Today, most people are renting. When it’s time to renew the lease you may or may not stay at your apartment. Why are you moving? Is the complex noisy? Do the maintenance people ignore your “fix it” list? Are the leasing people clueless?
Before you move to a new place, make sure you know what to look for and what questions to ask the leasing manager and assistant manger.
For those who are in the market for a new place, make sure you do research. Visit a property during the day and night. Just because the property is nice and quiet during the day does not mean it will be at night. What types of people live in the complex? Are they young professionals? Are they mostly college students, let’s say from ASU who like to party and blare the radio 7 days a week? Are there young children? If there are children, do the parents discipline them? Do the parents allow their children to “scream” their heads off at 8 am on a Saturday morning?
If you have a pet, make sure the complex will allow your pet. Find out if there is a weight limit and what types and breeds of pets are allowed. Ask if there is a monthly pet fee and deposit.
10 Tips for Renting
- Visit the property during the day and night.
- Ask if the property allows pets, what kind, and if there is a weight limit.
- Is the complex non-smoking?
- Walk around the complex and observe the people.
- Make sure the grounds are well kept.
- Is parking ample? Will your friends and family be able to find a parking space?
- Ensure that the trash is not overflowing from the dumpster.
- Is the property well lit and secure?
- How old is the property? Are appliances and apartments updated?
- Stop residents and ask how long they have been at the complex? Are they renewing their lease year after year? Are the residents mostly transients?
Whether you are moving to your first or third apartment, now you know what to look for and what questions to ask. This will be your home for the next 12 or 14 months. Make sure the complex is the right fit for you. You do not want to be in a situation where you are paying a fee to break your lease. The fee can range from $800 – $1,600 depending on the property. Be prepared before signing your name on the dotted line!
Bonus!
- Ask if there are smoke detectors and a sprinkler system in the apartment.
- Inquire about dead bolt locks!