When looking at a prospective rental, ask the following questions:
Are utilities included? If not, what types are used (e.g. natural gas,
oil, or electric heating) or permitted? What are the average monthly costs? If
you are sharing the utilities with another party, what are your
responsibilities? Is cable television service included or available for an
additional cost?
What type of lease is required? What are the main conditions of the
lease? Carefully examine the terms, conditions and duration of the lease before
signing anything. Some leases may contain unexpected requirements. You may wish
to consult a lawyer before signing, especially if you do not understand
everything in the lease.
Can you make changes to the premises? Can you paint or make other
decorative changes? What restrictions are in the lease?
Why are the current tenant(s) leaving? It helps to ask neighbouring
tenants this question as well.
If relevant, are pets or smoking allowed? If you have pets, find out
if any restrictions prohibit certain types of pets. If you've had pets, are you
required to have the rental professionally cleaned at the end of the lease?
What is the neighborhood like? If applicable, what are the other
tenants like?
What makes your property unique? Are any special features available in
the rental?
Who maintains the property? Lawn and garden maintenance may be the
responsibility of the landlord or tenant, or both. How are minor and major
repairs to the rental handled?
Where can you park? Is parking an additional cost? How about
additional vehicles? Is adequate space provided for guest parking?
What about additional storage? Are there storage lockers included in
the rent? How secure are they? Is there separate bicycle storage?
What security systems are in place? What kinds of locks are used, and
have they been changed recently? If renting a high-rise apartment, what areas of
the building require keys to access?
Other questions. This list offers a beginning. Consider what you need
from a rental and add questions that pertain to your specific situation. Other
points to consider may include:
- Policies on overnight guests or long-term visitors.
- Vehicle maintenance and repairs on rental property, if applicable.
- Installation of additional utility cabling, telephone and television jacks,
or compact satellite dishes.
- The availability of broadband or high-speed Internet services in the area or
building.
You will want to take detailed notes when visiting properties and
interviewing prospective landlords. Note information about costs and conditions,
advantages and disadvantages of a prospective rental and its neighborhood.
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