26 Questions to Ask When Touring an Apartment

When you’re touring a new apartment, it’s easy to forget about those important details, from amenities to security deposits. But knowing the right questions to ask when touring an apartment helps avoid unpleasant surprises and empowers your apartment hunting experience, so you don’t have to rely exclusively on property managers and landlords to do all the talking for you.

Having a list of the right questions in your back pocket makes looking for an apartment less stressful. Before you sign your next lease, here are the 26 things to ask when viewing an apartment. You’ll walk away with everything you need to know to make the right decision for you.

1. How Much Is Rent?

The price of rent should be at the top of your list of questions to ask when renting an apartment because you need to know if your apartment fits your budget. If it doesn’t, perhaps you should team up with a roommate or look for a cheaper place to live. Knowing the cost also makes it easy to compare and contrast all the apartments you’re looking at to find the best value.

2. What Are the Terms of the Lease?

Lease terms dictate everything from how long you can live in the apartment to the security deposit, pet fees, financial penalties, and what colors you can paint your walls. The lease terms should include everything you need to know about the apartment and your obligations as a renter. For example, what happens if you pay rent late or throw a party and face a noise violation? Make sure you understand what to expect.

3. Are Utilities Included?

Questions to ask a potential landlord should include what utilities they cover. For example, landlords typically cover the water, garbage, and extras like sewage services and recycling. Renters usually pay for cooking gas, electricity, and extras like cable and internet. However, you may find you’re responsible for paying all utilities if you’re looking at a single-family rental, making this among the top questions to ask when renting a house.

4. If Not, How Much Are Utilities On Average?

If utilities aren’t included, it’s important to ask how much they usually cost each month. You want to know how much to plan for in your budget. Keep in mind that utility usage typically spikes during the winter and summer months when you need to run your heater or air conditioner more often than in spring and fall.

5. What Are the Move-In Requirements?

Other questions to ask before renting an apartment should include any move-in requirements. You’ll set yourself up for a seamless experience by knowing everything about the security deposit, pet fees, rent deadlines, and what kind of proof of income or references you may need. You can also ask when you are allowed to use the freight elevator. Depending on your city and the size of your building, some buildings only allow move-ins on particular days of the week.

6. What Is the Pet Policy?

If you plan to bring your furry friends to your new apartment, ask the landlord about the pet policy. Some questions to ask when touring an apartment should include info about breed restrictions, weight limits, and additional fees or deposits. It’s also wise to ask about other pets on the property so you know how to plan your dog walks.

7. Is Subletting Allowed?

Whether or not you plan to sublet your apartment, ask about the subletting policy. Down the road, you may decide to move for a job or a significant other, and this way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Some buildings may allow subletting with renters insurance or the payment of an additional fee. Others may ask for pre-approval from the landlord or property manager first. Some apartments prohibit subletting altogether.

8. What Is the Guest Policy?

Ask about the guest policy if you enjoy hosting guests or have a significant other who frequently spends the night. Some apartment buildings restrict how many guests you can have at once, how often they can visit, and how long they can stay. Other communities may ask you to register the guest or use specific parking spaces.

9. Is Renters Insurance Required?

While on your apartment tour, ask about renters insurance, which covers you in case of theft, vandalism, or accidents to yourself or others. Not all apartments require it. However, some areas may require specific types of renters insurance. For example, a building in a flood-prone area may require flood insurance coverage.

Breaking a lease is often costly, and landlords usually charge penalties and fees. You could end up losing your security deposit or being held legally liable for months’ worth of rent. Asking about the policy upfront can save you hassles and help you find alternative solutions to breaking your lease.

11. How Can I Pay Rent?

Landlords expect to be paid on time but may offer a few-day grace period before tacking on late fees. But your questions to ask when apartment hunting should also include how you actually pay the rent. An online portal for tenants? Checks in the mail? In person at the management office? Some buildings may require a certain method and may charge extra for payment by credit card.

12. What Is the Process for Filing Complaints?

Even the best-run apartment buildings will get complaints once in a while. You may want to ask about your fridge that isn’t staying cool, mold in your apartment, or why the community pool is never open. Ask how you should file complaints and who to send them to. There may be a specific email address or online portal where you can note your concerns.

13. How Is Maintenance Covered?

Maintenance is at the top of the list of what to ask when renting an apartment. There’s also a difference between requesting that an aging appliance get fixed and needing an emergency plumber in the middle of the night. Ask about how to handle each type of request, who to take your maintenance issues to, and how long cases usually take to get resolved.

