8 Things to Ask When Renting for the First Time

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by Ice Artificio • Dec 10, 2024 • General

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Renting your own space is a huge move and decision. Whether it’s solo or with friends or family, the search can even be a little tricky.

After all, finding the perfect place to rent involves finding a good and compatible landlord.

Remember that unit owners entrust their property to you while you sleep and live there. And renting is a two-way street.

To avoid wasting your time (and theirs too), there should always be a clear and open dialogue between lessors and potential tenants.

So, before signing your lease contract, here are a few things you may want to ask your broker or landlord to know if the place is suitable for you.

1. Are there association dues or maintenance fees?

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Condominiums and large apartments usually charge their tenants a fee to help maintain common areas and utilities like hallway lights, elevators, garbage disposal, as well as janitorial and security services.

These charges are on top of rent and security deposits. While association dues or maintenance fees are vital, bear in mind that the extra cost can create a dent in your wallet.

This is why it helps to know right off the bat exactly how much you need to pay off every month in these additional fees, so you can adjust your budget accordingly.

2. How do I settle my bill payments?

Image credit: Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash.com

In today’s digital world, this matter is highly important. There are many ways you can pay for your rent and utility bills.

Your lessors usually have a system in place to make it easy for them (and for you) to settle your accounts monthly.

Aside from the payment method, you will need to ask them if you remit payments in their office or if you need to directly pay the utility providers.

3. How do I install my internet and cable lines?

Image credit: Brian Wangenheim on Unsplash.com

Condominium establishments have different policies in place for internet and cable installations.

We’ve had the experience of paying extra for right of way on top of the installation fee since there were no previous lines installed.

Also, if you require fast internet, check with your provider if they have fiber lines available in the area. The same goes for wired cable providers.

4. How soundproof is the unit?

Image credit: Matthew Moloney on Unsplash.com

Ask how much noise your unit can contain and how much “leaking” is expected from neighbors.

If there were crying babies in your unit, would they hear? Would you be able to play music to your heart’s content without receiving a noise complaint next door?

Knowing how much noise you can make may give you a clear idea.

5. What kind of modifications can I make?

Image credit: Christopher Burns on Unsplash.com

Lessors tend to get worried about how much you’ll change in their unit or property. They may require permits to drill holes, install shelves, stick wallpapers, or paint walls.

Ask them how the process goes, from start to finish. This way, if you want to customize your space or do any redecorating in the future, you know what to do.

6. Is the establishment pet-friendly?

Image credit: Leohoho on Unsplash.com

Your contract will usually state if the unit for rent allows pets or not. However, it does not specify if your potential new place has common areas for pets.

Feel free to ask this especially if you or any of your roommates have allergies to pet dander.

7. What additional services are available?

Image credit: Oli Woodman on Unsplash.com

This question applies to students and employees who are busy most of the time or renters who might have limited room for washing machines and other cleaning equipment.

Ask if your condo has an in-house laundromat, cleaning services, or other essentials like water refilling stations. Having these additional services will provide a lot more convenience.

8. What are the condo’s visitor policies?

Image credit: Christiann Koepke on Unsplash.com

For security reasons, many condominiums require visitors to sign and even leave an ID. This is the basic standard.

Some of them may be on the stricter side and require you to inform them in advance if you have guests who are staying over and using the amenities available to you as a renter.

Others may just require your presence with your guests. In some cases, additional fees need to be paid for your guests.

Final thoughts

So, that’s it - these are some of the questions that you must ask when renting for the first time. Especially if you don’t want to end up negotiating matters when you’re already moving in.

Take the time to get to know your broker or landlord, so that they can also gauge if your needs match the rental space they are offering.

Got any good questions to ask lessors before deciding to rent? Feel free to leave them in the comments down below.

Let’s keep an informative and insightful discussion going in our awesome Rentpad community!

* This blog post was improved by Nina Tambal on December 2024.

Comments 💬

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These are basics and part of the contract / house rules. Every tenant is entitled to know all these so to avoid back and forth questions. This is too to protect one's property (of the landlord), not just for tenant.

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