signing lease on new apartment today.. what are things i should check/ask?

[Chau]

signing a lease on a new apartment today.. what are some things i should check in the apartment and questions i shoudl ask about the lease before i sign it?

 

[ViviTheMage]

umm, alot...hopefuly you've seen the place -_-

 

[txrandom]

You will get screwed on it in some way no matter what questions you ask.

 

[Jumpem]

What happens if you want to leave early? Can you rent month-by-month after the first year?

 

[JackBurton]

Who is their broadband and cable provider? Pretty damn important to me. I can't get HD content because this little company called AT&T (DirectTV) doesn't offer it in apartment complexes yet. And no I can't set up my own dish because I'm facing the wrong direction. :|

 

[mattocs]

Originally posted by: txrandom
You will get screwed on it in some way no matter what questions you ask.

Yeah...I hate to say it, but it seems like 75% of landlords are bad people. I have had a great one. He was friendly, flexible, etc. But, I have had some terrible ones. And I have never heard of anyone having a decent one, unless it was the same good one I had.

Check everything. Demand anything out of order get fixed ASAP. Take pictures of everything.

 

[shopbruin]

1. who do i call for repairs?
2. how long does it take for repairs to be done?
3. is there a manager on site for complaints?
4. how do we send the rent to you?
5. do i go to month to month after the lease expires?
6. do you require 30 day notice even if the lease is expiring when we want to leave?
7. how many parking spaces are assigned? what is the guest parking policy if any?
8. what utilities are included with the rent?


take pictures of the condition of the apartment if you can in case they try to screw you out of your security deposit later on.

 

[SKORPI0]

Questions to Ask a Landlord

Business Matters

When is rent due? Is there a grace period? What are the late fees? When do they take effect? How should I pay rent? Can I pay with cash? With a credit card? Is rent collected at the office? Are any utilities included in the rent? Do I need to set up my own electrical or other services? Are utilities charged to individual apartments or averaged between residents? How long have you been in business? Do you manage other properties? Where can I submit a complaint about management or maintenance, if I have one? Are there any move-in specials on rent? Any special gifts for new tenants? Do I get reduced rent if I refer a friend?

Maintenance Issues

How large is the maintenance staff? How do I file a request for maintenance services? How long does it usually take for services to be completed? How does management staff handle complaints about maintenance? What are your most common maintenance requests? When is the last time the unit I?m looking at was updated or remodeled? What modifications do you make to units between tenants? How do you handle pest control? What are your most common pests? Does maintenance ever enter apartments without giving notice?

Community Affairs

What types of people live in the complex? Does management organize any community events? What types? What facilities are offered (pool, gym, business center)? What are the hours? Do I need passes to use these facilities? Can my guests use these facilities? How often do you update your facilities? How often is the pool cleaned? How can I submit a request to have the facilities cleaned or updated? Is there a community bulletin board or other way for residents to communicate? How can I report problems with another resident? How do you handle such issues? What is the most common complaint by residents about other residents? Are there many children in the complex? Are they well-attended? Are there community baby-sitting services?

Parking Problems

How is the parking situation? Do residents have assigned spots? Do I need a parking pass? Can I get covered parking? A garage? Are car break-ins a problem?

Safety Issues

How safe is the apartment? Is the community gated? Does the gate open with a code, a card, or another method? Have you had any break-ins in the past year? How did you address them? What is the most common safety complaint of residents? Do the windows lock? Can I have my windows barred? Does the door have a deadbolt? Can I have one installed? How can I verify that you?ve changed the locks between residents?

 

[Chau]

about the repairs.. if i ask how long does it take repairs to be addressed, and they say usually a few days, can i ask them if it does take more than a few days do i get a discount on rent or something like that?

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: Chau
about the repairs.. if i ask how long does it take repairs to be addressed, and they say usually a few days, can i ask them if it does take more than a few days do i get a discount on rent or something like that?

that would be a good idea.

certainly something I wish I had asked before I moved into my current apartment.

/hasn't had hot water since wednesday