Agreeing to an apartment rental for the first time offers the excitement of independent living and moving forward with your life. However, too many first-time renters make the mistake of signing a lease after viewing the apartment online only or visiting the location without asking enough questions. Ensure that you are satisfied with your new rental by reviewing the following questions to ask a potential landlord.

What Do I Need to Ask Before Getting an Apartment Rental?

1. What’s Included in the Rent?

Learn if the rent includes utilities such as water, electric, and gas. Most apartment rental complexes cover at least one utility, while others include all or none. Compare the landlord’s answers to your monthly budget before making a final decision. Also, learn about any fees attached to the rental, including those for breaking your lease, subletting, and making changes such as painting the walls. Ask about what factors result in lowered security deposit returns, as well.

2. Are Pets Allowed?

Find out if you can bring your pet with you and whether you will have to pay to do so. The apartment rental complex may have breed and weight guidelines, such as prohibiting Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, and other large dogs. Other complexes might forbid exotic pets such as snakes. While most complexes allow cats without a fee, others have strict “no pet” regulations because of waste odors.

3. Is There Parking On-Premise?

Ask whether street parking is a problem if the complex does not offer lot parking. Talk to residents as well as the landlord to learn if finding a parking spot is a problem. If the complex does offer lot parking, ask how much it is per month.

4. What Is the Guest Policy?

Review the guest policy to determine how many friends and family members you can have in your rental at one time, and how long they can stay. Assuming people are not living with you for extended periods, you should not have a problem inviting loved ones over.

5. When Were the Electric & HVAC Systems Checked Last?

Inquire about maintenance and safety, including when the electric, plumbing, and HVAC systems in your potential apartment rental building were last serviced. Look for signs of faulty or ill-maintained utilities, such as charred marks around outlets, leaking pipes, frayed wires, and slow-moving sink and tub drainage. See if maintenance schedules are included in your lease and ask current residents whether their utility issues get resolved quickly. 

Find your perfect apartment rental through MK Enterprises, the general contractor offering low to high-end units for residents throughout Kodiak, AK. Specializing in flexibility with full service, you’ll enjoy customized solutions from a dedicated team of experts. Call (907) 486-5537 today to schedule an apartment rental tour or visit the company online for more about what they do.