You probably already know the bare-bones, basic questions to ask when touring an apartment: how much the rent is, what the lease terms entail, and whether the utilities are included. But what about the questions to ask when touring an apartment that people forget—only to wish they had later? From the basics to the unexpected, here’s your cheat sheet to making sure you get all the details before signing the lease.
Main Takeaways
Some of the most important questions to ask when touring an apartment include:
- Ask the basic questions to ask when touring an apartment—cover rent details, lease terms, maintenance policies, and parking to avoid surprises.
- However, also think beyond the obvious questions to ask when touring an apartment, too—check the building’s concierge services’ security, the Wi-Fi strength, and the property’s temperature insulation.
- Look for hidden red flags—ask about past pest issues, noise levels, emergency handling, and move-in procedures to ensure a smooth experience.
The Basic Questions to Ask When Touring an Apartment
As a property services company, we can tell you that there are some staple questions to ask when touring an apartment. Here are some of the top classics:
1. What’s Included in the Rent?
Sure, the rent might fit your budget—but what’s actually covered? Ask about utilities, parking, trash pickup, and any fees for building amenities. After all, in our professional experience, utilities like electricity aren’t covered in the rent. Also, some buildings charge extra for things like gym access or laundry facilities. So, you want to know where you’d stand, especially with Texas’s average utility costs in mind.
2. What’s the Lease Term and Renewal Process?
Is it a standard 12-month lease, or do they offer month-to-month options? If you need to move out early, is there a penalty? And when your lease ends, how does renewal work—will the rent increase? You need to know exactly what you’re getting into. This way, you can know right off the bat if this lease is the right fit for you.
3. What’s the Policy for Maintenance & Repairs?
How do you report issues, and how quickly do they get fixed? Is there a 24/7 emergency maintenance number? Ask about common concerns like plumbing, heating, and electrical repairs now. You don’t want to be stuck waiting weeks for a fix later.
4. What’s the Parking Situation?
If you have a car, this is non-negotiable to ask. Do you get an assigned space? Is guest parking available, or do visitors have to hunt for street parking? This will stop you from having to hunt for a spot ten blocks away.
5. Are There Noise Issues?
Is the apartment building quiet, or will you hear your neighbors through paper-thin walls? Ask about soundproofing and check if the windows block out street noise. And don’t just take their word for it. If you can, visit at different times of the day to see how noisy it gets. By doing this, you can see if the noise level is good enough for your specific needs.
The Questions to Ask When Touring an Apartment You Didn’t Consider (But Definitely Should!)
Now, let’s get into the lesser-known—but game-changing—questions to ask when touring an apartment. These ones can make or break your living experience, so be sure to remember them:
6. What’s the Policy on Package Deliveries?
Nowadays, online shopping is a way of life. So, it’s critical that you ask how the landlord or property manager handles packages. Do they get left outside your door? Is there a secure package room? Are deliveries ever stolen? That last question is especially important. We have witnessed so many stories of concierge services that aren’t up to snuff, so be careful that yours is reliable.
7. What’s the Temperature Like Year-Round?
Sure, you probably know what the temperature where you’re moving. But your apartment’s temperature is a whole other matter. Apartment buildings’ insulation can vary. If it’s not-so-great, your apartment could turn into a sauna in summer or freeze in the winter. And, just as importantly, poor insulation = sky-high utility bills. So, you should set the record straight before moving forward.
8. Is There a History of Pests?
No one wants surprise roommates—especially the kind with too many legs. Ask about past infestations (roaches, rodents, bedbugs) and how the landlord or property manager has handled pest control. Make sure they have a system in place to deal with pest problems. If they ever happen, you’ll want them to be able to get on the issue as soon as possible.
9. What’s the Wi-Fi & Cell Service Like?
It can be incredibly frustrating to deal with spotty internet or a weak phone signal. So, check if the building has the internet options you need. Also, test your phone’s signal in different rooms. That way, you can see for yourself if the cell service works adequately.
10. How Does Management Handle Emergencies?
If there’s a fire, storm, or a plumbing disaster, what’s the plan? Who do tenants contact for urgent situations? Does the building have security measures in place? If not, that’s a huge red flag. You can’t afford to be left hanging in the lurch while a disaster strikes. We can tell you this: any respectable property manager should have set policies and procedures set up in advance. It’s the barest minimum thing they can do to take care of their tenants. If they don’t have it, it’s a surefire sign to walk away.
11. What’s the Move-In Process Like?
You don’t want to show up on move-in day only to discover that the building has strict time slots for moving furniture. Find out if they allow moving trucks, if you need to reserve an elevator, and whether weekends are off-limits for move-ins. This will help you plan your next steps if you end up moving there.
Get All Your Questions Answered with BMG Texas
Some of the most important questions to ask when touring an apartment are simple ones like what’s included in the rent, what the lease terms entail, and what the maintenance policies are. Beyond the basics, though, there are also more obscure questions to ask when touring an apartment. For example, you should also consider package delivery, Wi-Fi reliability, emergency policies, and other critical questions.
If you want to rent with a property management company who will answer all your most pressing questions, we’re here to help. At Bay Property Management Group, we strive to be upfront and transparent about what your tenancy will look like. After all, you’re shilling out your hard-earned money for a home, so you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for. Look at our listings today to take control over your rental experience.