Finding the perfect apartment is more than just your ideal location, layout, or aesthetic. Beyond that, you should also pay close attention to the policies a landlord has put in place for their rental property. Miss a few key details and you might see yourself stuck in a lease agreement that you don’t truly love. To help guide you, here are the 8 commonly overlooked questions to ask a landlord before signing a lease. Read below to learn more!
Questions to Ask a Landlord Before Signing a Lease
Wondering what questions to ask a landlord before signing a lease? We’ve got you covered. Here are some common (and some underrated!) questions you should be thinking about:
What are the Rules Regarding Guests?
As 
San Antonio area property management, let’s jump right in – starting with something simple. In our experience, a question that tenants commonly overlook revolves around the topic of guests.
Landlord rules about guests and visitors can vary. Some may pay no mind to it at all and let their tenants have guests as they please. However, others may have stricter guidelines. Considering this, ask about their rules about overnight stays and if a guest can stay for extended periods (if so, for how long exactly?). Also, learn if you’re required to give notice whenever you have a visitor stay the night or longer.
Knowing the house rules regarding guests can help you ensure that their policy aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
What is your Policy on Subletting or a Long-Term Absence?
Even if you’ve decided to sign a lease contract, you never know where life takes you. What if you get promoted and relocated to a different city? Or if you have an emergency that requires you to leave for a couple of months? In cases when you need to leave your rental, a good option is to sublet your space. However, in Texas, you need to get your landlord’s written permission to do so (unless your lease says otherwise). In addition, many landlords have requirements you need to meet before you take that leap, and others prohibit subletting altogether.
So, ask your landlord about their subletting or absence policy, just in case you’re ever in that situation. If you’re ever allowed to sublease, make sure to be clear about your role in finding subtenants, when you’re released from your lease, any other policies you need to keep in mind to avoid penalties.
What are the Noise-Related Rules?
Apartment life comes with its pros and cons. One of the common drawbacks? Noise. Since you’ll be sharing a wall with your next-door neighbor and in close proximity to others, it’s fairly common for noise and other activities to reach their space and vice versa.
Taking this into consideration, it’s important that you know what noise-related policies the landlord has put in place to protect you and others. Find out if the apartment has set quiet hours or regulations about parties and large gatherings.
Aside from that, clarify their process of handling noise complaints.
Whether you’re worried that your neighbor is going to make too much noise or the other way around, knowing your landlord’s opinion can help you avoid conflict.
What Are the Typical Utility Costs for Different Seasons?
Aside from rent, utility costs comprise a portion of your monthly bills. When you’re looking for an apartment, take into account the average cost of utilities depending on the season. For example, in San Antonio, the summers can beat down hard and force tenants to keep their ACs running on full blast. So, it’s likely that your utility bills – electricity, water, and gas – will spike significantly.
Having an idea of the typical cost of utilities for different seasons will allow you to adjust your finances accordingly. On top of that, you can also compare and see if the apartment you’re looking at really fits within your budget. Even better, you might even score a utilities-included apartment and have fewer to pay on your own.
Are There Any Plans for Renovations or Construction in the Building or Nearby in the Coming Year?
Another aspect that you need to ask about is your landlord’s future plans for the property. Ask if they have plans for renovations within the duration of your lease, since this can have a great impact on your experience and living conditions.
If your landlord plans to make any renovations (or there’s planned construction on nearby buildings), you’ll need to endure the sound of heavy equipment, loud banging, and hammering for weeks. Not to mention the dust, restrictions, and other safety concerns that come with such work.
On the other hand, renovations mean that your landlord is working on improving their rental property, which you get to enjoy later on. Similarly, upcoming constructions in the nearby area in the future can bode well for you. Imagine if they’re building a gym, park, grocery store, restaurant, or the like, just a stone’s throw away from your apartment complex. Knowing this can help you decide if you want to push through with the contract or not.
How are Packages and Mail Handled?
With the booming popularity of e-commerce and online shopping, mail and package management is a key element in apartment living. It’s essential that your landlord has a system in place to ensure your deliveries are secured, such as package lockers or dedicated mailrooms. Knowing how packages and mail are handled in the building can give you a better idea of what you’d experience.
What is the Process for Renewing or Terminating the Lease at the Lease End Term?
Signing a lease for an apartment is one thing; however, you should also think about the process at the end – whether you’re renewing or terminating your contract. While the Texas Property Code has a section on lease renewals, some landlords may have additional requirements that you need to follow.
So, understanding your landlord’s renewal–or termination–process can help you avoid misunderstandings and surprises near the end of the lease.
What Rules are There Around Decorating your Space?
When you think about moving into a new apartment, one of the first things that comes to mind is how you’re going to turn it into your own – from adding lights, posters, and other decorations. However, many landlords have rules regarding this. If you make changes without their permission, you could be penalized for breaking your lease. So, you should always ask for your landlord’s permission if you plan to make any modifications to the rental, whether big or small.
Find Your Next Home with Bay Property Management
When you’re looking for an apartment, it’s critical that you pay attention to the above questions to ask a landlord before signing a lease. From the subleasing to noise-related issues and decoration policies, knowing what’s allowed and prohibited will help you decide if an apartment (and its house rules) fits your needs and preferences.
With that said, partnering with real estate management companies, like us at BMG, can make your decision easier. With our expansive portfolio of rental properties, we have homes of all shapes and sizes, for all lifestyles and needs. And we work around the clock to enforce tenants’ rights, handle maintenance, respond to your concerns, and more, all so you can get the customer service you deserve. Look at our listings today to get started!