Renting a new place is an exciting and busy time, and with all of the work involved in moving, it’s easy to lose track of the important questions to ask potential landlords when you’re looking at rentals. To help remember key questions and collect important data that will make it easier to choose the best rental for your needs, it’s a good idea to have a checklist on hand when talking with the landlord. The following checklist will help you understand the terms of the lease better and will also help you decide if additional costs make the rental too costly for your budget.

 

1. How much is the monthly rent?
Be sure to learn about any additional monthly fees that may be required, like parking fees. Also learn what penalties there are for late payment and when late payment fees kick in. Some landlords offer incentives for on-time payment, so be sure to ask about those, as well.

 

2. How much is the damage deposit and is it refundable?
Damage deposits typically cover major damage beyond what’s considered “normal wear and tear.” In addition to finding out how much the deposit will be, also ask about the refund policy, including how the amount of the refund is determined, what types of damage are considered deductible from the deposit and how long it takes to receive the remainder of the deposit once you move out.

 

3. Are utilities included in the rent or are they an additional fee?
Be sure to note any utilities that are included; don’t forget electric, water, sewer, phone, internet, heating and garbage pickup. Ask about any other utilities. If any utilities are not included, ask the landlord for his or her “best guess” of how much those items will cost per month. Also ask about how often each utility is billed, whether all utilities will be in your name, and if any deposits are required for the utilities.

 

4. What are the terms of the lease?
Does the lease have a month-to-month or annual term, or other? Also be sure to ask what types of insurance are included on the lease, if any. This can be particularly important in determining the loss of your personal items in the case of a fire or flood.

 

5. Does the apartment allow pets?
Be sure to ask about the landlord’s pet policy, including any additional fees associated with pets, limits on the numbers and types of pets, and any other restrictions. Some landlords, for instance, will not allow specific breeds of dogs, or may have weight limits that apply to pets.

 

6. Is the building smoking or non smoking?
This has become increasingly important in recent years as more and more buildings have banned smoking on building premises. If smoking is not allowed in the building, be sure to ask if there areas around the building where it is allowed.

 

7. Who is responsible for building maintenance?
Some landlords will do small jobs like replace hallway area bulbs, sweep entryways and keep grassy areas clipped and free of debris, while others might specify in the lease that the tenant is responsible for these items.

 

8. What type of fixtures and appliances are included in the rental?
If the unit does not have a washer and dryer, are there spaces allotted for them or will you need to use a laundry? If you need to use a laundry, be sure to ask if there are laundry facilities on site, and be sure to add in the cost of laundry when figuring out the overall costs of the rental. In some cases, you may need to supply a refrigerator or even a stove, costs which need to be added in to the overall cost of renting the unit.

 

9. Does the building include facilities (pool, workout area, lounge)?
Ask about any rules or fees pertaining to those areas, as well as hours. Having a pool or exercise area on site can eliminate any gym fees you might otherwise have.

 

10. What are the building security features?
Ask about exterior lighting, alarm systems, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, locks on unit entries as well as common entries and who has copies of the keys besides the landlord.

Keeping track of all the incidental items involved in renting a new place can be confusing, and neglecting to ask questions at the initial meeting with the landlord can make it difficult to make an informed decision, especially when the rental market is tight and you need to make a decision quickly. Using a checklist will help ensure you get the information you need to make sure your next rental is the right one for you.

 

About the Author

Kyle Woods is the marketing manager for Vista Group Inc. a Calgary apartments rental company from Calgary AB, Canada.

When a move to a new apartment is on the horizon, indulge yourself in imagining all the things you would like it to be: close to the downtown but with beautiful scenery? A quiet suite in a vibrant neighbourhood? Being able to walk or cycle to work but also quickly access main routes to the ferries or airport? Exceptional design features and a reasonable price? Now, keep that picture in mind but allow yourself to be open to new possibilities that you haven’t even considered. Stay positive – that perfect apartment is out there waiting for you!

Obviously, location is a prime consideration when looking for new rental accommodation in Victoria. You may know you want to be as close to downtown as possible but have an impression that costs may be too high. A consultation with a property management company that specializes in downtown or nearby locations may open up new areas to consider. If you think that the cost of being in a prime location may be too great, look at it another way: what savings might this location provide for you? Perhaps your gas and vehicle maintenance will be much lower because you are not involved in a daily commute. Perhaps you don’t need a second vehicle or a vehicle at all. Time is valuable, and if two hours of your day is spent in traffic just getting to and from work, there is a cost associated with that.

For many people looking to rent an apartment in Victoria, a building’s pet policy may be a deal-breaker. If your pet is part of your family, make sure that the building you are looking at has a pet-friendly policy. Don’t even think of trying to overlook this aspect of your new home. Your ‘purse-puppy’ can’t stay in your purse forever, and it is just a matter of time before your un-pet-friendly neighbours notice.  Some buildings specify you may have one dog or cat – this does not mean one boa constrictor or one Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.

When it comes to actually choosing a suite, have a list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘preferences’. For example, a good security system may be a must-have, but a south-facing unit may be a preference. In-suite laundry may be a must-have, but a dishwasher may be a preference. Does your existing furniture have to come with you, or are you open to purchasing pieces that are a better fit for an appealing suite?

The buildings property manager can be a goldmine of information on a particular suite. They also have an interest in having satisfied occupants, and should be able to answer your questions. Does the apartment have adequate sound insulation to ensure it really is a quiet building? Are the appliances reasonably new? How accessible is the property management team in case of emergency or to fix a leaky faucet that is driving you crazy? Is there an inspection schedule for smoke detectors and fire alarms?

Once you’ve determined that your basics are covered, you can enjoy touring a suite to see what it has to offer. Perhaps the kitchen has just been updated or the floors replaced. Maybe the colour scheme isn’t one you’ve considered before, but you find it very appealing. Take time to walk through the suite. Check out the sight lines from the windows. If there is a balcony, spend a couple of minutes out there to get a sense of the neighbourhood sights and sounds.

After you’ve covered off all the ‘nuts and bolts’ of what the suite has to offer, you probably will have a gut feeling of whether or not it is right for you. Can you see yourself being comfortable in this new apartment? Will it contribute to the lifestyle you are seeking? Does it seem like the correct ‘next step’ along the way? If ‘yes’ is the answer to these questions, then congratulations! You’ve found your new home!