14. Does the Property Come With Security Features?

Your safety is nonnegotiable, and you should feel safe in your own apartment. Your apartment tour checklist should include the building’s safety features, which may include security cameras, automated lights, security alarms, and an overnight door attendant. It’s also important to ask if the locks are changed in between tenants and what you should do if your keys are lost or stolen.

15. How Often Will My Rent Increase?

Even if you score a good deal on rent, increases are common at the start of any lease renewal. Ask how often you should expect rent increases and the percentage by which it can go up. You can also inquire whether a rise in utility costs or property taxes on the unit or building will factor into how much your rent increases. It’s wise to do a little of your own research to see if there are local laws on how much your rent can go up each year so you know your rights.

16. Is There a Pest Control Policy?

No one likes dealing with pests like mice, rats, and bugs, but they can happen anywhere. Dealing with pests is stressful and can be harmful to your health. During the apartment viewing, ask the landlord what they cover. For example, some buildings will spray for pests around the building but not inside apartments. Others might take care of rodents but not bugs.

17. What Is Parking Like?

Depending on where you live, parking for renters can come at a premium. Your apartment questions should include info about the parking situation, if you’ll have a dedicated spot, and where guests can park. Some buildings have open parking but require guests to register their vehicles for overnight stays or risk getting towed.

18. Is Smoking Allowed?

If you're a smoker, ask about the apartment's smoking policy. You should know exactly where you can smoke, including outside the building, in common areas, or on the rooftop terrace. There may also be smoking policies for smoking in restricted areas. If you’re not a smoker, it’s important to know what to expect so you can avoid smoking units where cigarette odors linger.

19. Are There On-Site Amenities?

Ask about amenities during your apartment showing to figure out how much it sweetens your rent and makes the building more desirable. Knowing about the amenities can also alert you to potential issues. For example, you may not want to live by the pool if you’re a light sleeper who wants peace and quiet on the weekends.

20. Do You Have Any Future Renovation Plans?

Apartment buildings frequently undergo renovations and updates. You should know if your use of amenities may be interrupted during a remodeling or if certain units will get a facelift in your building. The answer will either make the building seem even more attractive or help you decide it’s not worth the interruption.

21. Do You Require a Security Deposit?

Most apartments require some kind of security deposit, but it’s still important to ask about all the details. During your apartment tours, ask how much the deposit is, what it covers, and when it will be returned if you move out. Cross-reference the security deposit with your lease to look for stipulations and penalties. For example, you may end up forfeiting part of your security deposit if someone smokes in your apartment or damages a wall while hanging artwork.

22. May I Add a Roommate at a Later Date?

A roommate can help reduce the cost of rent and utilities. Even if you don’t want a roommate right now, take a proactive step and ask if you can add one later. There may be a process involved that includes additional fees, background checks, and lease amendments. Some buildings may also restrict the number of roommates allowed per apartment unit.

23. Can I Test the Water Pressure?

Put water pressure on your list of things to ask when renting an apartment. There’s nothing worse than moving into an apartment and realizing how poor the water pressure is. Ask if you can test it out in advance. Run the shower while flushing the toilet to see how much of a difference it makes in the water pressure.

24. What Are Your Decorating Policies?

Not every apartment building is agreeable to decorations, painting, and hanging artwork. Your questions to ask when looking at apartments should include the modifications you can make to the apartment and the potential penalties involved. Knowing the policies upfront can also help you find alternatives, like using a bookshelf to display artwork or applying peel-and-stick removable wallpaper to dress up your walls without risk of damage.

25. How Is the Neighborhood?

The neighborhood is a vital part of your lifestyle and is something to ask about during your apartment walkthrough. For example, you may prefer a lively street with bars and restaurants that stay open late at night. It’s also good to identify any known safety concerns, such as a particular street to avoid. Ask if there are any planned developments or big changes coming to the neighborhood that could impact your decision to sign a lease.

26. Is There an Application Fee?

It’s common for landlords to charge an application or admin fee for an apartment. Ask about how much it is, when it’s due, and if there are other fees. For example, application fees and background check fees are sometimes separate. You may also find that some buildings waive the application fees to attract more renters, especially during slower rental months.

Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting with Apartment List

Knowing which questions to ask when touring an apartment gives you more insight into and control over the process. You’re also more likely to feel excited about your new place and less likely to experience renter’s remorse.

Ready to find a new apartment with all the amenities you’re looking for? Arm yourself with your new apartment tour questions and sign up for Apartment List to find the perfect place for you. With us, you’ll spend 5 minutes and save 50 hours of searching.