After making a list of rental homes that match your criteria, comes the part when you need to think about viewings. Because there is only so much you can tell from online images and property description. With that in mind, it’s for the best to arrange at least one viewing before choosing a place.
Remember, even though you are just looking to rent a place, you might end up living there for much longer than anticipated. You want to be in a home that is comfortable, affordable, at a good location.
Please see below for a list of questions you should ask your potential landlord.
Who pays the Bills?
The landlord needs to be as transparent as possible on this matter. If you need to take care of them than you may end up paying way more than you originally anticipated. In most cases, you will be asked to split the bill with the other tenants, ask about the criteria used to split the bill and how that is handled.
The size of the deposit and the holding deposit
Some landlords may ask for a holding deposit. That’s a sum of money that proves you are a trustworthy and serious tenant. Then there is the damage deposit that can be around one month to one and a half months of rent. Typically it’s paid before moving into the building or the house.
How soon can you move in?
Make sure that you don’t wait for the previous tenant to move out or a dispute between the landlord and the previous tenant to get solved. In any case, the landlord needs to be straight with you. Usually, new tenants are allowed to move in from the date on their contract.
What’s their policy on early termination and are there any related fees?
You never know where life will take you. As a result, you might ask for early termination of your lease. If the landlord says he can’t break the contract for any reason, walk away if possible. Sometimes the fee can be a few months of rent, but often until the landlord finds a new tenant.
What is their pet policy?
Some landlords have a strict “no pets allowed” policy while others allow pets. If you have a pet make sure that you cover this issue and both you and the landlord are on the same page. Otherwise, there is at least an exception for specific breeds. It is worth remembering that if you have an animal at the rental property and they do damage to the furnishings or doors etc. and then you will be held accountable to get the damage repaired by the landlord.
What’s their renewal policy?
Sometimes landlords plan to sell the property after your lease is finished or to move into the property themselves. They might want to do some renovation, and the place is unliveable for some time. Whatever the case, ask the landlord to be as transparent as possible.
