
Ask how much notice you’ll receive before someone enters and under what conditions you can delay or refuse the visit.
14. Have the locks been replaced since the previous tenant?
You don’t want strangers walking around with a key to your home. If the locks haven’t been changed, try to include that in your rental agreement.
15. What’s the long-range rental outlook for this property?
Trust my experience — if the landlord plans to rent only short-term, you’ll want to know that in advance.
Maria Thompson is a staff writer at Savinly. She once rented a studio above a funeral parlor. It was strange, but it made for great small talk.
