When looking at apartments for rent, you can only learn so much by half-heartedly walking around, opening a few doors, and peeking in a few closets. If all you do is glance around and leave, there’s a good chance you won’t get all the answers you need to make an informed decision.
After all, if you don’t ask the right questions, or any questions at all, you might miss crucial details that could affect your living experience, for better or for worse. To prevent this from happening, this article will provide you with a list of insightful questions you can ask a potential landlord before renting an apartment, along with a few you should avoid.
Questions to ask when renting an apartment
Before signing a lease, you want to have a good sense of what you’re getting yourself into. While it’s not always possible to anticipate every issue, asking the right questions can definitely help. In fact, here are some of the best questions to ask a landlord when renting an apartment.
Questions for landlords about the property and neighbourhood
Unless you’re looking at a rental unit in an area you’re familiar with, you’re going to want to know more about the surrounding environment. During your viewing, ask your landlord questions about the property and the neighbourhood to get a better idea of what your living experience will be like.
- Does the unit come with a designated parking spot? Does it cost extra?
- Is there guest parking available?
- How old is the building? Have you done any major renovations or updates in the past few years?
- Do you have any major repairs or renovations scheduled in the near future?
- Do you know of any upcoming construction projects nearby that could be a disruption?
- What is the general noise level like in the neighbourhood, especially at night?
Questions for landlords about renters insurance
Although renters insurance is not legally required in Canada, many landlords and property management companies require it in their standard lease agreements. Ask questions about their requirements upfront so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs or coverage obligations.
Also, once you know the requirements, you can get a quote for renters insurance for that specific unit. While renters insurance isn’t necessarily expensive – starting at just $12 a month at YouSet – it’s good to know the overall cost of the apartment, including rent and insurance, before signing a lease.
- What is your policy on renters insurance?
- What does your landlord insurance cover, and are there any exclusions I should be aware of?
- Do you require renters insurance to cover specific types of damage (ex. Overland or above-ground water coverage), or is a standard policy sufficient?
- Do you prefer your tenants to have a liability coverage limit of $1 or $2 million?
Questions for landlords about their responsibilities
Across Canada, strict rules and regulations are in place to protect tenants and ensure rental units are safe and well-maintained. However, the exact responsibilities of landlords can vary depending on provincial or municipal laws. Now’s a good time to ask questions like the following to help avoid misunderstandings down the road.
- How do you typically handle emergency situations, such as plumbing leaks or heating failures?
- How are utility bills typically managed? Do you handle them directly, or would I need to set up my own accounts?
- Are there any shared spaces or amenities that you maintain, like laundry rooms or outdoor areas?
- What’s the best way for me to report maintenance issues to you?
- How do you communicate upcoming maintenance or property improvements that might require access to my unit?
Questions for landlords about your responsibilities
At the bare minimum, your responsibilities as a tenant are to keep your place clean, fix damages caused by you or any guests, pay your rent on time, obey the law, and overall, respect the terms of your rental contract. There may be additional responsibilities expected of you, though, and it’s important to ask about them early so you can factor them into your decision-making.
- What is the process for disposing of garbage and recycling? Are there any specific rules or schedules I would need to follow?
- Are there specific rules about noise levels or quiet hours that I should be aware of?
- Are there any regular maintenance tasks, like changing HVAC filters, that I’d be expected to handle?
- Who is responsible for maintaining outdoor areas, such as shovelling snow, raking leaves, or mowing the lawn?
- Are there any guidelines for package deliveries, mail, or use of shared storage areas?
Questions for landlords about personalizing the space
When you rent an apartment, it’s normal to want to make it feel like home. After all, creating a comfortable, personalized living space is an important part of settling in. However, what one person considers a simple improvement might be seen as excessive by someone else, which can sometimes lead to major conflicts. To avoid any surprises down the line, it’s wise to ask the following types of questions:
- What is your policy on making aesthetic changes to the apartment, like painting walls or hanging shelves?
- Are there any restrictions on using smart home devices (ex. Smart doorbells, security systems, etc.)?
- Are there specific types of hooks or nails you’d prefer I use to avoid damaging the walls?
- What is your policy on decorating the exterior of the apartment, such as placing items on the balcony or patio?
Questions to avoid asking and why
The best questions to ask a potential landlord are thoughtful, respectful, and show that you’re serious about being a responsible tenant. They not only help you gather important information but also leave a good impression, signalling that you’re committed to maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
On the other hand, some questions can unintentionally raise concerns or make you seem less reliable. They may give the impression that you’re unsure about meeting rental obligations, unwilling to follow rules, or already planning to bend them. These are the types of questions you want to avoid asking, as they can create doubt in the landlord’s mind about renting to you.
With that in mind, here are some examples of questions that are generally best to steer clear of:
- Can I pay rent late if I need to?
- Do I really need renters insurance?
- Can I remove the carpet and install hardwood?
- Can I pay in cash?
- How easy would it be for you to find someone to take over my lease?
- How strict are you about having guests over past midnight?
- Is the rent negotiable?