Whether your city is bursting with options or your apartment hunting process has brought up more dead ends than leads, finding the right place to call home isn’t easy. Signing a lease is a commitment, and you want to be sure you’re making a decision you’ll be happy long-term. In addition to inquiring about the rent and square footage, there’s more information you need to know before you choose your new residence.

4 Must-Ask Questions for Successful Apartment Hunting

1. Is Renter’s Insurance Required?

With renter’s insurance, all your belongings are covered in the event of uncontrollable emergencies like fire, flood, and theft. It’s always a good investment, but some apartments make it a requirement. Know the rules to avoid any awkward situations.

2. What’s Included in the Rent?

If you’re lucky, your apartment hunting could turn up a space with utilities included. Monthly bills like water, gas, sewer, and trash pickup are sometimes rolled into the total rent price. Even if they aren’t, you need to know what bills you’ll be responsible for to plan your budget accordingly.

3. How Are Emergency Repairs Handled?

When a pipe bursts and starts flooding the bathroom or the AC goes out on the hottest day of the year, you need to know how to handle the situation. Ask the landlord about the maintenance policy and how quickly repairs usually happen. Are they available 24/7 for emergencies, or do tenants need to handle problems on their own and wait to be reimbursed?

4. What Is Parking Like?

Many complexes have their own parking garages, but that isn’t always the case. If you live in the city where street parking is hard to find, space should be a priority when looking for apartments for rent. Before you sign the lease, ask whether it comes with parking, if it costs extra, or if you’ll have to find your own spot.

If you’re looking for a place in Vernon, CT, A1 Properties has a number of apartment rentals throughout the city with varying amenities. With their expert ground crews and maintenance team, they offer a beautiful and functional community for both families and individuals. Give them a call at (860) 490-5205, or visit their website to start apartment hunting.