Finding the right house to rent is a big decision. The place you choose needs to fit your lifestyle, budget, and expectations. But how can you be sure you're making the best choice? Asking the right questions can mean the difference between a dream rental and a regrettable ordeal. Here are 20 important questions every renter should ask—with explanations to help you understand why each matters.
Details and Condition
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What is the lease term?
Does the landlord require a year-long commitment, or are shorter terms available? Flexibility in lease terms can be a deciding factor if you’re unsure how long you’ll stay.
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What does the monthly rent include?
It is important to know, for example, whether parking fees are rolled into the price, or whether you’ll need to budget for additional monthly costs. Knowing the full cost up front helps to prevent misunderstandings. Some rentals include water, trash, or electricity—others do not.
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What appliances are included?
Don’t assume the home will be fully equipped. If you’re expecting an icemaker, make sure the refrigerator has one. If you do a lot of laundry, make sure that the washer and dryer have the correct capacity size. Ask specifically what appliances will be furnished so you can plan accordingly and avoid disappointment.
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How old is the home, and what is the length of ownership?
Knowing the age of the home will help you anticipate potential issues, such as wall cracks or creaky floors. Additionally, the longer a landlord has owned the property, the more insight they’ll have about the home and the community.
Policies and Restrictions
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Is renters insurance required?
Some landlords mandate renters insurance, which is usually inexpensive but crucial for protecting your belongings. Knowing this requirement in advance will help you to obtain the coverage you need without a last-minute rush.
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Are pets allowed?
Don’t assume because you see pets in the community, the house you want to rent will also accept them. The pet policy is entirely up to the landlord.
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Is there a pet deposit and/or rent?
If pets are accepted, some landlords require a pet deposit, which can be refundable or non-refundable. There may also be a monthly pet rent that will be due at the same time as your regular rent.
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Are changes to the house permitted?
Want to paint to walls, hang a ceiling fan, or mount a TV? Some landlords allow minor changes, while others are strict. Knowing the rules ensures you don’t accidentally violate your lease.
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Are roommates allowed?
Never move anyone into a rental without pre-approval from the landlord—even for a short period. Finding out in advance whether or not your niece can stay with you for the summer will help you to decide if the home is the right fit.
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What is the policy on late rent payments?
Emergencies happen, and you’ll want to know the penalties or options if you’re ever late with rent. Some landlords offer grace periods, while others enforce late fees immediately.
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If I do not renew the lease, how much notice is required?
Failure to meet the required amount of notice may result in penalty fees, which could include losing part of your security deposit or being charged additional rent.
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Can I sublet?
Most landlords conduct background and credit checks on renters before offering a lease. If you move out in the middle of your lease and have someone else move in without authorization, it could create legal issues. If there’s a chance that you won’t occupy the residence for the full term of your lease, ask if subletting is allowed.
Maintenance and Management
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How are maintenance requests handled?
If a pipe suddenly bursts or the refrigerator stops working, you’ll want to know the procedures for having emergency issues addressed. Ask about response times and whether there’s an after-hours contact person.
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Is the property professionally managed?
Will you be communicating directly with the landlord or a 3rd party during your tenancy? Some landlords contract with property management companies to handle rent payments, maintenance, and inspections.
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Are there any renovations planned during my tenancy?
A landlord could forget to mention that a water heater replacement is scheduled in a couple of months. It’s better to know about potential inconveniences before signing the lease.
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Will there be routine inspections of the home?
Periodic inspections allow landlords to check on the condition of their property, but they can also impact your privacy. Ask if, how often, and under what circumstances these inspections will occur so you can be prepared.
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Is regular pest control service or lawn maintenance provided?
Regular visits by professionals help to maintain the property’s condition. Find out in advance if you will be responsible for arranging and paying for these services yourself, or if the landlord will provide them at no additional cost.
Location and Neighborhood
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What is the parking situation?
The neighborhood may have a no-street-parking policy, or the home could have a shared driveway, an easement, or a neighbor who has parked an old car directly in front of the rental house for years. Find out what the parking rules and arrangements are to avoid surprises.
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How is the neighborhood?
A house might check all of your boxes, but the surrounding area is just as important. If there’s a garage band that rehearses across the street every night, you’ll want to know. If there’s a pickleball court in the community, will you be able to hear gameplay? Try visiting the home during different times of the day to get a sense of the area’s vibe.
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Is there a homeowner association (HOA)?
A homeowner association can have specific rules, such as how long garbage cans can sit on the curb or what types of outdoor decorations are allowed. Ask the landlord for a copy of the rules and regulations. If there is a community pool or tennis court, find out if you will have access. Additionally, there may be monthly HOA dues, which the landlord could require you to pay.
Renting a house is a significant decision, and asking the right questions can make all the difference. While some of the answers may be found within the lease document, each of these questions addresses a key aspect of your rental experience, equipping you with vital information to make an informed choice. It’s all about understanding your needs, communicating clearly, and ensuring the house meets your expectations.
Ready to find your next home? Apartments.com has everything you need to help you discover your dream rental. Happy house hunting!
