Renting questions to ask landlords and red flags to avoid

All your prep work and research has led you to this: the journey into the world of rentals. You’re armed with your references and credit score, you’ve battened down your budget, and you’ve mapped out where to look. You’re as prepared as any renter could be, so let the search begin!

As you set out on your path to a new rental home, you’ll encounter some obstacles and face a few back yards in need of repair, but that’s okay! The right place is out there, ready for you to discover. To make sure you’re fully equipped for the quest that lies ahead, let’s review some things to look for and questions you’ll want to ask.

Take a variety of photos of each rental you tour and make sure you label the photos with the street address and the subject matter. For example, “321 New Home Drive, Kitchen.” You’ll probably look at several rentals before choosing one, and the photos will help you recall specific property features. You may think you’ll remember, but after a few home tours all the spaces will become a blur and you won’t remember which house had the covered porch. Besides, you can get input from friends and family if you have photos to share. As you’re snapping pictures, watch out for the following:

• Odors: As you walk through the rental home, take a few good sniffs. Do you smell mold, cigarette smoke, sewage, or pet odor? Odd smells could indicate a larger issue.
• Signs of pests: Look under sinks, in closets, and in the corners. Check for evidence of pests, like traps or strips, or any mouse or rat droppings.
• Appliances: In the kitchen, open the refrigerator and look for signs of disrepair or odor. Open the oven door and peek inside to make sure it’s clean.
• Functional spaces: When you open the oven or refrigerator, does the door block the walkway, or can you still move around in the kitchen? Look for odd layouts, cramped rooms, or awkward flows throughout the home.
• Water: Turn on the faucet and make sure the water comes out clear. In the bathroom, check the water pressure in the shower.
• Safety features: Your rental should have fully functional smoke detectors and possibly carbon monoxide detectors. A fire extinguisher should be located somewhere in the rental as well. Look at the doors and windows to make sure they all lock properly.

As you tour rentals, ask a lot of questions. This will help you rule out properties and ensure there are no surprises with the one you end up renting. Many of the questions below will give you some insight into what the lease agreement might look like. It will also give you a glimpse of the landlord’s business practices. If any of the answers sound odd, it might be best to keep looking.

• How do I pay rent? If you’re renting an apartment, there will likely be an online payment portal or an office where you can hand-deliver your rent payments. If you’re renting from a private landlord, however, they could collect rent in person, ask that you mail a check, or they might use an online payment system. In any case, ask now to make sure their method works for you. While you’re at it, ask how much late payment fees are and when those might be assessed.
• What’s included in the rent? Some landlords include things like garbage or certain utilities in the monthly rent payment. If there’s an HOA, ask if those fees are included. If it’s an apartment or condo, ask which amenities cost extra (for example, you may pay extra for a storage unit or garage, or you may be charged a fee to use the clubhouse).
• How much will it cost to move in? You may need a security deposit, first and last months’ rent, an application fee, or even a cleaning deposit. Find out how much money you’ll need when you sign the lease.
• Do you have a guest policy? Some landlords limit the time guests can stay in your rental. For example, they may limit guests to two weeks.
• What’s the parking situation? If you’re renting a single-family home, the answer to this question might be obvious (especially if there’s a garage). But if you’re renting a townhouse, a condo, or an apartment, you’ll want to know if there’s assigned parking, parking for guests, or shared parking.
• How much notice do you need before I move out? Most landlords will require 30-60 days’ notice, but it could be as much as 90 days. Make sure you’re comfortable with the landlord’s requirements.
• Can I sublet a room or get a roommate? If you are allowed to get a roommate, ask if the rent will increase or if the roommate will be required to be on the lease. Many landlords forbid subletting, so ask about this now if it’s something you might want to do.
• How are repairs handled? If it’s an apartment community, there should be a procedure for maintenance and repairs. Private landlords may handle repairs themselves or hire someone to do the repairs. If you think you can handle minor repairs, ask the landlord if this would be permissible.
• How do I get my security deposit back? Landlords should return your security deposit if you leave the apartment in the same condition as you moved in, minus normal wear and tear.
• What’s your pet policy? If you have a pet or plan on getting a pet, this is an important question. The landlord could have a “no pets” policy or strict guidelines you’ll have to follow. Be sure to follow up on this question by asking about pet deposits, fees, and pet rent.
• Can I decorate or paint? The landlord may allow you to decorate or paint if you return the rental to its original state before you move out. If you’re renting a house or townhouse, ask about planting flowers or a garden as well.
• Who maintains the yard? If it’s a single-family home, ask if you are responsible for doing the yard work, such as mowing, weeding, raking, mulching, and in the winter, shoveling the snow.
• Are you planning to sell or move into the property in the future? A private landlord may be considering selling the property or even moving in themselves at some point in the future. This is something you want to know before renting, especially if you plan to live there long-term.

Once you’ve found a place to rent, check the landlord’s reviews and reputation before signing anything. Your landlord is checking up on you by running a credit or background check, so you check them out, as well. If the rental is managed by a property management company, check their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and read their online reviews. If you’re renting from a private individual, run a background check, talk to other tenants, and make sure the property isn’t due for foreclosure.
Hopefully, you’ll find the right rental, the landlord will be great, and you’ll be ready to start moving in no time. Some situations may require a little extra effort, however, such as when you’re renting with a pet (or three). If you have a large pet or multiple pets, finding a rental may be more difficult. Let’s review how to find a rental as a pet owner in step six.